The Nation - News from Jan. 8, 1989

The Federal Aviation Administration said it wants airlines to replace tens of thousands of rivets on more than 600 older Boeing 727s and initiate special inspection procedures until the modification can be completed. The proposed FAA directive, the result of increasing concern about cracking on older commercial jetliners, was similar to an order issued last October for older Boeing 737s. A final order will be issued after a brief comment period. Repairs are not expected to disrupt air service because most of the work will be conducted under a lengthy timetable that could stretch over four years, FAA officials said. Repairs and extra inspections of 623 older Boeing 727s is expected to cost the airlines about $35.7 million, the FAA said. The FAA also broadened a previous directive for special fuselage inspections of older McDonnell Douglas DC-9s to include any aircraft with at least 45,000 landings. The earlier directive had specified 55,000 landings.