2006-24-05: Cracking of the fuselage skin in section 41

2006-24-05 Boeing: Amendment 39-14834. Docket No. FAA-2006-26388; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-234-AD. \n\nEffective Date \n\n\t(a) This AD becomes effective December 12, 2006. \n\nAffected ADs \n\n\t(b) None. \n\nApplicability \n\n\t(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747- 400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747- 53A2675, dated October 12, 2006. \n\nUnsafe Condition \n\n\t(d) This AD results from a report that fatigue cracks were found in the skin in section 41 of the fuselage, on an in-service Model 747 airplane. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracks at the fastener rows of the fuselage skin in section 41, which could join together and cause a loss of structural integrity and rapid decompression of the airplane. \n\nCompliance \n\n\t(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. \n\nRepetitive Inspections, Investigative and Corrective Actions \n\n\t(f) At the applicable compliance time specified in paragraph 1.E., ''Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2675, dated October 12, 2006, do the applicable inspection for any cracking of the fuselage skin in the section 41 area, and do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions, by accomplishing all the actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2675, dated October 12, 2006, except as provided by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD. Repeat the applicable inspection at intervals not to exceed those specified in paragraph 1.E. of the service bulletin. If any crack is found, do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions before further flight. \n\n\t(g) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2675, dated October 12, 2006, recommends an initial inspection threshold relative to the date on the service bulletin, this AD requires the initial inspection threshold relative to the effective date of this AD. \n\n\t(h) If any crack is found during any inspection required by this AD, and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2675, dated October 12, 2006, specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate action: Before further flight, repair the cracking using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD. \n\nInspection Reports \n\n\t(i) Submit a report of the findings (both positive and negative) of the inspections required by paragraph (f) of this AD to Boeing Commercial Airplanes Group, Attention: Manager, Airline Support, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207, at the applicable time specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this AD. The report must include the inspection results, a description of any discrepancies/crack found, the airplane serial number, and the number of landings and flight hours on the airplane. Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements contained in this AD and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. \n\n\t(1) For each inspection done after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after the inspection. \n\n\t(2) For each inspection accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after the effective date of this AD. \n\nAlternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\t(j)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. \n\n\t(2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec. 39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding District Office. \n\n\t(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair required by this AD, if it is approved by an Authorized Representative for the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Delegation Option Authorization Organization who has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. \n\nMaterial Incorporated by Reference \n\n\t(k) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2675, dated October 12, 2006, to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this document in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207, for a copy of this service information. You may review copies at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal--register/code--of--federal--regulations/ibr-- locations.html.