AD 99-11-15 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 Series Airplanes

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

Model 747 series airplanes, as listed in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-27- [[Page 29785]] 2367, Revision 1, dated December 17, 1998; certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To detect and correct an improperly installed aileron cable, which could lead to the failure of the aileron cable, and consequent reduced lateral control capability of the airplane, accomplish the following: One-Time Inspections and Corrective Actions (a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time detailed visual inspection to detect improper installation or fraying of the aileron cables on both wings. In addition, perform a one-time detailed visual inspection of the aileron cable markers on both wings to detect improper identification or location. Perform both inspections in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747- 27-2367, dated June 25, 1998, or Revision 1, dated December 17, 1998. Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual inspection is defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.'' (1) If no improperly installed or frayed aileron cable is found, and if no aileron cable marker is improperly identified or located, no further action is required by this AD. (2) If any aileron cable is found to be improperly installed (but not frayed), prior to further flight, reroute the discrepant aileron cable in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. (3) If any aileron cable is found to be frayed, prior to further flight, replace the discrepant aileron cable with a new aileron cable in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. (4) If any aileron cable marker is found to be improperly identified or located, prior to further flight, replace the discrepant aileron cable marker with a new aileron cable marker in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. Reporting Requirement (b) Within 30 days after accomplishing the detailed visual inspections required by paragraph (a) of this AD, submit a report of the inspection results (adverse findings only) to the Manager, Boeing Certificate Management Office, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 2500 East Valley Road, Suite C2, Renton, Washington 98055; fax (425) 227-1159. Required information for each report must include the following: description of the adverse finding, airplane serial number, and total flight cycles and flight hours accumulated at the time of the inspection. Information collection requirements contained in this regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. Alternative Methods of Compliance (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Seattle ACO. Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Seattle ACO. Special Flight Permits (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with Secs. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. Incorporation by Reference (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 747-27-2367, dated June 25, 1998; or Boeing Service Bulletin 747-27-2367, Revision 1, dated December 17, 1998. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. (f) This amendment becomes effective on July 8, 1999. Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 21, 1999. D.L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 99-13874 Filed 6-2-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U