AD 2014-15-12 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

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

(1) This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes, certificated in any category. (2) Installation of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST00830SE ( http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/408E012E008616A7862578880060456C?OpenDocument&Highlight=st00830se ) does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions required by this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST00830SE is installed, a “change in product” alternative method of compliance (AMOC) approval request is not necessary to comply with the requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.

For Group 1 and Group 2 airplanes identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 737-55-1090, dated March 30, 2011, except as provided by paragraphs (j)(4) and (j)(5) of this AD: Except as provided by paragraphs (i) and (j) of this AD, at the applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-55-1090, dated March 30, 2011, do an inspection for a serial number that starts with the letters “SAIC” on the identification plates of the left- and right-side horizontal stabilizers, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-55-1090, dated March 30, 2011. A review of manufacturer delivery and operator maintenance records is acceptable to make the determination specified in this paragraph if the serial number can be conclusively identified from that review. (1) If no “SAIC” serial number is found, no further action is required by paragraph (g) of this AD. (2) If a serial number starting with the letters “SAIC” is found on a horizontal stabilizer identification plate on an airplane after line number (L/N) 1556, and the serial number of the horizontal stabilizer is the same as stated in the delivery documentation of the airplane, no further action is required by paragraph (g) of this AD for that horizontal stabilizer only. (3) If a serial number starting with the letters “SAIC” is found on a horizontal stabilizer identification plate on any airplane, and the serial number of the horizontal stabilizer is the same as stated in the delivery documentation of an airplane having a line number after L/N 1556, no further action is required by paragraph (g) of this AD for that horizontal stabilizer only. (4) If a serial number starting with the letters “SAIC” is found on a horizontal stabilizer identification plate, except as specified in paragraphs (g)(2) and (g)(3) of this AD: Except as provided by paragraphs (i) and (j) of this AD, at the applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-55-1090, dated March 30, 2011, do a detailed inspection for correct bolt protrusion and correct chamfer of the termination fitting bolts of the horizontal stabilizer rear spar, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-55-1090, dated March 30, 2011. Concurrently with the detailed inspection, inspect to determine if any bolt other than part number (P/N) BACB30US14K() or BACB30US16K(), as applicable, is installed. Before further flight, do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-55-1090, dated March 30, 2011.

This AD was prompted by reports of incorrectly installed bolts common to the rear spar termination fitting on the horizontal stabilizer. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of structural integrity of the horizontal stabilizer attachment and loss of control of the airplane.

None.