AD 2002-26-17 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 Series Airplanes

Models named: 747 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 747 series airplanes, certificated in any category, line numbers 1 through 750 inclusive, excluding airplanes on which the bulkhead splice areas have been modified in accordance with Plan “B” of AD 2001-11-06, amendment 39-12248. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (g) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent cracked or broken bolts, which could result in structural damage and rapid depressurization of the airplane, accomplish the following: Restatement of Certain Requirements of AD 2002-08-10 Inspection (a) At the applicable time specified by paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD: Inspect the BS 1480 bulkhead splice to identify all alloy steel bolts by using a magnet or, if applicable, detailed methods, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2477, dated February 28, 2002. Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is defined as: “An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.” (1) For airplanes on which the bulkhead splice inspection specified by AD 2001-11-06 has NOT been accomplished within 15 months before May 8, 2002 (the effective date of AD 2002-08-10, amendment 39-12718): Inspect within 90 days after May 8, 2002. (2) For airplanes on which the bulkhead splice inspection specified by AD 2001-11-06 HAS been accomplished within 15 months before May 8, 2002: Inspect within 18 months since the most recent inspection. Corrective Actions (b) For each alloy steel bolt found during the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD: Before further flight, inspect those bolts using torque test or ultrasonic methods to detect cracks or breakage, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2477, dated February 28, 2002, except as required by paragraph (e) of this AD. (1) For each uncracked and unbroken alloy steel bolt found: Repeat the inspection specified by paragraph (b) of this AD thereafter at least every 18 months, until the terminating action of paragraph (d) of this AD is accomplished. (2) For any cracked or broken bolt found: Before further flight, replace it with an Inconel 718 bolt. Such replacement terminates the requirements of this AD for that bolt only. (3) If any cracked or broken bolt is found anywhere along the splice during any inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD: Before further flight, reinspect, using ultrasonic methods, any remaining alloy steel bolts that were initially inspected using torque test methods, and replace any cracked or broken bolt with an Inconel 718 bolt. Such replacement terminates the requirements of this AD for that bolt only. Magnetic Particle Inspection (c) Plan “A” inspections required by AD 2001-11-06 are acceptable for compliance with the inspection requirements of paragraph (b) of this AD, provided a magnetic particle inspection and applicable corrective actions are performed on any alloy steel bolt removed during any Plan “A” inspection before the bolt is reinstalled. The magnetic particle inspection and corrective actions must be performed in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2477, dated February 28, 2002, except as required by paragraph (e) of this AD. New Requirements of This AD Terminating Action (d) Within 6 years after the effective date of this AD: Replace all alloy steel bolts in the BS 1480 bulkhead splice with Inconel 718 bolts, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2477, dated February 28, 2002, except as required by paragraph (e) of this AD. Replacement of all alloy steel bolts terminates the requirements of this AD. Exceptions to Service Information (e) If Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2477, dated February 28, 2002, specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate action: Before further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA; or per data meeting the type certification basis of the airplane approved by a Boeing Company Designated Engineering Representative who has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make such findings. For a repair method to be approved, the approval must specifically reference this AD. Part Installation (f) Except as provided by paragraph (c) of this AD: As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an alloy steel bolt on the BS 1480 bulkhead splice on any airplane. Alternative Methods of Compliance (g) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO, FAA. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Seattle ACO. Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Seattle ACO. Special Flight Permits (h) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with §§ sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. Incorporation by Reference (i) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2477, dated February 28, 2002. This incorporation by reference was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of May 8, 2002 (67 FR 19641, April 23, 2002). Although the service bulletin references a reporting requirement and completion of the attached Evaluation Form, such reporting and evaluation are not required by this AD. Copies may be obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, 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 Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. Effective Date (j) This amendment becomes effective on February 7, 2003. Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 24, 2002. Charles D. Huber, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 03-27 Filed 1-2-03; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P