Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14499 · Boeing Model 747-200F, 747-200C, 747-400, 747-400D, and 747-400F Series Airplanes
Boeing Model 747-200F, 747-200C, 747-400, 747-400D, and 747-400F Series Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2010-01-01. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to all Boeing Model 747-200F, 747-200C, 747-400, 747-400D, and 747-400F series airplanes; certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 747-200F, 747-200C, 747-400, 747-400D, and 747-400F series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking of certain fuselage internal structure, and repair if necessary. This AD results from fatigue tests and analysis that identified areas of the fuselage where fatigue cracks can occur. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of the structural integrity of the fuselage, which could result in rapid 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.
Do initial and repetitive inspections for fuselage cracks using applicable internal and external detailed inspection methods, and repair all cracks, by doing all the actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2500, dated December 21, 2004, except as required by paragraph (g) of this AD. Do the initial and repetitive inspections at the times specified in paragraph 1.E. of the service bulletin, except as required by paragraph (h) of this AD. Repair any crack before further flight after detection.
If any crack is found during any inspection required by this AD, and the bulletin specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate action: Before further flight, repair the crack using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
(h) Where the service bulletin specifies a compliance time after the issuance of the service bulletin, this AD requires compliance within the specified compliance time after the effective date of this AD.
