Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-400, -400D, and -400F Series Airplanes
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 747-400, -400D, and -400F series airplanes, that requires reviewing airplane maintenance records; inspecting the yaw damper actuator portion of the upper and lower rudder power control modules (PCM) for cracking, and replacing the PCMs if necessary; and reporting airplane maintenance records review and inspection results to the manufacturer. This action is necessary to detect and correct cracking in the yaw damper actuator portion of the upper and lower rudder PCMs, which could result in an uncommanded left rudder hardover, consequent increased pilot workload, and possible runway departure upon landing. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.