AD 99-24-16 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 Alert Service Bulletin 747-27A2364, dated September 3, 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 prevent deterioration of cable guards in the lateral control system, which could result in a jam of the lateral control system and consequent reduced lateral controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: Replacement (a) Within 2 years after the effective date of this AD, remove existing cable guards in the lateral control system and replace with new, improved cable guards in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-27A2364, dated September 3, 1998. Note 2: Removal of existing cable guards and replacement with new, improved cable guards between Stations 300 and 420 accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD in accordance with Boeing Service Letter 747-SL-27-134, dated December 23, 1993, is considered acceptable for compliance with paragraph (a) of this AD. Spares (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install a cable guard with a part number and dash number listed in Table 1 of this AD, on any airplane. Table 1.--Cable Guards Not To Be Installed ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Part No. Part dash No. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 65B82025................................. 65B82025-2 through 65B82025-4 inclusive 65B82025-9 through 65B82025-10 inclusive 65B82025-17 through 65B82025-22 inclusive 65B82025-25 65B82025-27 through 65B82025-46 inclusive 65B82025-48 through 65B82025-57 inclusive 65B82204................................. 65B82204-9 through 65B82204-10 inclusive 65B82204-18 through 65B82204-22 inclusive 65B82204-25 65B82204-31 through 65B82204-40 inclusive 65B82204-43 through 65B82204-44 inclusive 65B82204-61 through 65B82204-76 inclusive 65B82204-81 through 65B82204-86 inclusive 65B82443................................. 65B82443-9 through 65B82443-10 inclusive 65B82443-12 65B82443-14 through 65B82443-18 inclusive 65B82443-21 through 65B82443-22 inclusive 65B82443-26 through 65B82443-31 inclusive ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 [[Page 66754]] 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 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. Incorporation by Reference (e) The replacement shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-27A2364, dated September 3, 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 January 4, 2000. Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 18, 1999. D.L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 99-30629 Filed 11-29-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P