Fuel Valve Actuator

Category - Airframe
Effective Date - 10/21/1998
Recurring - No
Supersedes - N/A
Superseded by - N/A
Amendment 39-10736.
Docket 96-NM-31-AD.

Applicability: Model 727 and Model 737 series airplanes, equipped with J.C. Carter Company fuel valve actuators having part number (P/N) 40574-2 (Kearfott Models 3715-7 and -8) or 40574-5 (Kearfott Model 3715-9); 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 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 improper functioning of a certain actuator, 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 any actuator having P/N 40574-2 (Kearfott Models 3715-7 and -8) or P/N 40574-5 (Kearfott Model 3715-9) on the fuel system crossfeed valve and the engine shutoff valves with either a new actuator having P/N 40574-1 (General Design Model 3715-6) or P/N 40574-4, or an actuator having P/N 40574-2 with a nameplate identified in paragraph III, Material, of either J.C. Carter Company Service Bulletin 61163-28-09, dated September 28, 1995, or J.C. Carter Company Service Bulletin, 61163-28-09, dated May 1, 1996, that is not affected by a manufacturer's recall (reference Figure 1.0 of the service bulletin). The replacement shall be done in accordance with either J.C. Carter Company Service Bulletin 61163-28-09, dated September 28, 1995, or J.C. Carter Company Service Bulletin 61163-28-09, dated May 1, 1996.

(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 Secs. 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 either J.C. Carter Company Service Bulletin 61163-28-09, dated September 28, 1995, or J.C. Carter Company Service Bulletin 61163-28-09, dated May 1, 1996.

 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 J.C. Carter Company Inc., Aerospace Components and Repair Service, 673 W. 17th Street, Costa Mesa, California 92627-3605. 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 October 21, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Sulmo Mariano, Aerospace Engineer; Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2175; fax (425) 227-1181.