2003-04-11: Nacelle struts

2003-04-11 Boeing: Amendment 39-13059. Docket 2002-NM-23-AD. \n\n\tApplicability: Model 747-200B and -200F series airplanes powered by Pratt & Whitney JT9D-70 series engines, certificated in any category; as listed in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-54-2210, dated December 19, 2001. \n\n\tNote 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. \n\n\tCompliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. \n\n\tTo find and fix heat damage of the pylon skin and internal structure of the nacelle struts, which could result in cracking or fracture of the struts, and consequent reduced structural integrity and possible separation of the strut and engine from the airplane; accomplish the following: \n\nRepetitive Inspections/Corrective Action \n\n\t(a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD: Do a detailed inspection of the pylon skin and internal structure of the nacelle struts adjacent to and aft of the precooler exhaust vent for heat discoloration, wrinkling, and cracking, per the Work Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-54- 2210, dated December 19, 2001, excluding Evaluation Form. Repeat the inspection at least every 18 months. \n\n\tNote 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." \n\n\t(1) If any sign of heat discoloration is found, but there is no wrinkling: Before further flight, do a conductivity test of the discolored area(s) per the service bulletin. If the conductivity test is within the limits specified in Figures 3 and 4, as applicable, of the Work Instructions of the service bulletin, and no cracking is found, before further flight, do a penetrant or high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection for cracking.\n \n\t(2) If any sign of wrinkling is found: Before further flight, do a penetrant or HFEC inspection of the wrinkled area(s) for cracking, per the service bulletin. \n\n\t(3) If any signof cracking is found: Before further flight, do the corrective action required by paragraph (b) of this AD. \n\n\t(b) If, during any inspection or test done by this AD, any wrinkling or cracking is found, or the conductivity limits exceed the limits specified in Figures 3 and 4, as applicable, of the Work Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-54- 2210, dated December 19, 2001, excluding Evaluation Form: Before further flight, repair per a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA; or per 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. For a repair method to be approved, the approval must specifically reference this AD. \n\nAlternative Methods of Compliance \n\n\t(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 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. \n\n\tNote 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Seattle ACO. \n\nSpecial Flight Permits \n\n\t(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. \n\nIncorporation by Reference \n\n\t(e) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-54-2210, dated December 19, 2001, excluding Evaluation Form. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5U.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. \n\nEffective Date \n\n\t(f) This amendment becomes effective on April 8, 2003.