AD 2007-25-17 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747SR, and 747SP Series Airplanes

Models named: 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747SR, 747SP series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2658, dated February 22, 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. Inspections and Corrective Action (f) At the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2658, dated February 22, 2007: Do internal surface high-frequency eddy current and external ultrasonic inspections for cracking of the STA 1241 bulkhead fittings just above the canted pressure deck; determine the edge margin at seven fastener positions on each side of the airplane; and do all applicable related investigative/corrective actions; by doing all of the actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2658, dated February 22, 2007, except as provided by paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD. Do all applicable related investigative/corrective actions before further flight. Repeat the inspections thereafter at the applicable interval specified in paragraph 1.E., “Compliance” of the service bulletin. (1) Where the service bulletin specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate action, before further flight, do the action using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (g) of this AD. (2) Where the service bulletin specifies a compliance time after the date on the service bulletin, this AD requires compliance within the specified compliance time after the effective date of this AD. 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) 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 (h) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2658, dated February 22, 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 November 30, 2007. Stephen P. Boyd, Assistant Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7-23871 Filed 12-7-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from a report that an operator found a 1.65-inch crack on the station (STA) 1241 bulkhead fitting on the left side of a Boeing Model 747-200F series airplane that had accumulated 17,332 total flight cycles. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking in the STA 1241 bulkhead fittings, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.