NOTE 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph c) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this  AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To ensure the flight crew’s ability to continue to control the airplane manually if the autopilot or autothrottle function fails to disengage, accomplish the following:

a) Within 14 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the Limitations section of the FAA -approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to include the following statement. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM.
“If the autopilot or autothrottle fails to disconnect normally, press and hold the autopilot release button or either autothrottle release button, as appropriate. Refer to the Abnormal Procedures section for procedures if the autopilot or autothrottle fails to disconnect.”

b) Within 14 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the Abnormal Procedures section of the FAA-approved AFM to include the following information. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM.

“AUTOPILOT:

If the Autopilot (A/P) disconnects when the AUTOPILOT RELEASE button on either control wheel is depressed, and re-engages when the AUTOPILOT RELEASE button is released, accomplish the following procedures:

PROCEDURE: Use Autopilot (as desired)

AUTOPILOT RELEASE button  PRESS      AND       HOLD

* Hold either yoke (yellow) Autopilot Release button while continuing to fly the aircraft manually. The A/P will remain disengaged while depressing the button.

* When the autopilot Release button is released, the A/P functions should work normally.

TO SILENCE THE AURAL WARNING:
CAWS C/B (P-38) PULL

* Circuit breaker is located behind the Captain’s seat.

* Pulling the C/B will disable the Stall Warning SSRS-1, Landing Gear, Takeoff, Cabin Altitude, Speed Brake aural warnings, in addition to the Autopilot aural warning.

CAUTION: Do not attempt to overpower the autopilot is engaged, applying force to the column may allow the alternate trim to reposition the stabilizer. If the force is applied long enough, it will result in an out-of-trim condition.”

“AUTOTHROTTLE:

If the Autothrottle (A/T) disconnects when either throttle disconnect button is depressed, and re-engages when throttle disconnect button is released, accomplish the following procedures:

PROCEDURE: Use Autothrottle System (as desired)

WHEN A DISCONNECT IS NECESSARY:

AUTOTHROTTLE RELEASE BUTTON
PRESS AND HOLD

* Press and hold either button until flashing red A/T annunciation is illuminated. Flashing red light indicates autothrottle is disconnected.

* AUTOTHROTTLE RELEASE BUTTON may then be released.
* The FMA A/T window will annunciate as though the A/T is engaged.
* The flashing red A/T annunciation of the FMA cannot be extinguished with repeated depression of the autothrottle release button.

* If the throttle levers are retarded to the idle stop, the flashing red A/T annunciation will extinguish, and the A/T system will re-engage.
* If the DFGC is selected to the IAS mode and the A/T SPEED mode is selected, the A/T system will re-engage.”

c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment to the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their request through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Los Angeles ACO.

NOTE 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Los Angeles ACO.
d) Special flight permits may be issued is accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

e) This amendment becomes effective on June 24, 1996.