AD 2008-04-06 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 707 Airplanes and Model 720 and 720B Series Airplanes

Models named: 707-100 long body, -200, -100B long body, -100B short body series, 707-300, -300B, -300C, -400 series, 720, 720B series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to all Boeing Model 707-100 long body, -200, -100B long body, and -100B short body series airplanes; Model 707-300, -300B, -300C, and -400 series airplanes; and Model 720 and 720B series airplanes, certificated in any category.

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 Replacement (f) At the applicable times specified in Tables 1, 2, and 3 of paragraph 1.E. of Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3526, dated June 4, 2007, except as provided by paragraph (g) of this AD: Do the internal and external detailed inspections for any cracking of or damage to the left side and right side flight deck No. 2, No. 4, and No. 5 windows, as applicable, and do the applicable corrective actions before further flight, by accomplishing all of the applicable actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3526, dated June 4, 2007. Repeat the inspections thereafter at the applicable interval specified in paragraph 1.E. of Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3526, dated June 4, 2007. Exception to Compliance Times (g) Where Tables 1, 2, and 3 of paragraph 1.E. of Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3526, dated June 4, 2007, specify counting the compliance time from “* * * the date on this service bulletin,” this AD requires counting the compliance time from the effective date of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (h)(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 (i) You must use Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3526, dated June 4, 2007, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. (3) You may review copies of the service information incorporated by reference 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html . Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 11, 2008. Stephen P. Boyd, Assistant Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8-2994 Filed 2-21-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from reports of in-flight departure and separation of the flight deck windows. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking in the vinyl interlayer or damage to the structural inner glass panes of the flight deck No. 2, No. 4, and No. 5 windows, which could result in loss of a window and rapid loss of cabin pressure. Loss of cabin pressure could cause crew communication difficulties or crew incapacitation.