2002-24-05: Upper chord

2002-24-05 Boeing: Amendment 39-12970. Docket 2002-NM-271-AD. \n\n\tApplicability: Model 727 series airplanes, line numbers 1 through 1832 inclusive; certificated in any category. \n\n\tNote 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it. \n\n\tCompliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. \n\n\tTo prevent structural failure of the wing and fuel leaks in the airplane due to stress corrosion cracking of the upper chord of the rear spar, accomplish the following: \n\nInspection and Repair \n\n\n\t(a) For airplanes specified as "Group 1" airplanes in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-57A0145, revision 2, dated October 24, 2002: Within 20 years after the date of manufacture or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, perform an external detailed inspection for cracking, corrosion, and existing stop-drilled repairs of cracking in the upper chord on the rear spar from Wing Butt Line (WBL) 70.5 through WBL 249.3, per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-57A0145, revision 2, paragraph 3.B, "Work Instructions," part 1, dated October 24, 2002. Thereafter, repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 2 years. \n\n\tNote 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is defined as: "An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required." \n\n\t(1) If no cracking, corrosion, or existing stop-drilled repairs of previous cracking is detected during any inspection required by this AD, repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 2 years. \n\n\t(2) If any existing stop-drilled repairs of previous cracking are detected during any inspection required by this AD, before further flight, permanently repair the cracking per the alert service bulletin. \n\n\t(3) If any cracking or corrosion is detected during any inspection required by this AD that is within the limits specified in the alert service bulletin, before further flight, repair per the alert service bulletin. \n\n\t(4) If any cracking orcorrosion is detected during any inspection required by this AD that exceeds the limits specified in the alert service bulletin, and the bulletin specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate action: Before further flight, repair per a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA; or per data meeting the type certification basis of the airplane approved by a Boeing Company Designated Engineering Representative who has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make such findings. For a repair method to be approved, the approval must specifically reference this AD. \n\nAlternative Methods of Compliance \n\n\t(b) 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 ACO. 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. \n\n\tNote 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Seattle ACO. \n\nSpecial Flight Permits \n\n\t(c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. \n\nIncorporation by Reference \n\n\t(d) Except as specified in paragraph (a)(4) of this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-57A0145, revision 2, dated October 24, 2002. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. 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; orat the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., Suite 700, Washington, DC. \n\nEffective Date \n\n\t(e) This amendment becomes effective on December 18, 2002.