Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14067 · Boeing Model 707 Airplanes and Model 720 and 720B Series Airplanes
Boeing Model 707 Airplanes and Model 720 and 720B Series Airplanes
This AD applies to Boeing Model 707-100 long body, -200, -100B long body, and -100B short body series airplanes; Model 707-300, -300B, -300C, and -400 series airplanes; and Model 720 and 720B series airplanes; certificated in any category; having line numbers 1 through 1012 inclusive.
The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to certain Boeing Model 707 airplanes and Model 720 and 720B series airplanes. That AD currently requires a preventive modification of the front spar fitting on the outboard engine nacelle. This new AD removes the requirement to do this preventive modification, and requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the front spar fitting of the inboard and outboard nacelle struts, and replacement of any cracked fitting with a new fitting. This AD also applies to more airplanes. This AD is prompted by a report indicating that a crack was found in a front spar fitting that had been replaced as part of the modification required by the existing AD. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct this cracking, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the engine nacelle, and consequent separation of an engine from 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.
Prior to the accumulation of 3,500 total flight hours, or within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Do a detailed inspection for cracking of the front spar fitting of the inboard and outboard nacelles according to the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin A3514, dated July 29, 2004. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 700 flight hours.
Note 1: There is no terminating action at this time for the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (f) of this AD.
If any cracking is found during any inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD: Before further flight, replace the cracked front spar fitting with a new fitting, according to the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin A3514, dated July 29, 2004.
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on any airplane, a front spar fitting having a part number other than the part numbers specified in paragraph 2.C.2. of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin A3514, dated July 29, 2004.
