FAA Issues 2 Airworthiness Directives for All Boeing 727 Airplanes

FAA

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued two (2) Airworthiness Directives for all Boeing Model 727 airplanes:

1. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks on the elevator rear spar stiffener assembly. This AD requires repetitive detailed inspections for cracking of the elevator rear spar stiffener assembly, and corrective actions if necessary.

We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the elevator rear spar stiffener assembly, which could adversely affect elevator structural stiffness, which could lead to elevator vibration and possible interference with the tab control rod.

These conditions could result in flutter and consequent loss of control of the airplane.

This AD is effective August 26, 2013.

2. This AD was prompted by reports of spanwise cracks and corrosion in the wing center box upper skin and rear spar upper chord between left buttock line (LBL) 70.50 and right buttock line (RBL) 70.50 at body station (STA) 870.

This AD requires repetitive inspections of the wing center box for cracking around certain fastener rows on the rear spar upper chord horizontal
flange; for certain airplanes, repetitive inspections for cracking of the rear spar upper chord radius; for certain other airplanes, repetitive inspections for damage, cracking, and corrosion of the pressure seal; and repair if necessary.

We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking and corrosion of the upper skin and rear spar upper chord of the wing center box, which could result in loss of the airplane wing and consequent loss of control of the airplane.

This AD is effective August 26, 2013.