AD 2008-06-29 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-300, -400, and -500 Series Airplanes

Models named: 737-300, -400, -500 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to all Boeing Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes, certificated in any category.

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. Repetitive Inspections and Corrective Actions (f) At the applicable time specified in Table 1 of paragraph 1.E. of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-57A1301, dated February 5, 2008, except as provided by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD: Do a detailed inspection or borescope inspection of the downstop assemblies on the main tracks of the No. 2, 3, 4, and 5 slats and the inboard track of the No. 1 and 6 slats to verify if any parts are missing, damaged, or in the wrong order; and do all the other specified, related investigative, and corrective actions as applicable; by accomplishing all of the applicable actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin, except as provided by paragraphs (f)(2) and (f)(3) of this AD. Repeat the inspection thereafter at the applicable interval specified in Table 1 of paragraph 1.E. of the service bulletin. Do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions before further flight. (1) Where the service bulletin specifies counting the compliance time from “* * * the date on the service bulletin,” this AD requires counting the compliance time from the effective date of this AD. (2) For airplanes on which any downstop assembly part is missing or damaged, a borescope inspection of the inside of the slat can for loose parts and damage to the wall of the slat can may be accomplished in lieu of the detailed inspection of the inside of the slat can that is specified in the service bulletin. (3) If any damaged slat can is found during any inspection required by this AD: Before further flight, either replace the slat can with a new slat can having the same part number or repair the slat can using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (g) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (g)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Attn: Nancy Marsh, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6440; fax (425) 917-6590; has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using 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 (h) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-57A1301, dated February 5, 2008, 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 March 11, 2008. Stephen P. Boyd, Assistant Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8-5702 Filed 3-21-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from reports of fuel leaking from a puncture in the slat track housing (referred to as “slat can”). We are issuing this AD to detect and correct loose or missing parts from the main slat track downstop assemblies, which could puncture the slat can and result in a fuel leak and consequent fire.