AD/B747/380 External Skin Doublers (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/B747/380 External Skin Doublers 8/2008

Applicability:

Model 747-100, -100B, -200B, -200C, -200F, -300, 747SR, and 747SP series aircraft.

Requirement:

Action in accordance with the technical requirements of FAA AD 2008-10-15 Amdt 39-15522.

Note:  Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2748 original issue, or later FAA approved revision, refers.

Compliance:

As specified in the Requirement document, with a revised effective date of
31 July 2008.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 31 July 2008.

Background:

The FAA received a report of cracked fastener holes at the right S-6 lap splice between STA 340 and STA 380.  Undetected cracking in the fuselage skin could result in rapid decompression and loss of structural integrity.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

12 June 2008