AD 2007-21-04 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 all Boeing Model 727, 727C, 727-100, 727-100C, 727-200, and 727-200F series airplanes, certificated in any category.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Inspection(s) and Corrective Actions (f) Do an initial detailed inspection for cracks in the aft pressure bulkhead web in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-53-0230, dated January 8, 2007; except as provided by note (a) in Table 1 of paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of the service bulletin. Do the inspection at the compliance time identified in paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of the service bulletin; except as provided by paragraph (g) of this AD. (1) If no crack is found, repeat the detailed inspection at the repeat interval identified in paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of the service bulletin, except as provided by note (a) in Table 1 of paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of the service bulletin. (2) If any crack is found, before further flight, repair the crack and do the related investigative actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. If any crack, disbonding, or corrosion is found during related investigative actions, before further flight, repair the discrepancy using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (h) of this AD. (g) Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-53-0230, dated January 8, 2007, specifies a compliance time after the date of the service bulletin, this AD requires compliance within the specified compliance time after the effective date of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (h)(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) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. (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 (i) You must use Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-53-0230, dated January 8, 2007, 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 FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 21, 2007. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7-20037 Filed 10-11-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from reports of cracking in the aft pressure bulkhead web. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct a cracked pressure bulkhead web, which could result in rapid decompression of the airplane.