AD FAA-2015-5816

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747- 200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking found in the splice plates, hinge fittings, terminal fittings, the upper skin of the outboard and center sections, upper chord, and rear spar webs before reaching the inspection interval specified in AD 2006-10-16. Cracked and fractured Maraging steel fasteners were also found. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking, an inspection to determine whether fasteners are magnetic, repetitive ultrasonic inspections for cracking and fractures of affected fasteners, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.