Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-13838 · Boeing Model 747-400 and -400F Series Airplanes
Boeing Model 747-400 and -400F Series Airplanes
This AD applies to Boeing Model 747-400 and “400F series airplanes, certificated in any category; as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3335, dated July 3, 2003.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 747-400 and -400F series airplanes. This AD requires a detailed inspection(s) for cracks and fractures of the side guide support fittings in the lower lobe cargo compartments; and applicable investigative/corrective actions and operational limitations, if necessary. This AD also requires a terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This AD is prompted by reports of cracked/fractured side guide support fittings in the aft, lower lobe cargo compartment. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracked/fractured side guide support fittings in the lower lobe cargo compartments, which could result in unrestrained cargo shifting in flight and damaging the airplane structure or systems, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
At the applicable time(s) specified in Table 1 of this AD, do a detailed inspection(s) of the side guide support fittings in the lower lobe cargo compartments for cracks and fractures, and before further flight, do all applicable investigative/corrective actions and operational limitations, if necessary, by accomplishing all the actions specified in Work Package 1 and Work Package 2 of the Work Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3335, dated July 3, 2003; except as required by paragraph (g) of this AD. Replacement of all outboard roller assemblies with new assemblies in accordance with Work Package 2 of the service bulletin ends the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD (Work Package 1).
| For— | Initial compliance time— | Repetitive interval— |
|---|---|---|
| (1) Work Package 1 | Within 180 days after the effective date of this AD | At intervals not to exceed 180 days, until all outboard roller assemblies have been replaced per Work Package 2 of the service bulletin. |
| (2) Work Package 2 | Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD | None. |
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is “an intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirrors magnifying lenses, etc. may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required.”
Note 2: Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3335 refers to Goodrich Alert Service Bulletin 65B60176-25-A01, dated March 3, 2003, as an additional source of service information for replacing the outboard roller assemblies.
