AD 2000-10-21 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737 Series Airplanes

Models named: 737-300, -400, -500 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes equipped with IPECO flightcrew seats; as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-25A1363, dated November 5, 1998; certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent uncommanded movement of the flightcrew seats during acceleration and take-off of the airplane, accomplish the following: One-Time Inspection (a) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time general visual inspection of the seat locks and seat tracks of the flightcrew seats to ensure that the seats lock in position and to verify that lock nuts and bolts of adequate length are installed on the rear tracklock bracket, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-25A1363, dated November 5, 1998. (1) If the seat lock pin fully engages in all lock positions of the seat track, and the rear tracklock bracket is correctly installed, no further action is required by this AD. General Visual Inspection Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is defined as: “A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or drop-light and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.” Corrective Action (2) If the seat lock pin does not fully engage in all positions of the seat track, and lock nuts and bolts of adequate length are not installed on the rear tracklock bracket, prior to further flight, install lock nuts and bolts of adequate length on the tracklock bracket and re-align the seat tracks, in accordance with the alert service bulletin. Alternative Methods of Compliance (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Seattle ACO. Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Seattle ACO. Special Flight Permits (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. Incorporation by Reference (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-25A1363, dated November 5, 1998. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. (e) This amendment becomes effective on June 12, 2000. Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 18, 2000. Donald L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-13085 Filed 5-25-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U