AD 87-06-10

87-06-10 BOEING: Amendment 39-5578. Applies to all Model 727 series airplanes, certificated in any category. Compliance required as indicated, unless previously accomplished.

Prior to the accumulation of 10,000 landings or 6 years from date of manufacture or prior replacement, or within 1 year after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs latest, accomplish the following:

A. Replace the sealed needle bearings in the downlock outer link of the side strut upper segment of the left and right main landing gear assemblies, part number BACB10B107J or BACB10CC10E, in accordance with the Boeing 727 Overhaul Manual, Subject 32-13-01, with new bearings with the same part number. Inspect retainer bolt for damage or corrosion. If damage or corrosion is detected, replace the bolt with a new bolt part number NAS1110-100DW or BACB30LT10D-100. Repeat the replacements and inspections at intervals not to exceed 6 years or 10,000 landings, whichever occurs first.

B. Terminating action for the requirements of paragraph A., above, is replacement of the sealed needle bearings and the bolts in the downlock outer link of the side strut upper segment of the left and right main landing gear assemblies, part number BACB10B107J or BACB10CC10E, with the self-lubricating Karon lined Kamatics bearings and high strength chrome plated CRES bolts specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 727-32-0341, dated December 18, 1986, or later FAA-approved revision.

C. An alternate means of compliance or adjustment of compliance time, which provides an acceptable level of safety, may be used when approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Northwest Mountain Region.

D. Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate airplanes to a base for the accomplishment of inspections and/or modifications required by this AD.

E. For the purposes of complying with this AD, subject to acceptance by the assigned FAA Maintenance Inspector, the number of landings may be determined by dividing each airplane's number of hours time in service by the operator's fleet average time from takeoff to landing for the airplane type.

All persons affected by this directive who have not already received the appropriate service information from the manufacturer may obtain copies upon request to the Boeing Commercial Airplane Company, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. This information may be examined at the FAA, Northwest Mountain Region, 17900 Pacific Highway South, Seattle, Washington, or the Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 9010 East Marginal Way South, Seattle, Washington.

This amendment becomes effective April 13, 1987.