AD 98-11-03 R1

On May 12, 1998, the FAA issued AD 98-11-03, amendment 39-10530 (63 FR 27455, May 19, 1998), which is applicable to certain Boeing Model 727 series airplanes. That AD requires that the FAA-approved maintenance inspection program be revised to include inspections that will give no less than the required damage tolerance rating for each Structural Significant Item (SSI), and repair of cracked structure. That action was prompted by a structural re-evaluation by the manufacturer that identified additional structural elements where, if damage were to occur, supplemental inspections may be required for timely detection. The actions required by that AD are intended to ensure the continued structural integrity of the entire Boeing Model 727 fleet.

AD 98-11-03 contains provisions regarding when operators must revise their maintenance or inspection program to address SSI's that are created or affected by repairs and design changes. As discussed in the preamble to the final rule, the FAA intended that such revisions be made only if a damage tolerance assessment indicates that such a change is necessary because existing inspections are ineffective for the SSI. Paragraph (d)(1) of the AD, applicable to repairs and design changes accomplished prior to the effective date of the AD, properly states the FAA's intent. However, the FAA inadvertently omitted a comparable provision in paragraph (g), which applies to repairs and design changes accomplished after the effective date of the AD. As adopted, paragraph (g) requires that operators revise their maintenance programs following repairs and design changes, regardless of whether a damage tolerance assessment indicates that the existing applicable inspection continue to be effective. Therefore, consistent with the FAA's intent, this correction is necessary to allow operators not to change their programs if they determine that the existing inspections are effective for the new or affected SSI.Action is taken herein to correct these requirements of AD 98-11-03 and to correctly add the AD as an amendment to section 39.13 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.13).

The final rule is being reprinted in its entirety for the convenience of affected operators. The effective date remains June 23, 1998.

Since this action only corrects a current requirement, it has no adverse economic impact and imposes no additional burden on any person. Therefore, notice and public procedures hereon are unnecessary.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Correction Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39 - AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

§ 39.13 (Amended) 2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-10530 (63 FR 27455, May 19, 1998), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), amendment 39-10983, to read as follows: