AD 2009-06-10 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 727-100 and 727-200 Series Airplanes

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

This AD applies to Boeing Model 727-100 and 727-200 series airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-53A0223, dated March 28, 2002.

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. Inspections and Corrective Actions (f) Except as provided by paragraphs (f)(1), (f)(2), and (f)(3) of this AD: At the applicable compliance times and repeat intervals listed in paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-53A0223, dated March 28, 2002 (“the service bulletin”), do repetitive internal and external high frequency eddy current, mid frequency eddy current, low frequency eddy current, and magneto optic imaging inspections to detect cracks, corrosion, delamination, and materials loss in the lower fastener row of the lower skin and the upper fastener row of the upper skin, and corrective actions by accomplishing all the applicable actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. The applicable corrective actions must be done before further flight. (1) Paragraph 1.E. of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-53A0223, dated March 28, 2002, has the table column titled, “Airplane Flight Cycles at time of SB release.” While the service bulletin refers to the flight cycles accumulated on the airplane at the “time of SB release,” this AD specifies the flight cycles accumulated on the airplane “as of the effective date of this AD.” (2) Where paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of the service bulletin specifies “Initial Inspection Threshold From SB Rel Upper and Lower Skin,” this AD requires compliance within the specified compliance times after the effective date of this AD. (3) Where paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of the service bulletin specifies “Repeat every * * *,” this AD requires compliance at intervals not to exceed the specified flight cycles or years. No Reporting (g) Although Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-53A0223, dated March 28, 2002, specifies to submit 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 using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Berhane Alazar, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6577; fax (425) 917-6590. (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 principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a principal inspector, your local FSDO. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. (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 727-53A0223, dated March 28, 2002, 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, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-5000, extension 1, fax 206-766-5680; e-mail me.boecom@boeing.com; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221 or 425-227-1152. (4) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference 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 February 27, 2009. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E9-5957 Filed 3-23-09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from a report of decompression in a Boeing Model 737 airplane at flight level 290. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct scratches and excessive reduction in material thickness from excessive blend-out or corrosion, which could lead to premature cracking in the lap joint. Such cracking could adversely affect the structural integrity of the airplane.