Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 727 Airplanes

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to certain Boeing Model 727 series airplanes. That AD currently requires repetitive inspections to detect cracks and loose brackets of the elevator rear spar, and corrective actions if necessary. The existing AD also provides for an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This new AD reduces the repetitive intervals of the inspections, mandates the previously optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections, and no longer allows stop-drilling. This AD results from new reports of cracks, elongated fastener holes, and loose fittings of the elevator rear spar. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracking of the elevator rear spar at the tab hinge locations, which could cause excessive freeplay of the elevator control tab and possible tab flutter, and consequent loss of control of the airplane.