AD 99-16-10 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-400 Series Airplanes

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

Model 747-400 series airplanes as listed in Flight Structures Alert Service Bulletins 92FS082-53-A1, 92FS024-53- A1, and 94FS409-53-A2, all dated March 2, 1999, and 94FS448-53-A1, dated February 12, 1999; 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 fatigue cracking of the E-42 satellite communications (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 Inspections (a) Perform a detailed visual inspection of the E-42 SATCOM rack and fuselage (supporting) structure to detect fatigue cracking of the area surrounding the fastener holes, and to detect broken or missing fasteners, at the time specified in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, as applicable; in accordance with Flight Structures Alert Service Bulletin 92FS082-53-A1, 92FS024-53-A1, or 94FS409-53-A2, all dated March 2, 1999; or 94FS448-53-A1, dated February 12, 1999, as applicable. Thereafter, repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 3,000 flight hours. (1) For all airplanes identified as Group 1 in the applicable alert service bulletin: Inspect within 30 days after the effective date of this AD. (2) For all airplanes identified as Group 2 in the applicable alert service bulletin: Inspect 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 fatigue 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, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Thereafter, repeat the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, at intervals not to exceed 3,000 flight hours. Reporting Requirements (c) Submit a report of the initial inspection findings (positive and negative) to the [[Page 43056]] Manager, Los Angeles ACO, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5322; fax (562) 627-5210; at the applicable time specified in paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) of the AD, as applicable. The report must include the initial inspection results, a description of any discrepancy found, the airplane serial number, 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. (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 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, Los Angeles ACO. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Los Angeles ACO. Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Los Angeles ACO. Special Flight Permits (e) 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, 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 Flight Structures Alert Service Bulletin 92FS082-53-A1, dated March 2, 1999; Flight Structures Alert Service Bulletin 92FS024-53-A1, dated March 2, 1999; Flight Structures Alert Service Bulletin 94FS409-53- A2, dated March 2, 1999; or Flight Structures Alert Service Bulletin 94FS448-53-A1, dated February 12, 1999, as applicable. 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 Flight Structures Inc., 4407 172nd Street NE, Arlington, Washington 98223. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at Los Angeles ACO, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. (g) This amendment becomes effective on August 24, 1999. Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 29, 1999. D.L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 99-20059 Filed 8-6-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U