Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-15846 · Boeing Model 727-100 and 727-200 Series Airplanes
Boeing Model 727-100 and 727-200 Series Airplanes
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.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 727-100 and 727-200 series airplanes. This AD requires 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 if necessary. 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.
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.
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.
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.
