AD 2004-13-02 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-100, -200B, and -200F Series Airplanes

Models named: 747-100, -200B, -200F series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 747-100, -200B, and -200F series airplanes, as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2463, dated March 7, 2002; certificated in any category.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To find and fix discrepancies in the upper and lower skins of the fuselage lap joints, which could result in sudden fracture and failure of a lap joint and rapid in-flight decompression of the airplane fuselage, accomplish the following: Initial and Repetitive Inspections (a) Do the applicable (initial and repetitive) inspections as specified in Figures 2 through 8, as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2463, including Appendices A, B, and C, dated March 7, 2002, to find discrepancies (cracking and corrosion) in the upper and lower skins of the fuselage lap joints. Do the inspections at the applicable times specified in Figure 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin, in accordance with the alert service bulletin; except that where Figure 1 specifies a compliance time of “after the release date of this service bulletin,” this AD requires a compliance time of “after the effective date of this AD.” Where Figure 1 specifies a compliance time of “flight cycles” this AD requires a compliance time of “total flight cycles.” (b) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2463, including Appendices A, B, and C, dated March 7, 2002, specifies that the manufacturer may be contacted for certain inspection procedures, inspect per 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 (DER) who has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make such findings. Adjustments to Compliance Time: Cabin Differential Pressure (c) For the purposes of calculating the compliance threshold and repetitive interval for the inspections required by paragraph (a) of this AD: Flight cycles in which cabin differential pressure is at 2.0 pounds per square inch (psi) or less need not be counted when determining the number of flight cycles that have occurred on the airplane, provided that flight cycles with momentary spikes in cabin differential pressure above 2.0 psi are included as full pressure flight cycles. For this provision to apply, all cabin pressure records must be maintained for each airplane. No fleet-averaging of cabin pressure is allowed. Repair (d) Before further flight, repair any discrepancy (cracking or corrosion) found during any inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, per the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2463, including Appendices A, B, and C, dated March 7, 2002. If any discrepancy is found and the alert service bulletin specifies that the manufacturer may be contacted for disposition of certain repairs, before further flight, repair per a method approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO; or per data meeting the type certification basis of the airplane approved by a Boeing Company DER who has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make such findings. Alternative Methods of Compliance (e) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Seattle ACO, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD. Incorporation by Reference (f) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2463, including Appendices A, B, and C, dated March 7, 2002. 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 Airplanes, 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 July 29, 2004. Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 9, 2004. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 04-13866 Filed 6-23-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P