AD 2003-02-02 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-400 and -400D Series Airplanes

Models named: 747-400, -400D series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 747-400 and -400D series airplanes, certificated in any category; as listed in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25A3271, Revision 1, dated December 19, 2001. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 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 (d) 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 unrestrained drip shields from interfering with the rudder pedal mechanism, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: Repetitive Inspections (a) Within 1,200 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: Perform a general visual inspection of the drip shield and supports of the forward rudder quadrant to detect discrepancies (less than 0.50-inch clearance from the components in the forward rudder quadrant, disbonded clip plates, and missing fasteners), in accordance with Figure 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25A3271, Revision 1, dated December 19, 2001, excluding Evaluation Form. Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is defined as: “A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.” (1) If no discrepancy is found: Repeat the inspection thereafter at least every 6,000 flight hours or 18 months, whichever is first, until the terminating action required by paragraph (c) of this AD has been accomplished. (2) If any discrepancy is found during any inspection required by this paragraph: Before further flight, perform the specified corrective actions in accordance with Figure 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. Thereafter, repeat the inspection at least every 6,000 flight hours or 18 months, whichever is first, until the terminating action required by paragraph (c) of this AD has been accomplished. (b) Accomplishment before the effective date of this AD of an inspection and applicable corrective actions in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3271, dated April 12, 2001, is acceptable for compliance with the initial inspection requirement of paragraph (a) of this AD. Terminating Action (c) Within 2 years after the effective date of this AD, modify the drip shield by installing blind rivets in each clip plate and changing the part numbers of the clip plates and drip shield, in accordance with Figure 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25A3271, Revision 1, dated December 19, 2001, excluding Evaluation Form. Alternative Methods of Compliance (d) 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 Aircraft Certification Office (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 (e) 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 (f) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25A3271, Revision 1, dated December 19, 2001, excluding Evaluation Form. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. 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 (g) This amendment becomes effective on February 18, 2003. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 6, 2003. Charles D. Huber, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 03-559 Filed 1-10-03; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P