Summary
This document proposes the supersedure of an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Boeing Model 727, 727C, 727-100, 727-100C, 727-200, and 727-200F series airplanes, that currently requires repetitive inspections to find cracking of the lower skin panel at the lower row of fasteners in certain lap joints of the fuselage, and repair, if necessary. This action would limit the applicability of the existing AD; add certain repetitive inspections; revise certain compliance times; and add certain modifications. This proposal is prompted by the FAA's determination that, in light of additional crack findings, certain modifications of the fuselage lap joints are necessary. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to find and fix fatigue cracking of the fuselage lap joints, which could result in sudden fracture and failure of the lower skin lap joints, and rapid decompression of the airplane.