AD 2005-21-06 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.

This AD applies to all Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes, 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. Inspections (f) At the applicable “Inspection Threshold” in the table in Part 1.E. “Compliance” of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1248, dated September 9, 2004, or within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed the applicable “Inspection Repeat Interval” in that table: Do the inspections (i.e., detailed inspection and either high- or low-frequency eddy current inspections) of the aft pressure bulkhead web for fatigue cracks, crack indications, discrepant holes, and corrosion, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. Corrective Action Difference (g) If any fatigue crack, crack indication, discrepant hole, or corrosion is found during any inspection required by this AD, before further flight, repair the fatigue crack, crack indication, discrepant hole, and corrosion according to a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA; or using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this AD. No Reporting (h) Although the service bulletin references a reporting requirement in the Accomplishment Instructions, that reporting is not required by this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (i)(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for corrective actions, if it is approved by an Authorized Representative for the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Delegation Option Authorization Organization who has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. (3) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with § 39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding District Office. Material Incorporated by Reference (j) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1248, dated September 9, 2004, to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this document in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207, for a copy of this service information. You may review copies at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov ; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). 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 October 13, 2005. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05-20966 Filed 10-20-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD was prompted by reports of fatigue cracks in the aft pressure bulkhead web. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct such fatigue cracks, which could result in rapid decompression of the airplane.