Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 727 Series Airplanes

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 727 series airplanes, that currently requires that the FAA-approved maintenance inspection program be revised to include inspections that will give no less than the required damage tolerance rating for each Structural Significant Item, and repair of cracked structure. That AD was prompted by a structural re-evaluation by the manufacturer that identified additional structural elements where, if damage were to occur, supplemental inspections may be required for timely detection. This amendment requires additional and expanded inspections, and repair of cracked structure. This amendment also expands the applicability of the existing AD to include additional airplanes. The actions specified by this AD are intended to ensure the continued structural integrity of the entire Boeing Model 727 fleet.