AD NUMBER: 2008-04-11 R1

MANUFACTURER: The Boeing Company Model 707 Airplanes, and Model 720 and 720B Series Airplanes
SUBJECT: Airworthiness Directive 2008-04-11 R1

SUMMARY: The FAA is revising an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to all Model 707 airplanes, and Model 720 and 720B series airplanes. That AD currently requires revising the FAA-approved maintenance program by incorporating new airworthiness limitations (AWLs) for fuel tank systems to satisfy Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 88 requirements. That AD also requires an initial inspection to phase in certain repetitive AWL inspections, and repair if necessary. This AD clarifies the intended effect of the AD on spare and on-airplane fuel tank system components. This AD results from design review of the fuel tank systems. We are issuing this AD to prevent the potential for ignition sources inside fuel tanks caused by latent failures, alterations, repairs, or maintenance actions, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective January 12, 2010. On March 28, 2008 (73 FR 9666, February 22, 2008), the Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in the AD. We must receive any comments on this AD by February 11, 2010.

FMI: http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAD.nsf/list/2008-04-11%20R1?OpenDocument