AD 2005-10-22 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-200C and 747-200F Series Airplanes

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

This AD applies to all Boeing Model 747-200C and 747-200F series airplanes, certificated in any category.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Repetitive Inspections (f) Do a detailed inspection of the left and right C-3 frame upper closure fittings of the nose cargo door, including the flight deck floor tang, according to the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2495, dated December 18, 2003. Do the initial inspection at the applicable compliance time specified in Figure 1 (Group 1 and 2 airplanes) or 2 (Group 3 and 4 airplanes) of the service bulletin, as applicable; except, where the service bulletin specifies a compliance time relative to the date of the initial release of the service bulletin, this AD requires compliance relative to the effective date of this AD. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3,000 flight cycles, except as provided by paragraph (h) of this AD. 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 mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required.” Repair/Replacement (g) If any cracking is found during any inspection required by this AD: Before further flight, do applicable repairs or replace the fitting with a new fitting, according to the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2495, dated December 18, 2003; except, where the bulletin 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 in accordance with data meeting the certification basis of the airplane approved by an Authorized Representative for the Boeing Delegation Option Authorization Organization who the Manager, Seattle ACO, has authorized to make this finding. For a repair method to be approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO, as required by this paragraph, the Manager's approval letter must specifically reference this AD. Optional Modification (h) Doing all actions associated with the modification of the upper closure fitting, including performing an open-hole high frequency eddy current inspection for cracking of certain fastener holes and all applicable corrective actions; according to Figure 4 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2495, dated December 18, 2003; terminates the repetitive inspections of the upper part of the upper closure fitting required by paragraph (f) of this AD. However, inspections of the flight deck floor tang must continue, as required by paragraph (f) of this AD. Note 2: There is no terminating action available at this time for the inspections of the flight deck floor tang required by paragraph (f) of this AD. No Threshold Adjustment (i) While Note 4 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2495, dated December 18, 2003, provides for adjusting the flight cycle threshold specified in the service bulletin by not counting flight cycles with a cabin pressure differential of 2.0 pounds per square inch or less, this AD does not allow this adjustment. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (j)(1) 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. (2) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair required by this AD, if it is approved by an Authorized Representative for the Boeing Delegation Option Authorization Organization who has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis of the airplane and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (k) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2495, dated December 18, 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. To get copies of the service information, go to Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. To view the AD docket, go to the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC. To review copies of the service information, go to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 12, 2005. Jeffrey E. Duven, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05-9981 Filed 5-20-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD was prompted by a report indicating that fatigue cracking was found in the inboard flange above the flight deck floor on the C-3 frame upper closure fittings of the nose cargo door. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the C-3 frame upper closure fittings, which could extend and result in rapid depressurization of the airplane.