AD FAA-2012-1078

We are superseding an airworthiness directive (AD) for all Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Model L-1011 series airplanes. AD 2005-15-01 required repetitive inspections to detect corrosion or fatigue cracking of certain structural elements of the airplane, corrective actions if necessary, and incorporation of certain structural modifications. This new AD reduces certain compliance times for the initial inspection and the repetitive inspection interval for certain airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of small cracks in additional areas outside those addressed in AD 2005-15-01, prior to the inspection threshold required by the AD 2005-15-01. We are issuing this AD to prevent corrosion or fatigue cracking of certain structural elements, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.