AD 2000-13-51 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-200 and -300 Series Airplanes

Models named: 737-200, -300 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 737-200 and -300 series airplanes equipped with a main deck cargo door installed in accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA2969SO; certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise 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 (c) 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 detect and correct cracking of the lower portion of the main deck cargo door frames, which could result in sudden depressurization, loss or opening of the main deck cargo door during flight, and loss of control of the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Prior to further flight after the effective date of this AD, perform a special detailed inspection using a borescope to detect cracking of the main deck cargo door frames, their existing reinforcing angles (where applicable), and the attach holes of the latch fittings between frame station (FS) 361.87 and FS 498.12, and between water line (WL) 202.35 and WL 213.00, in the area where the main deck cargo door latch fittings attach to the frames. (1) If no cracking is detected, repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 150 flight cycles. (2) If any cracking is detected, prior to further flight, accomplish the requirements of either paragraph (a)(2)(i) or (a)(2)(ii) of this AD. (i) Replace all discrepant parts with new parts having the same part numbers and repeat the special detailed inspection using a borescope thereafter at intervals not to exceed 150 flight cycles. (ii) Repair in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. Note 2: For the purpose of this AD a special detailed inspection is defined as: “An intensive examination of a specific item(s), installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. The examination is likely to make extensive use of specialized inspection techniques and or equipment. Intricate cleaning and substantial access or disassembly procedure may be required.” Reporting Requirements (b) Within 10 days after accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (a) of this AD, submit a report of any findings of cracking to the Manager, FAA, Atlanta ACO, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia, fax (770) 703-6097. Information collection requirements contained in this regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. ) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. Alternative Methods of Compliance (c) 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, Atlanta ACO. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Atlanta ACO. Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Atlanta ACO. Special Flight Permits (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with §§ 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. Effective Date (e) This amendment becomes effective on July 25, 2000, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by emergency AD 2000-13-51, issued on July 3, 2000, which contained the requirements of this amendment. Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 13, 2000. Donald L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-18280 Filed 7-19-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U