Fuel Caps & Inop Placards

Category - Airframe
Effective Date - 03/10/1997
Recurring - No
Supersedes - N/A
 Superseded by - N/A
Amendment 39-9910.
Docket 95-NM-106-AD.

Applicability: Model 727 and 737 airplanes; as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-28A0062, Revision 5, dated May 4, 1995 (for Model 727 series airplanes) and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-28A1032, Revision 2, dated May 4, 1995 (for Model 737 series airplanes); equipped with forward and/or aft Boeing-designed auxiliary fuel tanks that have been deactivated; certificated in any category.

Note 1: If the forward and/or aft Boeing-designed auxiliary fuel tank(s) on any of the airplanes specified in the applicability provision is currently activated, the requirements of this AD become applicable whenever that auxiliary fuel tank is deactivated.

Note 2: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise 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 request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent the nut of the fuel cap assembly from backing off and the cap from loosening, and subsequently, unwanted fuel transferring to the auxiliary fuel tanks, accomplish the following:

(a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, accomplish paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD, in accordance with Part IV of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-28A0062, Revision 5, dated May 4, 1995 (for Model 727 series airplanes); or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-28A1032, Revision 2, dated May 4, 1995 (for Model 737 series airplanes); as applicable.

(1) Replace the fuel cap assembly having part number (P/N) AN929A24 with a new fuel cap assembly having P/N AN929L24 on the inlet fitting at the inside top of the auxiliary fuel tank, in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. And

(2) Replace the INOP placards with new placards, in accordance with the applicable service bulletin.

(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 3: 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 actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-28A0062, Revision 5, dated May 4, 1995 (for Model 727 series airplanes); or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-28A1032, Revision 2, dated May 4, 1995 (for Model 737 series airplanes); as applicable. 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 March 10, 1997.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Sulmo Mariano, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; telephone (206) 227-2686; fax (206) 227-1181.