AD 99-14-04 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-300 and -400 Series Airplanes

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

Model 747-300 series airplanes, as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2428, dated December 17, 1998; and Model 747-400 series airplanes equipped with a Boeing installed E-42 satellite communications (SATCOM) rack; 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 (d) 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 repair cracking of the E-42 SATCOM rack and its supporting structure, which could result in the SATCOM equipment falling from the rack, loss of SATCOM capabilities, injury to passengers, and reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: Initial and Repetitive Detailed Visual Inspections (a) Perform a detailed visual inspection of the E-42 SATCOM rack and fuselage (supporting) structure to detect cracking in the area surrounding the fastener holes, and to detect broken or missing fasteners, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747- 53A2428, dated December 17, 1998, at the time specified in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, as applicable. Thereafter, repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 3,000 flight hours. (1) For airplanes identified as Group 1: Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD. (2) For airplanes identified as Groups 2, 3, and 4: Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD. Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed 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.'' Corrective Actions (b) If any cracking is found, or if any fastener is broken or missing, during any inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight: Repair in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; or in accordance with data meeting the type certification basis of the airplane approved by a Boeing Company Designated Engineering Representative who has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make such findings. Repeat the detailed visual inspection of the SATCOM rack and fuselage (supporting) structure thereafter at the intervals specified by paragraph (a) of this AD. Reporting Requirements (c) Submit a report of the initial inspection findings (positive and negative) to Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, Attention: Manager, Airline Support, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124- 2207; at the time specified in paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this AD, as applicable. The report must include a description of any discrepancy found, the airplane serial number, the number of landings and flight hours on the airplane, and, when possible, sketches and photographs of the inspected area. 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. [[Page 34710]] (1) For airplanes on which the initial inspection is accomplished after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after performing the initial inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD. (2) For airplanes on which the initial inspection has been accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (d) 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 ACO. 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 (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 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, provided that all the equipment is removed from the E-42 SATCOM rack. Incorporation by Reference (f) The inspections shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2428, 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. (g) This amendment becomes effective on July 14, 1999. Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 22, 1999. D.L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 99-16326 Filed 6-28-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P