AD 2004-03-31 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 727, 727-100C, 727-200F, and 727C Series Airplanes

Models named: 727, 727-100C, 727-200F, 727C series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 727, 727-100C, 727-200F, and 727C series airplanes, certificated in any category, as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-53A0226, dated September 11, 2003.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To detect and correct fatigue cracks in the fuselage skin, strap (bearstrap), or doubler at the forward and aft hinge fittings for the main deck cargo door, which could reach critical crack length and result in rapid decompression of the airplane, accomplish the following: Inspection (a) Perform an open-hole high frequency eddy current inspection for cracks in the fuselage skin, strap (bearstrap), and doubler at the forward and aft hinge fittings for the main deck cargo door. Do the inspection at the applicable initial compliance time listed in paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-53A0226, dated September 11, 2003; except, where the service bulletin specifies a compliance time after the service bulletin date, this AD requires compliance within the specified compliance time after the effective date of this AD. Perform 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 Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance 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 727-53A0226, 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. 04-3130 Filed 2-17-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U