Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17527 · Stabilizers
The Boeing Company Airplanes
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company 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 The Boeing Company Model 727 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of cracking in the left-side chord of the fin closure rib on the vertical stabilizer. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the left and right side chords of the fin closure rib for cracking and corrosion, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking and corrosion in the left- and right-side chords of the fin closure rib, which could lead to widespread cracking in the chords that might weaken the fin closure rib structure and result in loss of airplane control due to lack of horizontal stabilizer support.
Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD: Do a detailed inspection for cracking and corrosion of the left- and right-side chords of the fin closure rib, and do a HFEC inspection of the left- and right-side chords for cracking, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-55-0095, dated September 24, 2012. If any cracking or corrosion is found, before further flight, repair or replace the affected right- or left-side chord using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (h) of this AD. Repeat the detailed inspection and HFEC inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 26 months.
