AD 2005-15-06 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 Boeing Model 747-200C and 747-200F series airplanes, equipped with a nose cargo door, certificated in any category; as identified in paragraph 1.A.1 of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-53-2493, 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. Inspections and Repair (f) Before the accumulation of 15,000 total flight cycles, or within 1,200 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Do a detailed inspection for cracking, and a low frequency eddy current inspection for material loss, in the fuselage skin. Repair any crack or material loss prior to further flight. Do all actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-53-2493, dated July 3, 2003. 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.” Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (g)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 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 (h) You must use Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-53-2493, 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. To get copies of the service information, contact 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 July 11, 2005. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05-14174 Filed 7-21-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD was prompted by a report of a crack above the stringer (STR) 23 lap splice on a Model 747-200F series airplane. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks or material loss in the fuselage skin, and consequent reduced structural integrity of the skin panel, which could result in rapid depressurization of the airplane.