AD 2007-26-06 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 Service Bulletin 747-35-2119, dated November 30, 2006.

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 and Related Investigative/Corrective Actions if Necessary (f) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, do a general visual inspection to determine the manufacturer and manufacture date of the oxygen masks in each of the oxygen boxes in the passenger service units of the outboard and center main deck, the flight attendant service units, flightcrew rest, upper and lower module of the door 5 overhead crew rest, lavatory modules, and miscellaneous ceiling panels, as applicable, and do all the applicable related investigative and corrective actions, by accomplishing all of the applicable actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-35-2119, dated November 30, 2006; except where the service bulletin specifies replacing the oxygen mask assembly with a new oxygen mask assembly, replace it with a new or modified oxygen mask assembly having an improved flow indicator. The related investigative and corrective actions must be done before further flight. Note 1: The service bulletin refers to B/E Aerospace Service Bulletin 174080-35-01, dated February 6, 2006; and Revision 1, dated May 1, 2006; as additional sources of service information for modifying the oxygen mask assembly by replacing the flow indicator with an improved flow indicator. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (g)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 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. Material Incorporated by Reference (h) You must use Boeing Service Bulletin 747-35-2119, dated November 30, 2006, 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 December 10, 2007. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7-24334 Filed 12-14-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from a report that several passenger masks with broken in-line flow indicators were found following a mask deployment. We are issuing this AD to prevent the in-line flow indicators of the passenger oxygen masks from fracturing and separating, which could inhibit oxygen flow to the masks and consequently result in exposure of the passengers and cabin attendants to hypoxia following a depressurization event.