Summary
The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 727 series airplanes. That AD currently requires repetitive visual inspections for cracking of the forward entry doorway forward frame and repair if necessary. That AD also provides an optional modification that constitutes terminating action. This proposed AD would require adding new post-repair and post- modification inspections for previously repaired or modified airplanes, mandating the optional modification, and adding airplanes to the applicability of the AD. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of cracking of the forward entry doorway forward frame of airplanes previously modified. We are proposing this AD to prevent the loss of the structural integrity of the forward entry doorway due to cracking of the frame at BS 303.9, and consequent cracking of the fuselage skin and rapid decompression of the airplane.