AD 2003-03-22 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 Series Airplanes

Models named: 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes; line numbers 1 through 1174 inclusive; 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 (e) 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 severe vibration of the elevator and elevator tab assembly, which could result in severe damage to the horizontal stabilizer followed by possible loss of the elevator tab and consequent loss of controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision/Placard Installation (a) For Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes having line numbers 1 through 1043 inclusive: Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD. (1) Install a speedbrake limitation placard on the P1-1 and P3-3 panel assemblies per Figure 1 or Figure 2, as applicable, of paragraph 3.B., “Work Instructions,” of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-11A1109, dated March 28, 2002. (2) Revise the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved AFM to include the following statement (this may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM): “In flight, do not extend the speedbrake lever beyond the FLIGHT detent.” Modification (b) For Model 737-600, -700, -700C, and -800 series airplanes having line numbers 1 through 1174 inclusive: Before the accumulation of 18,000 total flight cycles, or within 2 years after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, modify the elevator and elevator tab assemblies (including installation of a new clevis fitting and a new tab mechanism on the horizontal stabilizer and, for certain airplanes, examination of the hinge plates on the stabilizer trailing edge to make sure the specified hinges are installed; changes to the seals in the balance bays; and installation of new elevators and tab assemblies, followed by adjustments and tests of the new installation), per the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-55A1080, dated September 19, 2002. (c) Accomplishment of the modification required by paragraph (b) of this AD terminates the actions required by the ADs specified in the following table:   AD Number Amendment Number AD 99-15-09 39-11229 AD 99-18-01 39-11267 AD 2001-08-09 39-12186 AD 2001-09-51 39-12251 AD 2001-12-51 39-12294 AD 2001-14-05 39-12315 AD 2002-08-20 39-12732 AD 2002-08-52 39-12727 Operator's Equivalent Procedure (d) If the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-55A1080, dated September 19, 2002, specify that the actions may be accomplished in accordance with an operator's “equivalent procedure:” The actions must be accomplished per the applicable chapter of the Boeing 737 Airplane Maintenance Manual specified in the alert service bulletin. Alternative Methods of Compliance (e) 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 Permit (f) 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 (g) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-11A1109, dated March 28, 2002; and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-55A1080, dated September 19, 2002; as applicable. 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 (h) This amendment becomes effective on March 12, 2003. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 29, 2003. Ali Bahrami, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 03-2496 Filed 2-4-03; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P