Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14520 · Boeing Model 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-300, 747-400, and 747-400D Series Airplanes
Boeing Model 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-300, 747-400, and 747-400D Series Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2007-23-18. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to all Boeing Model 747-100B SUD, 747-300, 747-400, and 747-400D series airplanes; and Model 747-200B series airplanes having a stretched upper deck; certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 747-100B SUD, 747-300, 747-400, and 747-400D series airplanes; and Model 747-200B series airplanes having a stretched upper deck. This AD requires repetitively inspecting for cracking or discrepancies of the fasteners in the tension ties, shear webs, and frames at body stations 1120 through 1220, and performing related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from new reports of severed tension ties, as well as numerous reports of cracked tension ties, broken fasteners, and cracks in the frame, shear web, and shear ties adjacent to tension ties for the upper deck. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the tension ties, shear webs, and frames of the upper deck, which could result in rapid decompression 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 repetitive detailed and high frequency eddy current inspections, as applicable, for cracking or discrepancies of the fasteners in the tension ties, shear webs, and frames at body stations 1120 through 1220, and related investigative and corrective actions as applicable, by doing all actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2507, dated April 21, 2005, except as provided by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD. Do the initial and repetitive Stage 1 and Stage 2 inspections at the applicable times specified in Paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of the service bulletin, except as provided by paragraphs (f)(1), (f)(2), and (f)(3) of this AD. Any applicable investigative and corrective actions must be done before further flight. Doing the initial Stage 2 inspection ends the repetitive Stage 1 inspections.
(1) For any airplane not identified in and subject to inspections in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53-2483: Do the initial Stage 1 inspection in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2507 before the accumulation of 8,000 total flight cycles, or within 1,500 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever is later.
(2) Where Paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of the service bulletin specifies a compliance time relative to the original issue date of the service bulletin, this AD requires compliance before the specified compliance time after the effective date of this AD.
(3) For any airplane that reaches the applicable compliance time for the initial Stage 2 inspection (as specified in Table 1, Compliance Recommendations, under paragraph 1.E. of the service bulletin) before reaching the applicable compliance time for the initial Stage 1 inspection: Doing the initial Stage 2 inspection eliminates the need to do the Stage 1 inspection.
If any discrepancy; including but not limited to cracking, or broken, loose, or missing fasteners; is found during any inspection required by this AD, and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2507, dated April 21, 2005, specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate action: Before further flight, repair the discrepancy using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
Although Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2507, dated April 21, 2005, specifies reporting inspection findings to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
