2009-10-06: Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27: Flight controls.

2009-10-06 Boeing: Amendment 39-15901. Docket No. FAA-2009-0135; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-170-AD. \n\nEffective Date \n\n\t(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 17, 2009. \n\nAffected ADs \n\n\t(b) None. \n\nApplicability \n\n\t(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 747-400 and 747-400D series airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, dated August 21, 2008. \n\nSubject \n\n\t(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53: Fuselage. \n\nUnsafe Condition \n\n\t(e) This AD results from reports of cracks found in the Section 41 upper deck floor beam upper chords. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in these chords, which could become large and cause the floor beams to become severed and result in rapid decompression or reduced controllability of the airplane. \n\nCompliance \n\n\t(f) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. \n\nInspections and CorrectiveActions \n\n\t(g) Except as required by paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: At the applicable times in paragraph 1.E., "Compliance," of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, dated August 21, 2008 ("the service bulletin"), do an inspection (open-hole or surface high frequency eddy current) to detect cracks in the floor panel attachment fastener holes of the Section 41 upper deck floor beam upper chords, and do applicable related investigative and corrective actions, by accomplishing all the applicable actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. Repeat the inspections thereafter at the applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., "Compliance," of the service bulletin. \n\n\t(h) If any crack is found during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747- 53A2688, dated August 21, 2008, specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate action: Before further flight, repair the crack using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD. \n\n\t(i) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, dated August 21, 2008, specifies a compliance time after the date on the service bulletin, this AD requires compliance within the specified compliance time 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 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\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\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 747-53A2688, dated August 21, 2008, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. \n\t(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service informationunder 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. \n\t(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; e-mail [email protected]; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. \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\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.