Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-13894 · Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, and 747-300 Series Airplanes; and Model 747SP and 747SR Series Airplanes
Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, and 747-300 Series Airplanes; and Model 747SP and 747SR Series Airplanes
This AD applies to Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, and 747-300 series airplanes; and Model 747SP and 747SR series airplanes; certificated in any category; having variable numbers listed in Table 1 of this AD or modified in accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate SA960GL or SA1080EA-D; excluding airplanes on which Boeing Service Bulletin 747-34-2294, dated May 25, 1989, or Boeing Service Bulletin 747-34-2296, dated July 1, 1989, has been accomplished.
| RA521-RA528 inclusive. |
| RA532-RA535 inclusive. |
| RA537-RA548 inclusive. |
| RA671-RA675 inclusive. |
| RA677. |
| RB071-RB075 inclusive. |
| RB601-RB607 inclusive. |
| RB681-RB685 inclusive. |
| RB687. |
| RB690-RB693 inclusive. |
| RB695-RB697 inclusive. |
| RB721-RB723 inclusive. |
| RD055. |
| RD082. |
| RD083. |
| RD221-RD227 inclusive. |
| RD231-RD235 inclusive. |
| RD301. |
| RD302. |
| RD381-RD383 inclusive. |
| RD461. |
| RD601-RD607 inclusive. |
| RD741. |
| RD781-RD783 inclusive. |
| RG173. |
| RG174. |
| RH101. |
| RH102. |
| RJ321. |
| RJ322. |
| RR024. |
| RR025. |
| RR261-RR263 inclusive. |
| RR264-RR267 inclusive. |
| RR361. |
| RR362. |
| RR451. |
| RR522. |
| RR526. |
| RR551-RR556 inclusive. |
| RR566. |
| RS001. |
| RS002. |
| RS211. |
| RS212. |
| RS221. |
| RS222. |
| RS232. |
| RS233. |
| RS235. |
| RS236. |
| RS237-RS241 inclusive. |
| RS251-RS259 inclusive. |
| RS263. |
| RS265-RS268 inclusive. |
| RS292. |
| RS311-RS320 inclusive. |
| RS699. |
| RS701-RS703 inclusive. |
| RS711-RS713 inclusive. |
| RS731. |
| RS732. |
| RS741-RS743 inclusive. |
| RS771. |
| RS786. |
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747- 200C, 747-200F, and 747-300 series airplanes; and Model 747SP and 747SR series airplanes. This AD requires revising the airplane flight manual to prohibit operation of the autopilot/flight director in command mode with performance management system selected on the speed mode switch during cruise in reduced vertical separation minimum (RVSM) airspace. This AD is prompted by reports of unexpected autopilot disconnects induced by the passing of another airplane within 1,000 feet below the airplane while they were operating in RVSM airspace. We are issuing this AD to prevent unexpected disconnect of the autopilot during operation in RVSM airspace due to close passage of another airplane, which may result in altitude deviation, and consequently, could lead to a possible mid-air collision or a near miss with aggressive evasive action (by either or both airplanes). Aggressive maneuvering at cruise altitudes and airspeeds could result in loss of control of the airplane and/or injury to passengers and crew.
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
Within 10 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the Limitations section of the Boeing 747 Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to include the following statement. This may be done by inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM.
“Operation of the autopilot/flight director in command mode with Performance Management System (PMS) selected on the speed mode switch during cruise in Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) airspace is prohibited.
Use of PMS generated airspeeds and autopilot modes (e.g., IAS/Mach) with manually crew-entered airspeeds (via Mode Selector Panel) are allowed.”
Note 1: When a statement identical to that in paragraph (f) of this AD has been included in the general revisions of the AFM, the general revisions may be inserted into the AFM, and the copy of this AD may be removed from the AFM.
