AD/B747/384 Number 3 Main Entry Doors (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/B747/384 Number 3 Main Entry Doors 12/2008 DM

Applicability:

All Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C,
747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, and 747SR series airplanes with line numbers 1 through 1037.

Requirement:

Action in accordance with the technical requirements of FAA AD 2008-18-07 Amdt 39-15664.

Accomplishment of the applicable repair required by this directive constitutes compliance with the repair of the lower forward door casting (reveal) of the number 3 Main Entry Door only as required by AD/B747/170 Amdt 1 or later approved CASA revision.

Note:  Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-53-2460 Revision 1, dated February 13, 2007 or later FAA approved revision refers.

Compliance:

As specified in the requirement document.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 5 November 2008.

Background:

The FAA have received reports of cracking and/or a sharp edge in the lower forward corner reveal of the number 3 Main Entry Door (MED).  This directive is issued to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the lower forward corner reveal of the number 3 MEDs, which could lead to the door escape slide departing the airplane when the door is opened and the slide is deployed, and consequent injuries to passengers and crew using the door escape slide during an emergency evacuation.

This directive involves inspections and corrective action if necessary.  For certain other airplanes replacement is an optional action for the material type inspection. 

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

2 October 2008