Airworthiness Directive 2001-12-23
one-timeAirworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-100, 747-200, 747-300, 747SP, and 747SR Series Airplanes Powered by Pratt & Whitney JT9D-3 and JT9D-7 Series Engines
What this AD requires
This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 747-100, 747-200, 747-300, 747SP, and 747SR series airplanes powered by Pratt & Whitney JT9D-3 or JT9D-7 series engines, that currently requires inspections of the vertical chords of the aft torque bulkhead of the outboard nacelle struts, and corrective action, if necessary. That AD also gives an optional modification of the vertical chords, which ends the inspections. This amendment requires the previously optional modification. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent cracking of the vertical chords adjacent to the lower spar fitting, which could result in separation of the diagonal brace load path. Continued operation with a separated diagonal brace load path increases loads on the upper link, midspar fitting, and dual side links, which could result in separation of the strut and engine from the airplane.
Which aircraft AD 2001-12-23 applies to
Restatement of AD 2000-23-25; visual, eddy current, and ultrasonic inspection of the vertical chords of the aft torque bulkhead of the outboard nacelle struts per Boeing Alert SB 747-54A2201, dated Sept 28, 2000, to prevent strut/engine separation from cracking.
Whether AD 2001-12-23 actually applies to your aircraft (by serial and installed parts) and whether it’s already complied with comes from that aircraft’s records.
How AD compliance is recorded
A valid compliance record (14 CFR 43.9) states:
Tailplate reads a tail number’s logbooks and matches every applicable AD — including this one — to its compliance evidence, with recurring next-due dates computed.
Look up a tail number →Read the full directive (Federal Register)Applicability is derived from the FAA directive corpus and is advisory, not a legal airworthiness determination. Compliance is established only from an aircraft’s actual records.