Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-100, 747-200, 747-300, and 747SR Series Airplanes Powered by General Electric CF6-45/50 or Pratt & Whitney JT9D-70 Series Engines

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 747-100, 747-200, 747-300, and 747SR series airplanes powered by General Electric CF6-45/50 or Pratt & Whitney JT9D-70 series engines, that currently requires a detailed visual inspection of the outboard diagonal brace for heat damage and cracking; and follow-on repetitive inspections and corrective actions, if necessary. This amendment requires accomplishment of the previously optional replacement of any existing sealant with heat-resistant sealant as terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by this AD. This amendment is prompted by reports of heat damage to the forward end of the diagonal brace after accomplishment of a previous strut and wing modification. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent heat damage to the diagonal brace, which could cause cracking, fracture, and possible loss of the diagonal brace load path and consequent separation of the strut and engine from the airplane.