AD 2008-17-15 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -800, and -900 Series Airplanes

Models named: 737-600, -700, -800, -900 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -800, and -900 series airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-28A1221, Revision 1, dated November 9, 2007. Note 1: This AD requires revisions to certain operator maintenance documents to include new inspections. Compliance with these inspections is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in the areas addressed by these inspections, the operator may not be able to accomplish the inspections described in the revisions. In this situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) according to paragraph (k) of this AD. The request should include a description of changes to the required inspections that will ensure the continued operational safety of the airplane.

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. Installation of the Hot Short Protector (HSP) (f) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, install the HSP support brackets and equipment for the fuel quantity indicating system (FQIS) fuel densitometer and do all the other specified actions as applicable, by accomplishing all of the applicable actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-28A1221, Revision 1, dated November 9, 2007. Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) Revision for AWL No. 28-AWL-07 (g) Concurrently with accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (f) of this AD, revise the AWLs section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) by incorporating AWL No. 28-AWL-07 of Subsection F, “AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS—FUEL SYSTEM AWLs,” of Section 9 of the Boeing 737-600/700/800/900 Maintenance Planning Data (MPD) Document, D626A001-CMR, Revision March 2007 R2 (hereafter referred to as “the MPD”). No Alternative Critical Design Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCLs) (h) After accomplishing the action specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative CDCCLs may be used unless the CDCCLs are approved as an alternative methods of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (k) of this AD. Credit for Actions Done According to Previous Issue of Service Bulletin (i) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-28A1221, dated January 14, 2007, are acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD. Terminating Action for AWLs Revision (j) Incorporating AWL No. 28-AWL-07 into the AWLs section of the ICA in accordance with paragraph (g)(3) of AD 2008-10-10, amendment 39-15516, terminates the action required by paragraph (g) of this AD. AMOCs (k)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, ATTN: Georgios Roussos, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6482; 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. Material Incorporated by Reference (l) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-28A1221, Revision 1, dated November 9, 2007; and Airworthiness Limitation 28-AWL-07 of Section 9 of the Boeing 737-600/700/800/900 Maintenance Planning Data (MPD) Document, D626A001-CMR, Revision March 2007 R2; 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 August 12, 2008. Michael J Kaszycki, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8-19367 Filed 8-27-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent the center tank fuel densitometer from overheating and becoming a potential ignition source inside the center fuel tank, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a center fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.