AD 97-18-06 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737 Series Airplanes

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

All Model 737 series airplanes, certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent corrosion in the bearings, cables, electrical connectors, or other equipment in the main wheel well, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, perform the requirements of either paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD. (1) Incorporate a revision into the FAA-approved maintenance program that prohibits the use of pressure washing within the wheel well or on the landing gear, and that prohibits the use of pumps and/or nozzles for washing wheel wells or the landing gear. Pressure washing is defined as the use of any fluid under pressure greater [[Page 52489]] than 80 pounds per square inch, gauge (psig); or (2) Incorporate the following Temporary Revision(s) to Chapter 12 of the Boeing Model 737 Airplane Maintenance Manual (AMM), all dated February 7, 1997; as applicable; into the FAA-approved maintenance program. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Temporary Airplane model revision No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 737-100/200.................................................. 12-368 12-369 12-370 12-371 12-372 12-373 737-300/-400/-500............................................ 12-85 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Note 2: Once an operator has incorporated the above procedures into its maintenance program, this AD does not require that the operator subsequently record accomplishment each time the wheel well is cleaned. Future changes to the above maintenance program require prior approval of an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector (PMI). (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA PMI, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Seattle ACO. Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Seattle ACO. (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (d) Except as specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with the following Temporary Revisions to Chapter 12 of the Boeing Model 737 Airplane Maintenance Manual. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Temporary Airplane model revision Dated No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 737-100/200........................ 12-368 Feb. 7, 1997. 12-369 Feb. 7, 1997. 12-370 Feb. 7, 1997. 12-371 Feb. 7, 1997. 12-372 Feb. 7, 1997. 12-373 Feb. 7, 1997. 737-300/-400/-500.................. 12-85 Feb. 7, 1997. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington. (e) This amendment becomes effective on November 12, 1997. Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 25, 1997. James V. Devany, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 97-24334 Filed 10-7-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U