AD 2006-13-16 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 727 Airplanes

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

This AD applies to Boeing Model 727, 727C, 727-100, 727-100C, 727-200, and 727-200F series airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-27-0234, dated November 10, 2005.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Compliance Times (f) Except as provided by paragraph (h) of this AD, at the applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-27-0234, dated November 10, 2005, do the actions specified in paragraph (g) of this AD. Where the service bulletin specifies a compliance time “from the initial release of this service bulletin,” this AD requires compliance within the applicable compliance time after the effective date of this AD. Freeplay Measurement, Related Investigative and Corrective Actions, and Lubrication (g) At the applicable times specified in paragraph (f) of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-27-0234, dated November 10, 2005. (1) Measure the freeplay of the left and right outboard aileron balance tabs and of the upper and lower rudder tabs, and do applicable related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. (2) Lubricate the hinge bearings and rod end bearings of the outboard aileron balance tabs. Concurrent Repetitive Cycles (h) If a freeplay measurement required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD and a lubrication cycle required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD are due at the same time or will be done during the same maintenance visit, the freeplay measurement and applicable related investigative and corrective actions must be done before the lubrication. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (i)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with § 39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding District Office. (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair required by this AD, if it is approved by an Authorized Representative for the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Delegation Option Authorization Organization who has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (j) You must use Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-27-0234, dated November 10, 2005, to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this document in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207, for a copy of this service information. You may review copies at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov ; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 15, 2006. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 06-5652 Filed 6-26-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from reports of freeplay-induced vibration of the outboard aileron balance tab and rudder tab. We are issuing this AD to prevent excessive vibration of the airframe during flight, which could result in divergent flutter and loss of control of the airplane.