2009-06-02: Detect and correct cracks in the fuselage skin that can propagate and grow, resulting in a loss of structural integrity and a sudden decompression of the airplane during flight.

2009-06-02 Boeing: Amendment 39-15838. Docket No. FAA-2008-1072; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-109-AD. \n\nEffective Date \n\n\t(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 20, 2009. \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, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2682, dated May 8, 2008. \n\nUnsafe Condition \n\n\t(d) This AD results from a wide-spread fatigue damage assessment of Model 747 airplanes. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the fuselage skin that can propagate and grow, resulting in a loss of structural integrity and sudden decompression of the airplane during flight. \n\nCompliance \n\n\t(e) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. \n\nInspections/Repair \n\n\t(f) Except as provided by paragraphs (g)and (h) of this AD: At the applicable compliance times specified in paragraph 1.E. of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2682, dated May 8, 2008 ("the service bulletin''), do an external detailed inspection or external high frequency eddy current inspection for skin cracks at the shear tie end fastener locations of the fuselage frames, and repair any skin cracks before further flight, by accomplishing all of the applicable actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. Repeat the applicable inspection thereafter at the applicable interval specified in paragraph 1.E. of the service bulletin. \n\nExceptions to the Service Bulletin \n\n\t(g) Where paragraph 1.E. of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747- 53A2682, dated May 8, 2008, specifies counting the compliance time from "* * * the date on this service bulletin,'' this AD requires counting the compliance time from the effective date of this AD. \n\n\t(h) If any crack is found in a structural repair manual skin repair during any inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD, and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2682, dated May 8, 2008, specifies to contact Boeing for repair: Before further flight, repair using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this AD. \n\nAlternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\t(i)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Ivan Li, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6437; fax (425) 917-6590. \n\n\t(2) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. \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(j) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2682, dated May 8, 2008, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. \n\n\t(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. \n\n\t(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-9990; fax 206-766-5682; e-mail [email protected]; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. \n\n\t(3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221 or 425-227-1152. \n\n\t(4) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http:// www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ ibr_locations.html.