AD 2008-08-02

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 727 airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking or corrosion of the threaded end of the lower segment of the main landing gear (MLG) side strut, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also requires prior or concurrent inspection for cracking or corrosion of the threads and thread relief area of the lower segment, corrective action if necessary, and re-assembly using corrosion inhibiting compound. This AD results from reports of the threads cracking on the MLG side strut lower segment. We are issuing this AD to \nprevent a fractured side strut, which could result in collapse of the MLG.

Final rule.

2008-08-02 Boeing: Amendment 39-15454. Docket No. FAA-2007-0227; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-159-AD. \n\nEffective Date \n\n\t(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 19, 2008. \n\nAffected ADs \n\n\t(b) None. \n\nApplicability \n\n\t(c) This AD applies to all Model 727, 727C, 727-100, 727-100C, 727-200, and 727-200F series airplanes, certificated in any category. \n\nUnsafe Condition \n\n\t(d) This AD results from reports of the threads cracking on the main landing gear (MLG) side strut lower segment. We are issuing this AD to prevent a fractured side strut, which could result in collapse of the MLG. \n\nCompliance \n\n\t(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. \n\nInspections and Corrective Actions \n\n\t(f) At the latest applicable time in paragraph (f)(1), (f)(2), or (f)(3) of this AD: Do detailed and magnetic particle inspections for cracking or corrosion of the threaded end of the lower segment of the MLG side strut and do all applicable corrective actions as specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-32-0338, Revision 4, dated April 7, 2007. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 120 months. \n\t(1) Within 48 months after the last MLG overhaul. \n\t(2) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD. \n\t(3) Within 120 months after the last MLG overhaul for airplanes on which the actions in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-32-0338, Revision 4, dated April 7, 2007, have been accomplished before the effective date of this AD. \n\nPrior/Concurrent Requirements \n\n\t(g) Prior to or concurrently with the actions required by paragraph (f) of this AD: Do all applicable actions specified in the service bulletins listed in Table 1 of this AD. Where the lubrication and corrosion protection procedures in any service bulletin listed in Table 1 of this AD differ from those in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-32-0338, Revision 4, dated April 7, 2007, use the procedures in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-32-0338, Revision 4. \n\n\tTable 1.--Prior/Concurrent Requirements\n\n\nFor - \nService Bulletin -\nDescribes procedures for these prior or concurrent actions - \n(1) All airplanes\nBoeing Special Attention 727-32-0411, Revision 1, dated February 19, 2007\nInspecting for corrosion or cracking of the threads and thread relief area of the swivel clevis, and improving the corrosion protection of the swivel clevis fitting threads in commonly affected airplanes\n\nBoeing 727 Service Bulletin 32-79, Revision 1, dated February 27, 1967\nModifying the MLG side strut universal joint\n(2) Airplanes specified as Options III, IV and V configurations in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-32-0338, Revision 4\nBoeing 727 Service Bulletin 32-157, dated August 30, 1968\nReplacing the MLG side strut swivel bushing, incorporating only parts kit 65-89855-1, and not installing the lube fitting in the lower segment\n\nBoeing Service Bulletin 727-32-268, Revision 2, dated February 20, 1981\nInspecting and modifying the MLG side strut\n(3) Airplanes specified as Option V configuration in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-32-0338, Revision 4\nBoeing Service Bulletin 727-57-163, dated September 17, 1982\nResolving the interference between the MLG gear beam and the MLG side strut\n \nAlternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\t(h)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. \n\t(2) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriateprincipal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. \n\t(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair required by this AD, if it is approved by an Authorized Representative for the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Delegation Option Authorization Organization who has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. \n\nMaterial Incorporated by Reference \n\n\t(i) You must use the applicable service information listed in Table 2 of this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. \n\t(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. \n\t(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. \n\t(3) You may review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_ regulations/ibr_locations.html. \n\n\tTable 2.--Material Incorporated by Reference \n\n\n\nService Bulletin \nRevision\nDate\nBoeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-32-0338\n4\nApril 7, 2007\nBoeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-32-0411\n1\nFebruary 19, 2007\nBoeing 727 Service Bulletin 32-157\nOriginal\nAugust 30, 1968\nBoeing 727 Service Bulletin 32-79\n1\nFebruary 27, 1967\nBoeing Service Bulletin 727-32-268\n2\nFebruary 20, 1981\nBoeing Service Bulletin 727-57-163\nOriginal\nSeptember 17, 1982

Discussion \n\n\tWe issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to all Boeing Model 727 airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on November 26, 2007 (72 FR 65913). That NPRM proposed to require repetitive inspections for cracking or corrosion of the threaded end of the lower segment of the main landing gear (MLG) side strut, and corrective actions if necessary. That NPRM also proposed to require prior or concurrent inspection for cracking or corrosion of the threads and thread relief area of the lower segment, corrective action if necessary, and re-assembly using corrosion inhibiting compound. \n\nComments \n\n\tWe gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We considered the single comment received. Boeing supports the NPRM. \n\nConclusion \n\n\tWe reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, and determined thatair safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed. \n\nCosts of Compliance \n\n\tThere are about 842 airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. This AD affects about 459 airplanes of U.S. registry. The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators to comply with this AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work hour. \n\n\tEstimated Costs \n\n\nAction\nWork hours\nAverage labor rate per hour\nCost per airplane\nFleet cost\nInspection\n12\n$80\n$960, per inspection cycle\n$440,640, per inspection cycle\nPrior/concurrent actions\nUp to 6\n$80\nUp to $480\nUp to $220,320\n\n\nAuthority for This Rulemaking \n\n\tTitle 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. "Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority. \n\tWe are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in "Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. \n\nRegulatory Findings \n\n\tThis AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. \n\tFor the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: \n\t(1) Is not a "significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866, \n\t(2) Is not a "significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), and \n\t(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. \n\tYou can find our regulatory evaluation and the estimated costs of compliance in the AD Docket. \n\nList of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 \n\n\tAir transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. \n\nAdoption of the Amendment \n\nAccordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: \n\nPART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\n1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: \n\n\tAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\nSec. 39.13 (Amended) \n\n2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD: