AD 2009-09-07 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 Series Airplanes

Models named: 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, -500 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to all Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes, certificated in any category.

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. Inspection and Related Investigative and Corrective Actions/Overhaul (f) Except as provided by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD: At the applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E. of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-32A1355, Revision 2, dated March 5, 2008, inspect for damage of the retract actuator beam of the MLG and overhaul the retract actuator beam, as applicable, by doing all the applicable actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-32A1355, Revision 2, dated March 5, 2008. Do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions before further flight. Repeat the applicable inspection or overhaul thereafter at the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E. of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-32A1355, Revision 2, dated March 5, 2008. Exceptions to Service Information (g) Where Boeing Service Bulletin 737-32A1355, Revision 2, dated March 5, 2008, specifies a compliance time after “* * * the date on this service bulletin,” this AD requires compliance within the specified compliance time after the effective date of this AD. (h) Boeing Service Bulletin 737-32A1355, Revision 2, dated March 5, 2008, specifies that the actions are for airplanes with new MLG retract actuator beams that have not been overhauled having part number (P/N) 65-46108-15 and subsequent dash numbers; and new or overhauled MLG retract actuator beams having P/N 65-46108-14 and previous dash numbers. However, this AD is not limited to new or overhauled beams. This AD requires that the actions required by paragraph (f) of this AD be done on airplanes with any MLG retract actuator beam having those P/Ns. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (i)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Nancy Marsh, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6440; fax (425) 917-6590; or e-mail information to 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. (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 principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. (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 (j) You must use Boeing Service Bulletin 737-32A1355, Revision 2, dated March 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; telephone 206-544-9990; fax 206-766-5682; e-mail DDCS@boeing.com ; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com . (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221 or 425-227-1152. (4) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference 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 April 22, 2009. Stephen P. Boyd, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E9-9926 Filed 5-6-09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from reports of broken retract actuator beams of the main landing gear (MLG) and the subsequent failure of the MLG to fully retract. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct broken retract actuator beams of the MLG, which could result in damage to the beam arm, hydraulic tubing, and flight control cables. Damage to the flight control cables could result in loss of control of the airplane.