AD 2000-23-34 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-300, -400, and -500 Series Airplanes

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

All Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes; 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 (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 prevent a severe asymmetric thrust condition during flight which could result in loss of control of the airplane, accomplish the following: Replacement (a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD: Replace the existing autothrottle computer with a new, improved autothrottle computer in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-22A1130, dated September 24, 1998. Spares (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install on any airplane, an autothrottle computer having part number 10-62017-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, -11, -21, -23, -25, or -27. 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, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. 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 2: 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 (d) 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 (e) The replacement shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-22A1130, including Appendix A, dated September 24, 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. Effective Date (f) This amendment becomes effective on January 8, 2001. Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 16, 2000. Donald L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-30319 Filed 12-1-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P