AD 2008-06-09 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-200 Series Airplanes

Models named: 737-200 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Boeing Model 737-200 series airplanes, line numbers 814 through 826 inclusive, 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. Repetitive Inspections (f) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, do a high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection to detect cracking of the support fittings of the Krueger flap actuator on each wing, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-57-1129, Revision 3, dated March 19, 2007. (1) If no cracking is detected, repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3,000 flight hours until the terminating action required by paragraph (g) of this AD is accomplished. (2) If any cracking is detected, before further flight, do the replacement and modification specified in paragraph (g) of this AD. Terminating Action (g) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD: Replace any existing Krueger flap actuator aluminum support fitting on each wing with a steel fitting, and modify the actuator aft attachment, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-57-1129, Revision 3, dated March 19, 2007. Doing this replacement and modification terminates the repetitive inspection requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD. Parts Replacement (h) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install on any airplane any aluminum support fitting (actuator support assembly) identified in the “Existing Part Number” column of paragraph 2.C. of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-57-1129, Revision 3, dated March 19, 2007. Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Revisions of Service Bulletin (i) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with the service bulletins listed in Table 1 of this AD, are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding requirements of this AD. Table 1.—Previous Revisions of Service Bulletins Boeing service bulletin Revision level Date 737-57-1129 1 Oct. 30, 1981. 737-57-1129 2 May 28, 1998. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (j)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (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) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair required by this AD, 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. Material Incorporated by Reference (k) You must use Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-57-1129, Revision 3, dated March 19, 2007, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. (3) You may review copies of the service information incorporated by reference at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 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 February 28, 2008. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8-4674 Filed 3-11-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from reports of cracking due to fatigue and stress corrosion of the support fittings of the Krueger flap actuator. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracking of the support fittings, which could result in fracturing of the actuator attach lugs, separation of the actuator from the support fitting, severing of the hydraulic lines, resultant loss of hydraulic fluids, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.