AD 2004-03-30 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 727, 727C, 727-100, and 727-100C Series Airplanes

Models named: 727, 727C, 727-100, 727-100C series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 727, 727C, 727-100, and 727-100C series airplanes, certificated in any category, as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-53A0225, dated September 11, 2003.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To detect and correct fatigue cracks in the web, inner chord, and outer chord of the forward and aft frames of the aft cargo door opening, which could result in loss of the aft cargo door and rapid decompression of the airplane, accomplish the following: Inspections and Corrective Action (a) Perform a detailed inspection and a special detailed (high frequency eddy current) inspection for cracks in the web, inner chord, and outer chord of the forward and aft frames of the aft cargo door opening. Do the inspections at the applicable initial compliance time listed in paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-53A0225, dated September 11, 2003; except, where the service bulletin specifies a compliance time after the effective date of the service bulletin date, this AD requires compliance within the specified compliance time after the effective date of this AD. Do the inspection in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. (1) If no crack is found: Repeat the inspection within the interval listed in paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of the service bulletin. (2) If any crack is found: Repair it before further flight in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA; or per data meeting the type certification basis of the airplane approved by a Boeing Company Designated Engineering Representative (DER) who has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make such findings. For a repair method to be approved, the approval must specifically refer to this AD. Within 12 months following a repair, implement an inspection program for the repair into the 727 maintenance program in accordance with a method and compliance times approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO; or per data meeting 14 CFR 25.571 (Amendment 25-54 or later) approved by a Boeing Company DER who has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make such findings. Alternative Methods of Compliance (b)(1) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Seattle ACO, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance (AMOCs) for this AD. (2) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for the requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD, if it is approved by a Boeing Company DER who has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, to make such findings. Incorporation by Reference (c) Unless otherwise specified by this AD, the actions must be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-53A0225, dated September 11, 2003. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. Effective Date (d) This amendment becomes effective on March 24, 2004. Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 5, 2004. Kevin M. Mullin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 04-3131 Filed 2-17-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U