Summary
This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Boeing Model 727 series airplanes. This proposal would require repetitive structural inspections of certain aging airplanes, and repair, if necessary. This proposal also provides for optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This proposal is prompted by reports of incidents involving fatigue cracking and corrosion in transport category airplanes that are approaching or have exceeded their economic design service goal. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent degradation of the structural capabilities of the affected airplanes. This proposal relates to the recommendations of the Airworthiness Assurance Task Force assigned to review Model 727 series airplanes, which indicate that, to assure long term continued operational safety, various structural inspections should be accomplished.