Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16026 · Boeing Model 727 Airplanes
Boeing Model 727 Airplanes
This AD applies to all Boeing Model 727, 727C, 727-100, 727-100C, 727-200, and 727-200F series airplanes, certificated in any category.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 727 airplanes. This AD requires inspections for cracking of the left- and right-side shear ties and web posts of the kickload beam and the adjacent structure in the vertical stabilizer, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from a report of cracking of the left- and right-side web posts and shear ties of the kickload beam. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the left- and right-side web posts and shear ties of the kickload beam, which, when coupled with failures in the adjacent structure, could result in structural failure of the vertical stabilizer, and loss of control of the airplane.
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.
At the times specified in paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-55-0093, dated March 12, 2008 (“the service bulletin”), except as provided by paragraphs (g), (h), (i), and (j) of this AD: Do the inspections to detect cracking of the left- and right-side web posts and shear ties of the kickload beam, by doing all of the actions specified in Part 2 and the applicable corrective actions specified in Part 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin, except as provided by paragraph (k) of this AD. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight. Repeat the inspections thereafter at the intervals specified in paragraph 1.E. of the service bulletin. As an alternative to using the parts specified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-55-0093, dated March 12, 2008, operators may fabricate their own parts in accordance with FAA-approved Boeing data.
To determine the compliance times for airplanes having exactly 52,000 total flight hours or 39,000 total flight cycles, for the purposes of this AD, these airplanes are grouped with airplanes having “less than” 52,000 total flight hours or 39,000 total flight cycles, as specified in paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-55-0093, dated March 12, 2008.
(h) Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-55-0093, dated March 12, 2008, specifies a compliance time after the date on the service bulletin, this AD requires compliance within the specified compliance time after the effective date of this AD.
(i) Where the “Condition” column of Table 1 of paragraph 1.E. of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-55-0093, dated March 12, 2008, refers to airplanes having accumulated the specified total flight hours and total flight cycles “at the date on this service bulletin,” this AD requires compliance for airplanes having accumulated the specified total flight hours and total flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD.
(j) The “condition” in the first row of Table 1 of paragraph 1.E. of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-55-0093, dated March 12, 2008, applies to airplanes “with less than 52,000 total flight hours or 39,000 total flight cycles.” For this AD, the first row of Table 1 is applicable to airplanes “with less than 52,000 total flight hours and less than 39,000 total flight cycles.”
If any cracking is found during any inspection required by this AD, and Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-55-0093, dated March 12, 2008, specifies contacting Boeing for appropriate action: Before further flight, repair the cracking or damage using a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. For a repair method to be approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO, as required by this paragraph, the Manager's approval letter must specifically refer to this AD.
