AD 2004-22-10 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-400 and -400F Series Airplanes

This AD applies to Boeing Model 747-400 and “400F series airplanes, certificated in any category; as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3335, dated July 3, 2003.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Inspection, Investigative/Corrective Actions, and Operational Limitations (f) At the applicable time(s) specified in Table 1 of this AD, do a detailed inspection(s) of the side guide support fittings in the lower lobe cargo compartments for cracks and fractures, and before further flight, do all applicable investigative/corrective actions and operational limitations, if necessary, by accomplishing all the actions specified in Work Package 1 and Work Package 2 of the Work Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3335, dated July 3, 2003; except as required by paragraph (g) of this AD. Replacement of all outboard roller assemblies with new assemblies in accordance with Work Package 2 of the service bulletin ends the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD (Work Package 1). Table 1.—Compliance Times For— Initial compliance time— Repetitive interval— (1) Work Package 1 Within 180 days after the effective date of this AD At intervals not to exceed 180 days, until all outboard roller assemblies have been replaced per Work Package 2 of the service bulletin. (2) Work Package 2 Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD None. Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is “an intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirrors magnifying lenses, etc. may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required.” Note 2: Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3335 refers to Goodrich Alert Service Bulletin 65B60176-25-A01, dated March 3, 2003, as an additional source of service information for replacing the outboard roller assemblies. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (g) The Manager, Seattle ACO, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Material Incorporated by Reference (h) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3335, dated July 3, 2003, to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approves the incorporation by reference of this document in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. For copies of the service information, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. For information on the availability of this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html . You may view the AD docket at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW, room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC. Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 21, 2004. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 04-24227 Filed 11-1-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD was prompted by reports of cracked/fractured side guide support fittings in the aft, lower lobe cargo compartment. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracked/fractured side guide support fittings in the lower lobe cargo compartments, which could result in unrestrained cargo shifting in flight and damaging the airplane structure or systems, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.