2008-22-12: Elevator side fitting/hinge fitting joint

2008-22-12 Boeing: Amendment 39-15708. Docket No. FAA-2008-0151; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-347-AD. \n\nEffective Date \n\n\t(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 17, 2008. \n\nAffected ADs \n\n\t(b) None. \n\nApplicability \n\n\t(c) This AD applies to all Boeing Model 727, 727C, 727-100, 727- 100C, 727-200, and 727-200F series airplanes, certificated in any category. \n\nUnsafe Condition \n\n\t(d) This AD results from reports of elongated holes and cracks found in the lugs of the attachment fittings of the elevator quadrant upper support assembly at the tip of the vertical fin. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct damage to the aft attachment lugs of the elevator quadrant support assembly that could lead to failure of the lugs. This condition could accelerate wear elsewhere in the elevator control system, which could reduce the crew's ability to maintain safe flight. \n\nCompliance \n\n\t(e) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. \n\nRepetitive Inspections and Corrective/Other Specified Actions \n\n\t(f) At the applicable compliance times specified in paragraph 1.E. of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-55-0092, dated June 4, 2007, except as provided by paragraph (g) of this AD: Do the detailed inspection for any crack in the area of the elevator side fitting/hinge fitting joint, detailed inspections for elongation inside and outside of the holes in the clevis and in the lug, and high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections for any crack inside and outside of the holes in the clevis and in the lug, and do all the applicable corrective actions and other specified actions, by accomplishing all of the applicable actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin, except as provided by paragraph (h) of this AD. Repeat the inspections thereafter at the applicable intervals specified in paragraph 1.E. of the service bulletin. Accomplishing the repair or modification specified in Part 3 of the service bulletin terminates only the repetitive inspections specified in Part 2 of the service bulletin. \n\nExceptions to Compliance Times \n\n\t(g) Where paragraph 1.E. of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-55-0092, dated June 4, 2007, specifies counting the compliance time from ". . . the date on this service bulletin,'' this AD requires counting the compliance time from the effective date of this AD. Where paragraph 1.E. of the service bulletin specifies a compliance time of ". . . 18 months . . . '' or "24 months . . .,'' this AD requires a compliance time of 30 months. \n\nException to Corrective Actions \n\n\t(h) If any damage beyond the repair limits or any crack is found in the area of the elevator side fitting/hinge fitting joint during any inspection required by this AD, and Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-55-0092, dated June 4, 2007, specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate action: Before further flight, repair thecrack using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this AD. \n\nAlternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\t(i)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, ATTN: Berhane Alazar, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM- 120S, FAA, Seattle ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6577; fax (425) 917-6590; has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. \n\t(2) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. \n\t(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair required by this AD, if it is approved by an Authorized Representative for the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Delegation Option Authorization Organization who has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. \n\nMaterial Incorporated by Reference \n\n\t(j) You must use Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727- 55-0092, dated June 4, 2007, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. \n\t(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. \n\t(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-9990; fax 206-766-5682; e-mail [email protected]; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. \n\t(3) You may review copies of the service information incorporated by reference at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_ regulations/ibr_locations.html.