AD 2007-16-19 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-200B, 747-300, and 747-400 Series Airplanes

Models named: 747-200B, 747-300, 747-400 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Boeing Model 747-200B, 747-300, and 747-400 series airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2610, dated May 10, 2007.

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) At the applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E. of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2610, dated May 10, 2007, except as provided by paragraph (g) of this AD: Do repetitive detailed inspections for cracking of the aft tension tie channels from body station (BS) 1120 to BS 1220 and from BS 880 to BS 1100, and do all applicable corrective actions, by accomplishing all of the applicable actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2610, dated May 10, 2007, except as provided by paragraph (h) of this AD. Exception to Compliance Times (g) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2610, dated May 10, 2007, specifies counting the compliance time from “* * * after the date on this service bulletin,” this AD requires counting the compliance time from the effective date of this AD. Exception for Bolt Hole Cracks (h) If any crack is found in a bolt hole during any inspection required by this AD, and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2610, dated May 10, 2007, specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate action: Before further flight, repair the crack using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD. Optional Terminating Action (i) Except as provided by paragraph (h) of this AD, accomplishing the applicable repairs or modifications at all tension tie locations, in accordance with Part 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2610, dated May 10, 2007, terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (f) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (j)(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) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. (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 (k) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2610, dated May 10, 2007, 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 FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 2, 2007. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7-15582 Filed 8-10-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from cracks found in the aft tension tie channels at four station locations, on a Model 747-200B series airplane that had been modified to a special freighter. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the aft tension tie channels; failure of more than one tension tie could result in rapid depressurization of the airplane.