AD 87-05-51

87-05-51 BOEING, MCDONNELL DOUGLAS, LOCKHEED, DEHAVILLAND, FAIRCHILD, NIHON, AND GRUMMAN: Amendment 39-5617. Applies to the models and series airplanes listed below, certificated in any category, equipped with floor proximity emergency escape path marking systems manufactured by Plumly Airborne Products. Most of these systems were installed in accordance with Supplemental Type Certificates (STC) issued to either Plumly Airborne Products or International Aircraft Certification Service, including the following:

STC NO. AIRPLANE SA3500SW Boeing 707-323C SA3500SW (Rev) Boeing 707 Series SA3626SW Boeing 727-100 SA3636SW Boeing 727-100 SA3688SW Boeing 727-100 SA3689SW DC-9-15 SA3691SW Boeing 727-200 SA3694SW Nihon YS-11A SA3695SW Lockheed L-1011 SA3696SW DC-8-62, -63 SA3697SW Dehavilland DHC-7 SA3698SW DC-9-15, -50, -80 SA3699SW DC-10 SA3700SW Lockheed L-1011 SA3701SW Nihon YS-11A SA3706SW Fairchild F-27 SA495NE Grumman G-1 Compliance is required as indicated, unless previously accomplished.

To eliminate the potential for fire due to electrical short circuits in the floor proximity lighting system, accomplish the following:

A. Within the next 48 hours after the effective date of this AD, deactivate the Plumly Airborne Products floor proximity lighting system as follows:

1. Disconnect the control unit(s), Plumly Part Numbers PA-200, or PA-200- XX, and remove from the airplane.

2. Disconnect the remote unit(s), Plumly Part Number PA-300, and remove from the airplane.

3. Stow all loose wires in accordance with accepted practices.

4. Pull and tie off 5 amp (115 volt) circuit breaker for control unit power (in cockpit).

5. Make notation in aircraft logbook regarding deactivation of the proximity floor lighting system.

B. Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD accomplish one of the following:

1. Replace the system with another FAA-approved system; or,2. Modify the wiring installation and accomplish the moisture proofing procedures for floor lighting assemblies in accordance with Plumly Airborne Products Service Information Letter 87-02, dated March 19, 1987.

NOTE: Once this modification is accomplished, the floor proximity lighting system must be reactivated to comply with FAR 121.310(c)(3).

C. Within 6 months after modification in accordance with paragraph B., above, is accomplished, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6 months, inspect the floor-mounted light units located near the galley, lavatory, and passenger/service door exits, in accordance with Plumly Airborne Products Service Information Letter 87-02, dated March 19, 1987, to detect any corrosion of the light assemblies or blockage of the altitude pressure relief holes. Any floor- mounted units that show evidence of liquid intrusion or cracked covers must also be inspected.

1. If evidence of corrosion is found, clean and reseal the units in accordance with procedures described in Plumly Airborne Products Service Information Letter 87-02, dated March 19, 1987, or replace with new units.

2. Altitude pressure relief hole areas that are found to be blocked must be cleaned.

D. An alternate means of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time, which provides an acceptable level of safety, may be used when approved by the Manager, Special Programs Branch, Aircraft Certification Division, FAA, Southwest Region.

E. Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate airplanes to a base in order to comply with the requirements of this AD.

All persons affected by this directive who have not already received the appropriate service documents from the manufacturer, may obtain copies upon request to Plumly Airborne Products, Highway 377 South, P.O. Box 26868, Fort Worth, Texas 76126-0868. These documents may be examined at the FAA, Northwest Mountain Region, 17900 Pacific Highway South, Seattle, Washington, or the FAA, Southwest Region, 4400 Blue Mound Road, Fort Worth, Texas.

This amendment 39-5617 becomes effective May 18, 1987, as to all persons, except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by telegraphic AD T87-05-51, issued March 5, 1987.