AD 2008-02-13 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. Repetitive Inspections and Repair (f) Before the accumulation of 66,000 total flight cycles, or within 3,500 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, do an external high frequency eddy current inspection of the crown skin for cracks at stringer attachment holes between stringer 11 left and stringer 11 right and from body station (BS) 259.5 to BS 1183. Repair any crack found before further flight. Do the actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-53A0224, dated April 10, 2003, except as provided by paragraph (g) of this AD. Repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 3,500 flight cycles. (g) Although Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-53A0224, dated April 10, 2003, specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. 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 Alert Service Bulletin 727-53A0224, dated April 10, 2003, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. (3) You may review copies of the service information incorporated by reference 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html . Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 14, 2008. Stephen P. Boyd, Assistant Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8-1129 Filed 1-23-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from a report of cracks at multiple locations on certain areas of the crown skin. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracks of the crown skin, which could result in rapid decompression of the airplane.