AD 2000-08-14
Applicability
| Type | Manufacturer | Model | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | 747-100 Series | Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 Series Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | 747-100B Series | Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 Series Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | 747-100B SUD Series | Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 Series Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | 747-200B Series | Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 Series Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | 747-200C Series | Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 Series Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | 747-200F Series | Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 Series Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | 747-300 Series | Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 Series Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | 747-400 Series | Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 Series Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | 747-400D Series | Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 Series Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | 747-400F Series | Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 Series Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | 747SP Series | Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 Series Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | 747SR Series | Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 Series Airplanes |
Unsafe Condition
Cracking of H-11 steel bolts at the wing rear spar side-of-body on the lower chord splice plate and kick fitting due to stress corrosion, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the wing-to-body joint structure.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Required Actions
Conduct repetitive inspections or checks to detect broken H-11 steel bolts; replace any cracked or broken bolts; and eventually replace all existing H-11 steel bolts with new Inconel bolts as terminating action.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Compliance Time
Within 12 months of effective date for initial inspection; repetitive inspections every 18 months thereafter.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Affected Aircraft
Boeing Model 747 series airplanes, as specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-57A2309, Revision 1.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Federal Register Abstract
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 747 series airplanes, that requires repetitive inspections or checks to detect broken H-11 steel bolts at the wing rear spar side-of-body on the lower chord splice plate and kick fitting; and corrective actions, if necessary. This AD also requires eventual replacement of the existing bolts with new Inconel bolts, which constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This amendment is prompted by a report of broken bolts at the wing rear spar side-of-body on the lower chord splice plate. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent cracking of the bolts due to stress corrosion, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the wing-to-body joint structure.
Document Text
Show stored source text (verify against official source)
[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 82 (Thursday, April 27, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24631-24635]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 00-10161]
=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 99-NM-56-AD; Amendment 39-11700; AD 2000-08-14]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain Boeing Model 747 series airplanes, that requires
repetitive inspections or checks to detect broken H-11 steel bolts at
the wing rear spar side-of-body on the lower chord splice plate and
kick fitting; and corrective actions, if necessary. This AD also
requires eventual replacement of the existing bolts with new Inconel
bolts, which constitutes terminating action for the repetitive
inspections. This amendment is prompted by a report of broken bolts at
the wing rear spar side-of-body on the lower chord splice plate. The
actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent cracking of the
bolts due to stress corrosion, which could result in reduced structural
integrity of the wing-to-body joint structure.
DATES: Effective June 1, 2000.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of June 1, 2000.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P. O. Box 3707,
Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. This information may be examined at the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate,
Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite
700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tamara L. Anderson, Aerospace
Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue,
SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2771; fax (425)
227-1181.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Boeing Model 747 series
airplanes was published in the Federal Register on September 2, 1999
(64 FR 48120). That action proposed to require repetitive inspections
or checks to detect broken H-11 steel bolts at the wing rear spar side-
of-body on the lower chord splice plate and kick fitting; and
corrective actions, if necessary.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the comments received.
Request To Reference Revised Service Bulletin
One commenter requests that the FAA revise paragraph (d) of the
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to allow accomplishment of the
terminating action in accordance with either the original issue of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-57A2309, dated February 25, 1999
(which is referenced as the appropriate source of service information
in the NPRM), or Boeing Service Bulletin 747-57A2309, Revision 1, dated
December 22, 1999.
The FAA concurs with the commenter's request. Since the issuance of
the NPRM, the FAA has reviewed and approved Boeing Service Bulletin
747-57A2309, Revision 1. The procedures specified in that service
bulletin are substantially similar to those in the original issue.
Among other things, Revision 1 of the service bulletin references kits
with cadmium-plated nuts instead of passivated nuts and revises jacking
instructions. The FAA finds that use of either the original issue or
Revision 1 of the service bulletin is acceptable for compliance with
all actions specified in this AD. Therefore, the FAA is revising
paragraphs (a), (b), and (d), of this final rule to reference Revision
1, as well as the original issue of the service bulletin.
In addition, no new airplanes are added to the effectivity listing
in Revision 1 of the service bulletin, but the effectivity listing does
show changes in airplane operators. Therefore, for clarity, the
applicability statement of this final rule has been revised to refer to
airplanes listed in Revision 1 instead of the original issue of the
service bulletin.
Request To Revise Paragraph (c)
One commenter requests that paragraph (c) of the proposed AD be
revised to refer not only to paragraph (b), as specified in the
proposal, but also to paragraph (d)(1). The commenter points out that
paragraph (c) of the proposal only refers to cracks found during
accomplishment of corrective action required by paragraph (b), but
paragraph (d)(1) of the proposal also refers to accomplishment of
necessary corrective actions in accordance with paragraph (c). The
commenter recommends that paragraph (c) of this AD be revised to read
as follows: ``If any crack is detected during any corrective action
required by paragraph (b) of this AD or during terminating action
required by paragraph (d)(1) of this AD. * * *'' The FAA concurs with
the commenter's request, and has revised paragraph (c) of this final
rule accordingly.
Request To Clarify Number of Fasteners
One commenter requests that the FAA revise paragraphs (d)(1) and
(d)(2) of the proposed rule to accurately state the correct number of
fasteners for all groups of airplanes listed in the service bulletin.
The commenter points out that airplanes in Group 2 have only four high
strength H-11 steel bolts common to the rear spar lower chord splice
plate, while airplanes in Groups 1, 3, 4, and 5 have eight high
strength H-11 steel bolts common to the rear spar lower chord splice
plate.
The same commenter requests that the FAA revise paragraphs (d)(1)
and (d)(2) of the proposed AD to also explicitly state that the number
of high strength H-11 steel bolts listed in those paragraphs of the AD
are the numbers for each side. The commenter states that this change is
necessary for clarity.
The FAA partially concurs with the commenter's request. The FAA
acknowledges that airplanes in Group 2 have only four high strength H-
11 steel bolts common to the rear spar lower chord splice plate, while
airplanes in
[[Page 24632]]
Groups 1, 3, 4, and 5 have eight high strength H-11 steel bolts common
to the rear spar lower chord splice plate.
However, the FAA finds that revising paragraphs (d)(1) and (d)(2)
of this AD to refer separately to airplanes in Group 2 and airplanes in
Groups 1, 3, 4, and 5; and to specify that the numbers given are for
each side of the airplane; would unnecessarily complicate these
paragraphs. Paragraph (d) of this AD states that the actions required
by paragraphs (d)(1) and (d)(2) of this AD are to be accomplished in
accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-57A2309, or Boeing
Service Bulletin 747-57A2309, Revision 1. Boeing Service Bulletin 747-
57A2309, Revision 1, clarifies the difference in number of high
strength H-11 steel bolts common to the rear spar lower chord splice
plate between airplanes in Group 2 and airplanes in Groups 1, 3, 4, and
5. The correct number of bolts is shown in Figure 1 of the service
bulletin. In addition, the accomplishment instructions in both the
original issue and Revision 1 of the service bulletin make it clear
that the number of fasteners are per fitting, and fittings are
installed on both sides of the airplane.
In acknowledgement of the commenter's request, the FAA has revised
paragraphs (d)(1) and (d)(2) of this final rule to delete references to
specific numbers of bolts, and to instead refer to ``all high strength
H-11 steel bolts common to the rear spar lower chord splice plate and
common to the wing rear spar lower chord kick fitting.'' The FAA finds
that no further clarification is necessary in this regard.
Request To Base Compliance Times on Accumulated Flight Hours
One commenter requests that the FAA base compliance times for the
proposed actions on the total number of flight hours an airplane has
accumulated. (The FAA infers that the commenter is referring to the
number of flight hours an airplane has accumulated as of the effective
date of this AD.) The commenter requests one compliance time for
airplanes with fewer than 45,000 total flight hours, and one for
airplanes with more than 45,000 total flight hours. The commenter
explains that, according to worldwide reports, the average number of
flight hours for an airplane on which damage has been found is 45,000
flight hours. The commenter does not state what compliance times it
would consider appropriate, nor does it provide any other technical
justification for establishing separate compliance times.
The FAA does not concur with the commenter's request. The FAA finds
no justification for the assumption that airplanes with fewer than
45,000 total flight hours will have fewer broken bolts than airplanes
with 45,000 total flight hours or more. Indeed, the FAA has determined
that broken bolts have been found on airplanes that have accumulated
from 10,000 to 83,704 total flight hours. No change to the final rule
is necessary in this regard.
Request To Increase Threshold for Initial Inspection
One commenter requests that the FAA revise paragraph (a) of the
proposed rule to increase the threshold for the initial inspection from
12 months to 18 months. The commenter wants the initial inspection
threshold to be the same as the repetitive inspection interval. The
commenter provides no technical justification for its request.
The FAA does not concur with the commenter's request. In developing
an appropriate compliance time for this action, the FAA considered not
only the manufacturer's recommendation for the inspection threshold
(one year), but also the safety implications for timely accomplishment
of the initial inspection. In consideration of these items, the FAA has
determined that 12 months represents an appropriate interval of time
allowable wherein an acceptable level of safety can be maintained. No
change to the final rule is necessary in this regard.
Request To Provide Repetitive Inspection Interval in Flight Hours
One commenter requests that the paragraph (a) of the proposed rule
be revised to provide a repetitive inspection interval in flight hours
instead of calendar time (18 months). The commenter explains that
stress corrosion cracking is related to the H-11 material of the bolt,
and the tension loads on the lower chord when the airplane is in the
air. The commenter does not specify what flight hour interval it
considers appropriate.
The FAA does not concur with the commenter's request. The
repetitive inspection interval of 18 months is intended to make the
inspections convenient for operators to accomplish at a regularly
scheduled maintenance visit. No change to the final rule is necessary
in this regard.
Request To Clarify Intent of Service Bulletin
One commenter requests that the FAA revise paragraph (b) of the
proposal to clarify the inspection processes intended by the service
bulletin, and to clarify that cracked bolts, as well as broken bolts,
must be replaced. The commenter states that paragraph (b) should read,
``If there is any indication of cracked or broken bolts as indicated by
cracks in the sealant, sealant separated from the bolt or structure,
gaps under the bolt head or nut, bolt movement[,]or fuel leaks, perform
the ultrasonic inspection or torque check in accordance with [the
service bulletin]. If indications of a cracked or broken bolt are
confirmed by the ultrasonic inspection or torque check, replace the
bolt with an Inconel 718 bolt in accordance with [the service
bulletin], prior to further flight.''
The FAA does not concur with the commenter's request. Paragraph (a)
of this AD requires a detailed visual inspection or an ultrasonic
inspection or torque check to detect broken bolts. That paragraph
specifies the inspection is to be accomplished in accordance with the
service bulletin. As specified in Notes (a) and (b) of Figures 3, 4,
and 5 of the service bulletin, the detailed visual inspection includes
inspections for cracks in the sealant, sealant separated from the bolt
or structure, gaps under the bolt head or nut, bolt movement, or fuel
leaks. Any of these discrepancies could indicate broken bolts.
Paragraph (b) states that if there is any indication of a broken bolt,
the applicable corrective action must be performed in accordance with
the service bulletin. The FAA finds that, for the purposes of this AD,
the work instructions specified in the service bulletin are sufficient,
and it is not necessary to repeat such instructions in the text of the
AD. In addition, the FAA notes that cracked bolts are only expected to
be detected by an ultrasonic inspection. If an indication of a crack is
found during the ultrasonic inspection, the service bulletin specifies
that the bolt must be removed. In accordance with paragraph (e) of this
AD, this AD does not allow installation of H-11 steel bolts; therefore,
the cracked (or broken) bolt must be replaced. The FAA finds that no
change to the final rule is necessary in this regard.
Request To Clarify Intent of Corrective Action
A commenter requests that the FAA revise paragraph (c) of the
proposed rule to read, ``If any crack in the splice is detected during
the open hole high frequency eddy current inspection during any
corrective action required by paragraph (b) of this AD; * * *'' The
commenter states that the inspection is intended to detect cracks in
the fastener holes of the splice members, not cracks in the bolts.
The FAA does not concur with the commenter's request. The FAA finds
[[Page 24633]]
that it is appropriate for paragraph (c) of this final rule to continue
to refer to ``any crack detected during any corrective action * * *,''
because cracks may be detected in the splice fitting, kick fitting,
skin, et cetera. No change to the final rule is necessary in this
regard.
Request To Extend Compliance Time
One commenter requests that the compliance time for the bolt
replacement proposed in paragraph (d) of the NPRM be revised from 48
months after the effective date of this AD to at the next ``D'' check.
The commenter expresses concern that 48 months will not allow enough
time to plan the bolt replacement and procure parts. Similarly, a
second commenter (an operator) requests that the compliance time be
extended to 72 months to coincide with that operator's ``D'' check
interval. The commenter states that, with a compliance time of 48
months, the proposed bolt replacement would have to be accomplished on
several airplanes during a ``C'' check, rather than a ``D'' check. The
commenter notes that, to accomplish the proposed terminating action,
the fuel tanks must be purged. The commenter explains that purging the
fuel tanks is standard procedure during a ``D'' check, but not during a
``C'' check. The commenter states that draining the fuel tanks during a
``C'' check will have a serious impact on the downtime for the
maintenance visit. Also, the commenter asserts that the area subject to
this AD was not recognized as a potential critical area in AD 89-23-07,
amendment 39-6376 (54 FR 43801, October 27, 1989), and AD 94-07-06,
amendment 39-8864 (59 FR 15854, April 5, 1994).
The FAA does not concur with the commenters' request to extend the
compliance time for accomplishment of the terminating action. In
developing an appropriate compliance time for this action, the FAA
considered not only the degree of urgency associated with addressing
the subject unsafe condition, but the availability of required parts
and the practical aspect of accomplishing the required actions within
an interval of time that parallels normal scheduled maintenance for the
majority of affected operators. The FAA finds that 48 months is an
adequate amount of time for most operators to accomplish the
modification at a scheduled heavy maintenance visit. Also, Revision 1
of the service bulletin quotes a lead time of 30 weeks for obtaining
repair kits, so the FAA does not anticipate that operators will have
difficulty getting the required parts within the 48-month compliance
time.
With regard to the second commenter's remark that the area subject
to this AD (in which H-11 steel bolts are installed) was not recognized
as a potential critical area in other rulemaking actions, the FAA
points out that one operator has reported four of the eight H-11 steel
bolts broken. The manufacturer's analysis indicates that four broken
bolts would result in the structure being unable to carry limit loads.
The AD's that the commenter references did not take into consideration
that multiple bolts may be broken. Additionally, the FAA notes that the
wing rear spar side-of-body lower splice plate and kick fitting are
primary structure. For all of these reasons, the FAA considers a
compliance time of 48 months to be warranted for accomplishment of the
terminating action, in that it represents an appropriate interval of
time allowable for affected airplanes to continue to operate without
compromising safety. No change to the final rule is necessary in this
regard.
Request To Clarify ``Spares'' Paragraph
One commenter requests that the FAA revise paragraph (e) of the
NPRM to change the words ``on any airplane'' to ``on any Boeing 747
airplane that is listed in the effectivity of [Boeing Service Bulletin]
747-57A2309.'' The commenter states that an operator was confused about
the meaning of the paragraph as it is phrased in the NPRM.
The FAA does not concur with the commenter's request. The
applicability statement of all AD actions lists all models affected by
that AD. All of the requirements stated in an AD are applicable only to
the airplane models listed in the applicability. The FAA finds that
there is no justification for making the change requested by the
commenter. No change to the final rule is necessary in this regard.
Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, including the comments
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public
interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes previously
described. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of
the AD.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 523 Model 747 series airplanes of the
affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 115
airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD.
It will take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish
the required inspection, at the average labor rate of $60 per work
hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the inspection
required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $6,900, or $60
per airplane, per inspection cycle.
It will take approximately 13 (Groups 1, 3, 4, and 5 airplanes) and
10 (Group 2 airplanes) work hours per airplane to accomplish the open
hole HFEC inspection and replacement, at the average labor rate of $60
per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $4,500 per
airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S.
operators is estimated to be $5,280 (Groups 1, 3, 4, and 5 airplanes)
and $5,100 (Group 2 airplanes) per airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this
AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the
future if this AD were not adopted.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein will not have a substantial direct
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national
Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, it
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) will not have a
significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial
number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
[[Page 24634]]
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
2000-08-14 Boeing: Amendment 39-11700. Docket 99-NM-56-AD.
Applicability: Model 747 series airplanes, as listed in Boeing
Service Bulletin 747-57A2309, Revision 1, dated December 22, 1999,
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 (f) 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.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent cracking of the high strength H-11 steel bolts on the
wing rear spar side-of-body on the lower chord splice plate and kick
fitting due to stress corrosion, which could result in reduced
structural integrity of the wing-to-body joint structure, accomplish
the following:
Repetitive Inspections
(a) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD,
perform a detailed visual inspection, or alternatively, an
ultrasonic inspection or torque check, to detect broken H-11 steel
bolts common to the rear spar lower chord splice plate and the H-11
steel bolts common to the wing rear spar lower chord kick fitting,
in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-57A2309, dated
February 25, 1999, or Boeing Service Bulletin 747-57A2309, Revision
1, dated December 22, 1999. Thereafter, repeat the applicable
inspection or torque check at intervals not to exceed 18 months,
until accomplishment of the actions specified in paragraph (d) of
this AD.
Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual
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.''
Corrective Actions
(b) If there is any detection or indication that any bolt is
broken during the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD,
prior to further flight, perform the applicable corrective action
[i.e., ultrasonic inspection, torque check, high frequency eddy
current (HFEC) inspection, repair, and replacement] in accordance
with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-57A2309, dated February 25,
1999, or Boeing Service Bulletin 747-57A2309, Revision 1, dated
December 22, 1999, except as provided in paragraph (c) of this AD.
Replacement of a broken bolt with a new Inconel bolt in accordance
with the service bulletin constitutes terminating action for the
repetitive inspection requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD for
that bolt only.
(c) If any crack is detected during any corrective action
required by paragraph (b) of this AD, or during the terminating
action required by paragraph (d)(1) of this AD, and the service
bulletin specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate action: Prior
to further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by
the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate; or in accordance with 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 by the Manager, Seattle ACO, as
required by this paragraph, the Manager's approval letter must
specifically reference this AD.
Terminating Action
(d) Within 48 months after the effective date of this AD,
accomplish the actions required by paragraphs (d)(1) and (d)(2) of
this AD in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
57A2309, dated February 25, 1999, or Boeing Service Bulletin 747-
57A2309, Revision 1, dated December 22, 1999. Accomplishment of the
actions specified in this paragraph constitutes terminating action
for the repetitive inspection requirements of this AD.
(1) Prior to accomplishing the replacement required by paragraph
(d)(2) of this AD, perform an open hole HFEC inspection to detect
cracks at the bolt hole location for all high strength H-11 steel
bolts common to the rear spar lower chord splice plate and all high
strength H-11 steel bolts common to the wing rear spar lower chord
kick fitting. If any crack is detected, prior to further flight,
perform applicable corrective actions in accordance with paragraph
(c) of this AD.
(2) Replace all high strength H-11 steel bolts common to the
rear spar lower chord splice plate and all high strength H-11 steel
bolts common to the wing rear spar lower chord kick fitting with new
Inconel bolts.
Spares
(e) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install
an H-11 steel bolt having part number (P/N) BACB30MT ( ) * ( ) or
BACB30TR ( ) * ( ), or any other H-11 steel bolt, in the locations
specified in this AD, on any airplane.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(f) 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.
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
(g) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
Secs. 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
(h) Except as provided by paragraph (c) of this AD, the actions
shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
57A2309, including Appendix A, dated February 25, 1999, or Boeing
Service Bulletin 747-57A2309, Revision 1, including Appendix A,
dated December 22, 1999. 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
[[Page 24635]]
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW.,
suite 700, Washington, DC.
(i) This amendment becomes effective on June 1, 2000.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 18, 2000.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-10161 Filed 4-26-00; 8:45 am]
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