AD 2005-25-26 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-400, 747-400D, and 747-400F Series Airplanes

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

This AD applies to Boeing Model 747-400, 747-400D, and 747-400F series airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2505, dated March 17, 2005.

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 and Corrective Actions (f) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, do a detailed inspection for damage (degraded finish; missing, lifted, peeling, or blistering paint; or signs of corrosion) of the interior skin in the forward and aft cargo compartments. Do any applicable corrective actions before further flight. Except as required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, do all actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2505, dated March 17, 2005. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 48 months until accomplishing task number C53-125-01 of Boeing Document Number D6-36022, “Aging Airplane Corrosion Prevention and Control Program—Model 747,” Revision A, dated July 28, 1989, or until accomplishing tasks S53-520 and S53-550 of Boeing Document D621U400-MRB, “B747-400 Maintenance Review Board Report,” Revision E, dated May 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.” Damage That Exceeds Structural Repair Manual Limits (g) If any corrosion damage that exceeds the limits specified in the structural repair manual is found during any action required by this AD, and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2505, dated March 17, 2005, specifies to contact Boeing for repair instructions: Before further flight, repair the damage using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this AD. No Reporting Requirement (h) Although Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2505, dated March 17, 2005, specifies to submit to the manufacturer a report of the inspection program and details of any corrosion damage and peeling paint primer, this AD does not include those actions. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (i)(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) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with § 39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding District Office. (3) 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 Commercial Airplanes 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 (j) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2505, dated March 17, 2005, 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 documents 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 December 8, 2005. Michael Zielinski, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05-24053 Filed 12-15-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD was prompted by reports of skin corrosion on four Boeing Model 747 series airplanes that were delivered between 1995 and 1999. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion, which can penetrate the thickness of the skin and cause cracking, and result in rapid decompression of the airplane.