Federal Register #2026-10803

FAA Airworthiness Directive: Corrosion Inspections for Boeing 747 SATCOM Antenna Adapter Plate

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an airworthiness directive (AD) targeting corrosion issues on Boeing 747 series airplanes: - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Aircraft Certification Service, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch - OEMs and Vendors: - The Boeing Company (primary OEM for 747 series airplanes) - Airbus S.A.S. (referenced for a separate AD on A318, A319, A320, A321 seat rail bushings) - Products/Services Requested: - Repetitive detailed inspections of the SATCOM high gain antenna adapter plate for corrosion on all Boeing 747 series models - Estimated 115 U.S. airplanes affected - Inspection cost estimated at $935 per cycle - On-condition actions: - Repair of adapter plate if corrosion depth is less than or equal to 0.005 inch - Replacement of adapter plate if corrosion depth exceeds 0.005 inch - Compliance with Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-23A2628 RB - For certain Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 models: replacement of nylon bushes with bronze bushes in seat rail connections (separate AD) - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Inspections are required every 48 or 96 months, depending on findings - On-condition repairs or replacements must be performed as needed - The directive is intended to prevent unsafe conditions that could compromise flight safety - Alternative methods of compliance (AMOC) may be approved by the FAA - Locations: - FAA Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, Des Moines, WA (primary office) - U.S. Department of Transportation Docket Operations, Washington, DC (contracting office)

Description

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 747 series airplanes including 747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -200B, -200C, -200F, -300, -400, -400D, -400F, 747SP, and 747SR. This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion damage on a certain satellite communications (SATCOM) high gain antenna adapter plate. It requires repetitive detailed inspections of the SATCOM high gain antenna adapter plate for corrosion and applicable on-condition actions such as repair or replacement. The AD aims to prevent unsafe conditions that could result in loss of continued safe flight and landing.

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