Summary
The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Boeing Model 727-200 series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires initial and repetitive inspections for cracks in the forward frame of the No. 3 cargo door cutout; and corrective actions, if necessary. The existing AD also provides for an optional structural modification, which terminates the repetitive inspections. This proposed AD would reduce the compliance time for the initial inspections and add an optional method of inspection for both the initial and repetitive inspections. This proposed AD would also add initial and repetitive inspections of an additional area and repair if necessary. Additionally, this proposed AD would clarify that the previously optional structural modification is now required by other rulemaking. This proposed AD results from additional reports of cracking in the forward frame of the No. 3 cargo door cutout. We are proposing this AD to detect andcorrect cracking of the forward frame and fuselage skin of the No. 3 cargo door cutout, which could result in failure of the frame and skin, and consequent rapid decompression of the airplane.