Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-13843 · Boeing Model 747-400 and -400D Series Airplanes
Boeing Model 747-400 and -400D Series Airplanes
Model 747-400 and -400D series airplanes, as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3142, Revision 3, dated August 14, 2003; certificated in any category.
This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 747-400 series airplanes, that currently requires installation of strap assemblies on the ceiling panels and rails that support the video monitors. For certain airplanes, this amendment requires replacement of certain plate assemblies within the ceiling panel strap assemblies with new, improved plate assemblies. This amendment also revises the applicability by adding airplanes. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent ceiling panels from falling into the passenger cabin area in the event of failure of certain latch assemblies on the ceiling panels, which could result in consequent injury to the flightcrew and passengers. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
To prevent ceiling panels from falling into the passenger cabin area in the event of failure of certain latch assemblies on the ceiling panels, which could result in consequent injury to the flightcrew and passengers, accomplish the following:
(a) For airplanes on which ceiling panel strap assemblies were installed in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3142, dated October 16, 1997; or Revision 1, dated August 6, 1998; or had plate assembly 411U5513-123 installed in production as of the effective date of this AD: Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, replace any plate assembly having part number (P/N) 411U5513-123, with a new, improved plate assembly having P/N 411U5513-131, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3142, Revision 3, dated August 14, 2003.
(b) For airplanes on which ceiling panel strap assemblies were not installed in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3142, dated October 16, 1997; or Revision 1, dated August 6, 1998: Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, install strap assemblies on the ceiling panels and rails that support the video monitors in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3142, Revision 3, dated August 14, 2003.
(c) Accomplishment of the specified actions before the effective date of this AD per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3142, Revision 2, dated March 20, 2003, is considered acceptable for compliance with the applicable requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD.
(d)(1) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance (AMOCs) for this AD.
(2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in accordance with AD 99-18-07, amendment 39-11273, are approved as alternative methods of compliance with the applicable actions of this AD.
(e) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3142, Revision 3, dated August 14, 2003. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
