AD 92-14-02

92-14-02 BOEING: Amendment 39-8284. Docket No. 91-NM-226-AD.

Applicability: Model 747 series airplanes operated as freighters, certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent damaged or unusable life rafts due to improper mooring line and inflation length on life rafts, accomplish the following:

(a) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect the life raft mooring line and inflation length. The mooring line length is measured from attachment fitting on the end of the mooring line to the connecting point on the raft. The mooring line must be no less than 39 feet long and no more than 44 feet long. The inflation length is the distance the life raft must be from its mooring line attachment point for inflation of the life raft to be initiated. Inflation should begin at not less than 33 feet and not more than 38 feet, as defined by the mooring line length.

(1) For life rafts with mooring line length and inflation length that meet the measurements specified in paragraph (a) of this AD, no additional action is required.

(2) For life rafts with mooring line length and inflation length that do not meet the measurements specified in paragraph (a) of this AD, accomplish the following prior to further flight:

(i) For life rafts listed in Air Cruisers Service Bulletin 35-25-3, dated October 22, 1990: Modify the life raft in accordance with that service bulletin.

(ii) For life rafts listed in Air Cruisers Service Bulletin 35-25-2, dated October 30, 1990: Modify the life raft in accordance with that service bulletin.

(iii) For all other life rafts: Modify the life raft in accordance with BFGoodrich Alert Service Bulletin No. 100102-25A-244, dated December 13, 1991, or Eastern Aero Marine Service Bulletin T9-25-1, dated January 31, 1992, as applicable; or in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate.

(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 ACO. 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: 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 FAR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(d) The modifications shall be done in accordance with Air Cruisers Service Bulletin 35-25-3, dated October 22, 1990; Air Cruisers Service Bulletin 35-25-2, dated October 30, 1990; BFGoodrich Alert Service Bulletin No. 100102-25A-244, dated December 13, 1991; or Eastern Aero Marine Service Bulletin T9-25-1, dated January 31, 1992; 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; Air Cruisers Company P.O. Box 180, Belmar, New Jersey 07719-0180; or BFGoodrich Aerospace, Aircraft Evaluations Systems, 3414 South 5th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85040; or Eastern Aero Marine, P.O. Box 593513, Miami, Florida 33159. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 1100 L Street NW., Room 8401, Washington, DC.

(e) This amendment becomes effective on August 18, 1992.