Adoption of the Amendment \n\n\n\tAccordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: \n\nPART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\n0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: \n\n\n\tAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\n\n\nSec. 39.13 (Amended) \n\n0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012-13-08, Amendment 39-17110 (77 FR 40481, July 10, 2012), and adding the following new AD: \n\n2014-22-11 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18016; Docket No. FAA- 2014-0289; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-146-AD. \n\n(a) Effective Date \n\n\n\tThis AD is effective December 17, 2014. \n\n(b) Affected ADs \n\n\n\tThis AD replaces AD 2012-13-08, Amendment 39-17110 (77 FR 40481, July 10, 2012). \n\n(c) Applicability \n\n\n\tThis AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2502, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2010. \n\n(d) Subject \n\n\n\tAir Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage. \n\n(e) Unsafe Condition \n\n\n\tThis AD was prompted by an analysis by the manufacturer indicating that tension ties are susceptible to widespread fatigue damage. The actions were developed to support the airplane's limit of validity of the engineering data that support the established structural maintenance program. We are issuing this AD to prevent tension ties from becoming severed or disconnected from the frames, which could lead to reduced structural integrity and sudden decompression of the airplane in flight. \n\n(f) Compliance \n\n\n\tComply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. \n\n(g) Retained Actions for Group 1 and Groups 3 Through 6 Airplanes \n\n\n\tThis paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 2012-13-08, Amendment 39-17110 (77 FR 40481,July 10, 2012). For Group 1, and Groups 3 through 6 airplanes identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-53-2502, dated April 21, 2005: At the applicable time in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, do detailed and high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections for cracking of each affected tension tie and of the surrounding structure. If any cracking is found: Before further flight, do all applicable corrective and related investigative actions. Do all actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-53-2502, dated April 21, 2005; or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2502, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2010. Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-53-2502, dated April 21, 2005; or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2502, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2010; specifies to contact Boeing for repair instructions: Before further flight, repair the area using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (n) of this AD. As of August 14, 2012 (the effective date of AD 2012-13-08), only Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2502, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2010, may be used to accomplish the actions required in this paragraph. \n\t(1) For airplanes identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-53-2502, dated April 21, 2005, as Groups 1, 3, and 6 airplanes: Do the first inspections before the accumulation of 20,000 total flight cycles, or within 1,000 flight cycles after February 16, 2006 (the effective date of AD 2006-01-07, Amendment 39-14446 (71 FR 1947, January 12, 2006)), whichever occurs later; and repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4,000 flight cycles until the modification required by paragraph (j) of this AD is accomplished. \n\t(2) For airplanes identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-53-2502, dated April 21, 2005, as Groups 4 and 5 airplanes: Do the first inspections before the accumulation of 17,000 total flight cycles, or within 1,000 flight cycles after February 16, 2006 (the effective date of AD 2006-01-07, Amendment 39-14446 (71 FR 1947, January 12, 2006)), whichever occurs later; and repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3,000 flight cycles until the modification required by paragraph (j) of this AD is accomplished. \n\n(h) Retained Inspections for Group 2 Airplanes \n\n\n\tThis paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 2012-13-08, Amendment 39-17110 (77 FR 40481, July 10, 2012). For Group 2 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747 53A2502, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2010: At the applicable times specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD, do detailed and HFEC inspections for cracking of each affected tension tie and of the surrounding structure, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-53- 2502, dated April 21, 2005; or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747- 53A2502, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2010. If any cracking is found: Before further flight, do all applicable corrective and related investigative actions. Do all actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-53-2502, dated April 21, 2005; or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2502, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2010. Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-53-2502, dated April 21, 2005; or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2502, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2010; specify to contact Boeing for repair instructions: Before further flight, repair the area using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (n) of this AD. As of August 14, 2012 (the effective date of AD 2012-13-08, Amendment 39-17110 (77 FR 40481, July 10, 2012)), only Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2502, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2010, may be used to accomplish the actions required by this paragraph. Repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3,000 flight cycles until the modification required by paragraph (j) of this AD is accomplished. \n\t(1) For stations (STA) 780 through 940: Before the accumulation of 17,000 total flight cycles, or within 1,000 flight cycles after February 16, 2006 (the effective date of AD 2006-01-07, Amendment 39-14446 (71 FR 1947, January 12, 2006)), whichever occurs later. \n\t(2) For STA 720, 740, and 760: At the earlier of the times specified in paragraph (h)(2)(i) or (h)(2)(ii) of this AD. \n\t(i) Before the accumulation of 17,000 total flight cycles, or within 1,000 flight cycles after February 16, 2006 (the effective date of AD 2006-01-07, Amendment 39-14446 (71 FR 1947, January 12, 2006)), whichever occurs later. \n\t(ii) Before the accumulation of 8,000 total flight cycles, or within 1,000 flight cycles after August 14, 2012 (the effective date of AD 2012-13-08, Amendment 39-17110 (77 FR 40481, July 10, 2012)), whichever occurs later.(i) Retained One-Time Inspection for Group 2 Airplanes \n\n\n\tThis paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 2012-13-08, Amendment 39-17110 (77 FR 40481, July 10, 2012). For airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2502, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2010, as Group 2 airplanes: Before the accumulation of 8,000 total flight cycles, or within 1,000 flight cycles after August 14, 2012 (the effective date of AD 2012-13-08), whichever occurs later, do a general visual inspection for correct configuration, as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747- 53A2502, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2010, of each affected tension tie and of the surrounding structure, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747- 53A2502, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2010. \n\t(1) If all tension ties match the correct configurations specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2502, Revision 1, datedJune 17, 2010, no further work is required by this paragraph. \n\t(2) If any incorrect configuration is found, before further flight, do detailed and open fastener-hole HFEC inspections for cracking in the tension tie and frame, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747- 53A2502, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2010. \n\n((Page 67051)) \n\n\n\t(i) If no crack is found during the inspections required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD: Before further flight, install the correct configuration for the tension ties at locations where the incorrect configuration was found, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747- 53A2502, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2010; except where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2502, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2010, specifies to contact Boeing for installation instructions, use a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (n) of this AD. \n\t(ii) If any crack is found during the inspections required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, before further flight, do the actions specified in paragraphs (i)(2)(ii)(A) and (i)(2)(ii)(B) of this AD. \n\t(A) Repair the crack in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2502, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2010; except where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2502, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2010, 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 (n) of this AD. \n\t(B) Install the correct configuration for the tension ties at locations where the incorrect configuration was found, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2502, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2010; except where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2502, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2010, specifies to contact Boeing for installationinstructions, use a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (n) of this AD. \n\n(j) New Tension Tie and Frame Modification and Inspections \n\n\n\t(1) For Groups 1 through 16, Configuration 1, airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013: At the applicable compliance time specified in table 1 of paragraph 1.E., ''Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013, except as required by paragraph (l)(1) of this AD, do tension tie and frame modifications, in accordance with Part 1, and surface HFEC inspections for cracks, in accordance with Part 4, of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747- 53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013. Accomplishment of these modifications terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD. If any crack is found, before further flight, repair the crack using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (n) of this AD. \n\t(2) For Groups 17 and 18 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013: At the applicable time specified in table 6 or table 7, as applicable, of paragraph 1.E., ''Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013, do a tension tie and frame modification (replacement of tension ties and frame structure), in accordance with Part 5 or Part 6, as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013. Accomplishment of these modifications terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD. \n\n(k) New Repetitive Post-Modification Detailed Inspections of Unmodified Areas; Repetitive Post-Modification HFEC Inspections of Modified and Unmodified Areas \n\n\n\t(1) For Groups 1 through 16 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013: At the applicable time specified in table 2 or table 3 of paragraph 1.E., ''Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013, do a detailed inspection for cracking in the unmodified areas of the tension ties, in accordance with Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013. If any cracking is found, before further flight, repair using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (n) of this AD. Repeat the detailed inspection thereafter at the applicable time specified in table 2 or table 3 of paragraph 1.E., ''Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013. \n\t(2) For Groups 1 through 16 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013: At the applicable time specified in table 4 of paragraph 1.E., ''Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013, do eddy current inspections for cracking in all areas of the tension ties (modified and unmodified), in accordance with Part 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013. If any cracking is found, before further flight, repair using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (n) of this AD. Repeat the eddy current inspections thereafter at the time specified in table 4 of paragraph 1.E., ''Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013. \n\t(3) For Groups 1 through 16, Configuration 2, airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013: At the applicable time specified in table 5 of paragraph 1.E., ''Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013, except as provided by paragraph (l)(1) of this AD, do surface HFEC inspections for cracking in the unmodified tension tie center sections, in accordance with Part 4 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013. If any cracking is found, before further flight, repair using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (n) of this AD. If no cracking is found, no further action is required until the repetitive inspections required by paragraphs (k)(1) and (k)(2) begin. \n\t(4) For Groups 17 and 18 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013: At the applicable time specified in table 6 or table 7 of paragraph 1.E., ''Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013, do detailed and HFEC inspections of the modified tension tie and frame structure for cracking, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2502, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2010. Except as required by paragraph (l)(4) of this AD, if any cracking is found, before further flight, repair using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (n) of this AD. Repeat the detailed and HFEC inspections thereafter at the times specified in table 6 or table 7, as applicable, of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013. \n\n(l) Service Information Clarifications and Exceptions \n\n\n\t(1) Where paragraph 1.E., ''Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013, specifies a compliance time ''after the revision 3 date of this service bulletin,'' this AD requires compliance within the specified time after the effective date of this AD. \n\t(2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013, specifies to contact Boeing for repair instructions, this AD requires repair before further flight using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (n) of this AD. \n\t(3) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013, refers to Section 51-10-02 of the Boeing 747-400F Structural Repair Manual (SRM) and Section 51-10-01 of the Boeing 747-100/200/300 SRM as additional sources of guidance for removing small cracks and fatigue damage material from the existing holes in the unmodified center section of the tension tie channels. Where those SRM sections state that ''zero-timing must only be used where specifically permitted in an SRM chapter-section-repair,'' this AD allows the zero-timing procedures specified in those SRM sections. \n\t(4) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013, specifies to contact Boeing for repair instructions, this AD requires repair before further flight using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph(n) of this AD. \n\n(m) Credit for Previous Actions \n\n\n\t(1) This paragraph restates the credit provided in paragraph (m) of AD 2012-13-08, Amendment 39-17110 (77 FR 40481, July 10, 2012). This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by paragraphs (j)(1) and(k)(1) of this AD, if those actions were performed before August 14, 2012 (the effective date of AD 2012-13- 08) using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, dated December 8, 2009, which was incorporated by reference in AD 2012-13-08. \n\t(2) For Groups 1 through 16 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin \n\n((Page 67052)) \n\n747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013: This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by paragraphs (j)(1) and (k)(1) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747- 53A2605, Revision 2, dated December 9, 2011, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD. \n\n(n) Alternative Methodsof Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\n\t(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. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (o)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. \n\t(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. \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 the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by theManager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis of the airplane. \n\t(4) AMOCs approved for inspections required by AD 2012-13-08, Amendment 39-17110 (77 FR 40481, July 10, 2012) are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding inspection provisions of paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD. \n\t(5) AMOCs approved for AD 2012-13-08, Amendment 39-17110 (77 FR 40481, July 10, 2012) that granted modification deviations are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding modification required by paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. \n\n(o) Related Information \n\n\n\t(1) For more information about this AD, contact Nathan Weigand, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6428; fax: 425-917-6590; email: Nathan.P.Weigand@faa.gov. \n\t(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in paragraphs (p)(6) and (p)(7) of this AD. \n\n(p) Material Incorporated by Reference \n\n\n\t(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. \n\t(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. \n\t(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on December 17, 2014. \n\t(i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013. \n\t(ii) Reserved. \n\t(4) The following service information was approved for IBR on August 14, 2012 (77 FR 40481, July 10, 2012). \n\t(i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2502, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2010. \n\t(ii) Reserved. \n\t(5) The following service information was approved for IBR on February 16, 2006 (71 FR 1947, January 12, 2006). \n\t(i) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin747-53-2502, dated April 21, 2005. \n\t(ii) Reserved. \n\t(6) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P. O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544- 5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. \n\t(7) You may view this service information at FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. \n\t(8) You may view this 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.