Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 747 series airplanes, that requires a one-time inspection to determine whether latch pins on the lower lobe and main deck side cargo doors are installed backward, and corrective actions, if necessary. This amendment also requires eventual modification of the latch pin fittings on certain cargo doors. This amendment is prompted by reports that latch pins have been found installed backward on the cargo doors of several airplanes. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent improper latching of latch pins and the mating latch cam on the cargo door, which could result in damage to the structure of the cargo door and doorway cutout and consequent opening of the cargo door during flight.