Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14446 · Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP Series Airplanes
Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP Series Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2012-13-08. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes, certificated in any category; without a stretched upper deck or stretched upper deck modification; as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-53-2502, dated April 21, 2005.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes, without a stretched upper deck or stretched upper deck modification. This AD requires detailed and high-frequency eddy current inspections for cracks of each affected tension tie and of the surrounding structure, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from a report of a crack in the tension tie at the body station 820 frame connection, and cracks found on the Boeing 747SR fatigue-test airplane in both the tension ties and frames at the tension tie to frame connections at body stations 800, 820, and 840. We are issuing this AD to find and fix cracks in the tension ties, which could lead to cracks in the skin and body frame and result in rapid in-flight depressurization 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 in paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this AD: Do detailed and high-frequency eddy current inspections for cracking of each affected tension tie and of the surrounding structure. If any cracking is found: Before further flight, do all applicable corrective and related investigative actions. Do all actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-53-2502, dated April 21, 2005. Where the special attention service bulletin specifies to contact Boeing for repair instructions: Before further flight, repair the area using a method approved in accordance with paragraph (g) of this AD.
(1) For airplanes identified in the special attention service bulletin as Groups 1, 3, and 6 airplanes: Do the first inspections before the accumulation of 20,000 total flight cycles, or within 1,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later; and repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4,000 flight cycles.
(2) For airplanes identified in the special attention service bulletin as Group 2, 4, and 5 airplanes: Do the first inspections before the accumulation of 17,000 total flight cycles, or within 1,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later; and repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3,000 flight cycles.
