Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-100, -200, -300, -SP, and -400F Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to all Boeing Model 747-100, -200, -300, -SP, and -400F series airplanes. Among other things, this amendment requires repetitive leak tests of the lavatory drain system and repair, if necessary; installation of a cap or flush/fill line ball valve on the flush/fill line; periodic seal changes; and replacement of any ``donut'' type valves installed in the waste drain system. This amendment is prompted by continuing reports of damage to airframes and damage to property on the ground, caused by ``blue ice'' that forms from leaking lavatory drain systems on transport category airplanes and subsequently dislodges from the airplane fuselage. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent damage to airframes and property on the ground that is associated with the problems of ``blue ice'' that forms from leaking lavatory drain systems on transport category airplanes and subsequently dislodges from the airplane fuselage.