AD 2005-08-10 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-600, -700, and -800 Series Airplanes

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

This AD applies to Boeing Model 737-600, -700, and -800 series airplanes, as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-54-1040, Revision 1, dated August 14, 2003; certificated in any category.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Inspection and Corrective Action (f) Within 18 months or 3,500 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Do a general visual inspection for sealant at the interface of the upper spar fittings, strut side skins, and the fittings of the thrust reverser strut fairing on the engine struts, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-54-1040, dated November 14, 2002; or Revision 1, dated August 14, 2003. (1) If the injection seal is found to properly seal the entire gap, no further action is required by this AD. (2) If the injection seal is not found to properly seal the entire gap or if the injection seal is found to be missing, before further flight, apply an injection seal or silicone sponge rubber with fillet seal in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (g) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Material Incorporated by Reference (h) You must use Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-54-1040, dated November 14, 2002; or Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-54-1040, Revision 1, dated August 14, 2003; to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approves the incorporation by reference of these documents in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To get copies of the service information, go to Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. To view the AD docket, go to the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC. To review copies of the service information, go to the National Archives and Records Administration. For information on the availability of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 11, 2005. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05-7685 Filed 4-18-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD was prompted by a report that an injection seal in the engine strut area may not have been properly completed or installed during production. We are issuing this AD to prevent flammable fluid (such as fuel or hydraulic fluid) from leaking onto a hot engine exhaust nozzle or into the engine core fire zone, and consequently causing an uncontrolled fire or explosion.