AD 2004-10-10 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 Series Airplanes Equipped With Certain Honeywell Start Converter Units

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; certificated in any category; equipped with start converter units (SCUs) having Honeywell part number (P/N) 1151858-241, Series 1 through 9 inclusive, or P/N 1152426-245, Series 1 through 6 inclusive. 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 overheating of the electrical connector of the SCU, which could create an ignition source and possible fire in the electrical and electronics (E/E) compartment and cause damage to certain electrical wire bundles on the E2-2 shelf, accomplish the following: Replacement (a) Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD: Replace the SCU of the auxiliary power unit located in the E/E compartment per a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. Boeing 737-600/700/800/900 Maintenance Manual, Chapter 49-41-61, dated June 5, 1998; and Aircraft Maintenance Manual, Chapter 49-41-61, dated October 10, 2003, are approved methods of compliance with the requirements of this paragraph. Replace the applicable SCU listed in the “Existing Honeywell P/N” column below, with the corresponding SCU listed in the “Replacement Honeywell P/N” column below, as follows: SCU Part Numbers   Existing Honeywell P/N Replacement Honeywell P/N 1151858-241, of any series 1 through 9 inclusive 1151858-241, series 10 or 1151858-241, series 11 or 1151858-241, series 12. 1152426-245, of any series 1 through 6 inclusive 1152426-245, series 7 or 1152426-245, series 8 or 1152466-250, series 1 or 1152466-250, series 2 or 1152466-250, series 3. 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 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 (c) 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 (d) This amendment becomes effective on June 24, 2004. Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 10, 2004. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 04-11287 Filed 5-19-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P