Fuel Valve Actuators

Category - Airframe
Effective Date - 08/23/1995
Recurring - No
Supersedes - N/A Superseded by - N/A
Amendment 39-9309.
Docket 94-NM-177-AD.

Applicability: Model 727 and Model 737 series airplanes; equipped with J.C. Carter Company fuel valve actuators, as listed in J.C. Carter Company Service Bulletin 61163-28-08, dated December 2, 1994, certificated in any category.

NOTE 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must use the authority provided in paragraph (b) of this AD to request approval from the FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current configuration eliminates the unsafe condition; or different actions necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair remove any airplane from the applicability of this AD.

Compliance. Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent improper functioning of certain actuators, which could result in a fuel imbalance due to the inability of the flightcrew to crossfeed fuel, or which could prevent the pilot from shutting off the fuel to the engine following an engine failure and/ or fire, accomplish the following:

(a) Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the actuator having part number (P/N) 40574-2 (Model EM487-2, serial numbers 0001 through 1443 inclusive; and Model EM487-3, serial number 0001 through 2711 inclusive), on the fuel system crossfeed valve and the engine shutoff valves with a new actuator having P/N 40574-4, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of J.C. Carter Company Service Bulletin 61163-28-08, dated December 2, 1994.

(b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Seattle ACO.

NOTE 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Seattle ACO.

(c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(d) The replacement shall be done in accordance with J.C. Carter Company Service Bulletin 61163-28-08, dated December 2, 1994. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

(e) This amendment becomes effective on August 23, 1995.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Stephen Bray, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206) 227-2681; fax (206) 227-1181.