AD 2002-20-07 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737 Series Airplanes

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

All Model 737 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)(1) 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 an uncommanded rudder hardover event and consequent loss of control of the airplane due to inherent failure modes, including single-jam modes, and certain latent failures or jams combined with a second failure or jam; accomplish the following: Installation (a) Within 6 years after November 12, 2002 (the effective date of AD 2002-20-07, amendment 39-12903), do the actions required by paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD, in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. (1) Install a new rudder control system that includes new components such as an aft torque tube, hydraulic actuators, and associated control rods, and additional wiring throughout the airplane to support failure annunciation of the rudder control system in the flight deck. The system also must incorporate two separate inputs, each with an override mechanism, to two separate servo valves on the main rudder power control unit (PCU); and an input to the standby PCU that also will include an override mechanism. (2) Make applicable changes to the adjacent systems to accommodate the new rudder control system. Terminating Action (b) Accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph (a) of this AD constitutes terminating action for the requirements of AD 97-09-15 R1, amendment 39-10912; AD 97-14-04, amendment 39-10061; AD 99-11-05, amendment 39-11175; and AD 2000-22-02 R1, amendment 39-11948. Alternative Methods of Compliance (c)(1) 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 ACO. 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. (2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in accordance with the ADs listed in the following table, are not considered to be approved as alternative methods of compliance with this AD: Table—List of Superseded ADs AD No. Amendment No. 95-06-53 39-9199 97-05-10 39-9954 98-02-01 39-10283 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 §§ 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 November 12, 2002. Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 30, 2002. Vi L. Lipski, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 02-28111 Filed 11-5-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P