AD 2008-08-02 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 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. Inspections and Corrective Actions (f) At the latest applicable time in paragraph (f)(1), (f)(2), or (f)(3) of this AD: Do detailed and magnetic particle inspections for cracking or corrosion of the threaded end of the lower segment of the MLG side strut and do all applicable corrective actions as specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-32-0338, Revision 4, dated April 7, 2007. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 120 months. (1) Within 48 months after the last MLG overhaul. (2) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD. (3) Within 120 months after the last MLG overhaul for airplanes on which the actions in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-32-0338, Revision 4, dated April 7, 2007, have been accomplished before the effective date of this AD. Prior/Concurrent Requirements (g) Prior to or concurrently with the actions required by paragraph (f) of this AD: Do all applicable actions specified in the service bulletins listed in Table 1 of this AD. Where the lubrication and corrosion protection procedures in any service bulletin listed in Table 1 of this AD differ from those in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-32-0338, Revision 4, dated April 7, 2007, use the procedures in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-32-0338, Revision 4. Table 1.—Prior/Concurrent Requirements For— Service Bulletin— Describes procedures for these prior or concurrent actions— (1) All airplanes Boeing Special Attention 727-32-0411, Revision 1, dated February 19, 2007 Inspecting for corrosion or cracking of the threads and thread relief area of the swivel clevis, and improving the corrosion protection of the swivel clevis fitting threads in commonly affected airplanes. (2) Airplanes specified as Options III, IV and V configurations in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-32-0338, Revision 4 Boeing 727 Service Bulletin 32-79, Revision 1, dated February 27, 1967. Modifying the MLG side strut universal joint.   Boeing 727 Service Bulletin 32-157, dated August 30, 1968. Replacing the MLG side strut swivel bushing, incorporating only parts kit 65-89855-1, and not installing the lube fitting in the lower segment. (3) Airplanes specified as Option V configuration in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-32-0338, Revision 4 Boeing Service Bulletin 727-32-268, Revision 2, dated February 20, 1981. Inspecting and modifying the MLG side strut.   Boeing Service Bulletin 727-57-163, dated September 17, 1982. Resolving the interference between the MLG gear beam and the MLG side strut. 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 the applicable service information listed in Table 2 of this AD to do the actions required by this AD, 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 that is 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 . Table 2.—Material Incorporated by Reference Service Bulletin Revision Date Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-32-0338 4 April 7, 2007. Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-32-0411 1 February 19, 2007. Boeing 727 Service Bulletin 32-157 Original August 30, 1968. Boeing 727 Service Bulletin 32-79 1 February 27, 1967. Boeing Service Bulletin 727-32-268 2 February 20, 1981. Boeing Service Bulletin 727-57-163 Original September 17, 1982. Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 28, 2008. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8-7176 Filed 4-11-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from reports of the threads cracking on the main landing gear (MLG) side strut lower segment. We are issuing this AD to prevent a fractured side strut, which could result in collapse of the MLG.