Structural Capability

Category - Airframe
Effective Date - 04/28/1994
Recurring - Yes
Supersedes - N/A
Superseded by - N/A
Amendment 39-8866. Docket 93-NM-72-AD.

Applicability:
Model 727 series airplanes, as listed in Boeing Document D6-54860, "Aging Airplane Service Bulletin Structural Modification and Inspection Program - Model 727," Revision G, dated March 5, 1993; certificated in any category.

Compliance:
Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent degradation of the structural capability of the airplane, accomplish the following:
(a) Accomplish the inspections specified in Section 4 and Appendices A.4 and B.4 of Boeing Document Number D6-54860, "Aging Airplane Service Bulletin Structural Modification and Inspection Program - Model 727," Revision G, dated March 5, 1993, within the times specified in paragraph (b) of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed those specified in the Boeing Document for each inspection.
(b) The maximum initial inspection times for the inspections contained in Section 4 and Appendices A.4 and B.4 of Boeing Document Number D6-54860, "Aging Airplane Service Bulletin Structural Modification and Inspection Program - Model 727," Revision G, dated March 5, 1993, shall be prior to the later of the times specified in either paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD:
(1) The maximum initial inspection time for the inspection shall be prior to the threshold for the inspection time specified in the Boeing Document, measured as a total (flight cycles or time-in-service, as appropriate) accumulated on the airplane; or
(2) The maximum initial inspection time shall be prior to the time specified in either paragraph (b)(2)(i) or (b)(2)(ii) of this AD, as applicable.
(i) If a phase-in period has been specified in the service bulletin: The maximum initial inspection time shall be calculated by adding the phase-in period for the inspection specified in the Boeing Document to a date 15 months after the effective date of this AD.
(ii) If a phase-in period has not been specified in the service bulletin: The maximum initial inspection time shall be within 15 months after the effective date of this AD.

NOTE 1:
For the purposes of this AD, the "phase-in period" is defined as the allowable period to accomplish the initial inspection when the required threshold specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this AD is imminent or has elapsed.

(c) If any discrepant condition identified in the service bulletins (that are specified in the Boeing Document) is found as a result of the inspections required by this AD, prior to further flight, accomplish the corresponding corrective action specified in the service bulletins.

(d) The terminating action for each inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD consists of the accomplishment of the modification specified in the corresponding service bulletin.

(e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Seattle ACO.

NOTE 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Seattle ACO.

(f) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(g) The inspections shall be done in accordance with Boeing Document Number D6-54860, "Aging Airplane Service Bulletin Structural Modification and Inspection Program - Model 727," Revision G, dated March 5, 1993. The incorporation by reference of this document was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR Part 51 as of April 21, 1994 (59 FR 13442, April 22, 1994).
Copies may be obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

(h) This amendment becomes effective on April 28, 1994.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Walter Sippel, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206) 227-2774; fax (206) 227-1181.