AD/B747/343 Stretched Upper Deck Frame and Tension Tie (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.001(1) of CASR 1998.  The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes

AD/B747/343 Stretched Upper Deck Frame and Tension Tie 6/2006

Applicability:

Model 747-100B SUD, -300, -400, and -400D series aircraft; and Model 747-200B series aircraft having a stretched upper deck.

Requirement:

Action in accordance with the technical requirements of FAA AD 2006-06-11 Amdt 39-14520.

Note:  Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2507, original issue, or later FAA approved revision, refers.

Compliance:

As specified in the Requirement document, with a revised effective date of
8 June 2006.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 8 June 2006.

Background:

The FAA received new reports of severed tension ties, as well as numerous reports of cracked tension ties, broken fasteners, and cracks in the frame, shear web, and shear ties adjacent to tension ties for the upper deck.  Such cracking, unless detected and corrected, could result in rapid decompression of the aircraft.

Richard Castles
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

18 April 2006