AD/B747/173 Amdt 1 - Fuel Boost and Override/Jettison Pumps

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AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below revokes Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/B747/173 and issues the following AD under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

 

Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes

 

AD/B747/173

Amdt 1


Fuel Boost and Override/Jettison Pumps 8/2002

 

Applicability: All model 747 aeroplanes.

 

Requirement: 1. Perform an initial visual inspection of the fuel boost and override/jettison pumps wire terminal assembly, electrical connector and wire insulation in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin (SB) 747-28A2194 Revision 1 dated 18 January 1996 to detect any discrepancies such as fuel leak, heat discolouration and damage, and repetitive inspections unless any of the following conditions are meet:

 

  1. For B747-100, -200, -300 and -400 series aeroplanes - fuel pumps with ground fault interrupter (GFI) protection installed and Maintenance Planning Data (MPD) documentation is amended to ensure GFI circuits are tested at “C” maintenance check intervals (see Boeing Telex M-7200-02-00852 dated 31 May 2002).
  2. For B747-400 series aeroplanes with line number 1294 or greater - Hydro-Aire fuel boost pumps part number (P/N) 60B89004-15 and override pumps P/N 60B92603-26 installed (see Boeing Telex M-7200-02-00852 dated 31 May 2002).

 

c.         For B747-100, -200, -300 and -400 series aeroplanes - Hydro-Aire fuel boost and override/jettison pumps installed in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28A2241 dated 11 June 2002 (see Boeing Telex M7200-02-00939 dated 20 June 2002.

2.        If a discrepancy is not detected during the Requirement 1 visual inspection, perform an insulation resistance test of each fuel pump’s wiring in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of SB 747-28A2194 Rev 1.

 

Note 1. Each insulation resistance test of the fuel pump wiring includes a continuity check of the fuel pump ground wire, as specifically indicated in the Accomplishment Instructions of the Boeing service bulletin.

 

3.        If, as a result of the Requirement 2 test, any resistance measurement is found to be less than or equal to one megohm (1 M) replace the fuel pump with a new or serviceable fuel pump in accordance SB 747-28A2194 Rev 1 and repeat the insulation resistance test.

4.        If, as a result of the Requirement 2 test, all resistance measurements are found to be greater than one megohm (1 M), but one or more resistance measurements are less than five megohms (5 M) either:

  1. repeat the Requirement 1 visual inspection, or

 

b.         replace the fuel pump with a new or serviceable fuel pump in accordance SB 747-28A2194 Rev 1 and repeat the insulation resistance test.

 

5.        If any discrepancy is noted during the Requirement 1 visual inspection, replace the fuel pump with a new or serviceable fuel pump in accordance SB 747- 28A2194 Rev 1 and perform the Requirement 2 insulation resistance test.

Note 2: FAA AD 97-03-17 Amdt 39-9922 together with FAA AMOC Letters 140S-02- 156, 130S-02-253 and 140S-02-191 refer.

 

Compliance: For Requirement 1 - Remains unchanged as “Prior to 14 July 1997 and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 5000 hours time in service (TIS) or 18 months, whichever occurs first”.

Repetitive visual inspections may be terminated if any of the conditions specified in Requirement 1.a., 1.b. or 1.c. are met.

 

For Requirement 2 - Prior to further flight immediately following the Requirement 1 visual inspection.

 

For Requirement 3 - Prior to further flight immediately following the Requirement 2 insulation resistance test.

 

For Requirement 4.a - Within 500 hours TIS after the Requirement 2 insulation resistance test.

For Requirement 4.b - Prior to further flight immediately following the Requirement 2 insulation resistance test.

For Requirement 5 - Prior to further flight immediately following the Requirement 1 visual inspection.

 

This Amendment becomes effective on 8 August 2002.

 

Background: The original issue of this Directive followed advice from Boeing that operators have reported fuel leaks at the boost and override/jettison fuel pumps. The actions mandated by the initial issue of the Directive were designed to provide early detection of fuel leaks preventing the likelihood of fire in the vicinity of the affected pump.

 

This Amendment introduces optional terminating actions for the Requirement 1 repetitive inspections.

 

The original issue of this Airworthiness Directive became effective on 27 March 1997.


 

Eugene Paul Holzapfel

Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 28 June 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 17 July 2002.

Overview

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/B747/173 Amendment 1, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) delegate on 28 June 2002, pertains to all Boeing 747 series aeroplanes. This AD was introduced to address safety concerns regarding fuel leaks at the boost and override/jettison fuel pumps, which could potentially lead to fires. The original AD was issued on 27 March 1997 to ensure early detection of such issues. This Amendment 1, which became effective on 8 August 2002, introduces optional terminating actions for the repetitive visual inspections required by the initial directive, providing flexibility in compliance based on certain conditions. The AD mandates specific inspections and tests to be conducted at various intervals to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft, ensuring the safety of operations.

Scope and Application

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/B747/173 applies to all model 747 aeroplanes, which includes the Boeing 747-100, -200, -300, and -400 series aeroplanes. The AD is issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) by the delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), who revokes the previous AD AD/B747/173 and issues this amendment. The directive aims to address unsafe conditions identified in the fuel boost and override/jettison pumps of the specified aircraft. This AD is applicable throughout the Commonwealth of Australia and aligns with the regulatory framework established under CAR 1998. The AD outlines specific requirements for inspections and tests to detect and rectify discrepancies in the fuel pump wiring and insulation to prevent fuel leaks and potential fire hazards. Compliance with the AD is mandatory, with specific timelines provided for the inspections and tests to be performed. The AD allows for certain conditions under which repetitive inspections may be terminated, providing flexibility to operators under specified circumstances.

Key Provisions

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/B747/173 Amdt 1, issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, mandates specific actions for the maintenance and inspection of Boeing 747 series aeroplanes to address potential fuel leaks at the boost and override/jettison pumps. Section 1 of the AD requires operators to perform an initial visual inspection of the fuel boost and override/jettison pumps wire terminal assembly, electrical connector, and wire insulation, following Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28A2194 Revision 1 dated 18 January 1996. This inspection is necessary to detect discrepancies such as fuel leaks, heat discolouration, and damage. Depending on the model and specific conditions, operators may terminate repetitive inspections if certain criteria are met, as outlined in Requirement 1.b and 1.c. If no discrepancies are detected during the visual inspection, an insulation resistance test must be conducted on the fuel pump's wiring, as detailed in Requirement 2. Based on the test results, operators may need to replace the fuel pump, as stipulated in Requirement 3 and Requirement 4. The AD imposes clear obligations on the operators of Boeing 747 series aeroplanes. Operators must ensure that the initial visual inspection and subsequent tests are carried out in accordance with the specified Boeing Service Bulletins and Accomplishment Instructions. For Requirement 1, operators must conduct the initial visual inspection before 14 July 1997 and at intervals not exceeding 5000 hours of time in service (TIS) or 18 months, whichever comes first. If any discrepancies are found during the inspection, the fuel pump must be replaced and the insulation resistance test conducted immediately. If no discrepancies are detected, the insulation resistance test must be performed before further flight following the visual inspection. The compliance timelines for other requirements are also clearly outlined, ensuring that corrective actions are taken promptly. Failure to comply with the provisions of this AD may result in civil or criminal consequences. While specific penalties are not detailed in the AD itself, non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can lead to significant legal repercussions. For civil aviation offences, penalties can include fines and potential grounding of the aircraft. Criminal penalties may apply for more serious breaches, including imprisonment. The exact penalties depend on the specific regulations under which the offence is prosecuted, but they can be substantial, reflecting the importance of adhering to airworthiness directives to ensure safety in aviation.

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Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.