AD 2005-16-10 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-400 and 747-400D Series Airplanes

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

This AD applies to Boeing Model 747-400 and 747-400D series airplanes, certificated in any category, as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2503, dated November 11, 2004.

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 (f) At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD: Do a detailed inspection for corrosion and cracks of the station 980 upper deck floor beam, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2503, dated November 11, 2004. (1) Inspect within 120 months since the date of issuance of the original standard Airworthiness Certificate or the date of issuance of the original Export Certificate of Airworthiness; or (2) Inspect at the time specified in paragraph (f)(2)(i), (f)(2)(ii), or (f)(2)(iii) of this AD for the applicable airplane group as identified in the service bulletin. (i) For Group 1 airplanes: Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD. (ii) For Group 2 airplanes: Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD. (iii) For Group 3 airplanes: Within 120 months after the airplane has been modified in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3107, or within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. Repair (g) If any cracking or corrosion is found during any inspection required by this AD, do all related investigative and corrective actions before further flight, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2503, dated November 11, 2004. If the service bulletin specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate action, repair before further flight according to a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA; or according to data meeting the certification basis of the airplane approved by an Authorized Representative for the Boeing Delegation Option Authorization (DOA) Organization who has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the approval must specifically reference this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (h)(1) The Manager, Seattle 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 DOA 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 (i) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2503, dated November 11, 2004, to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this document in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207, for a copy of this service information. You may review copies at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or at 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 29, 2005. Kevin M. Mullin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05-15586 Filed 8-8-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion under the cart lift threshold at the station 980 upper deck floor beam. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct such corrosion, which could result in a cracked or broken floor beam, extensive damage to adjacent structure, and possible rapid decompression of the airplane.