Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-11823 · Boeing Model 737-200, -300, -400, and -500 Series Airplanes
Boeing Model 737-200, -300, -400, and -500 Series Airplanes
Model 737-200, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes; as listed in Boeing Service Bulletin 737-25-1322, Revision 2, dated February 19, 1998; 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.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 737-200, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes, that requires replacement of existing door handle mounting hub assemblies with new, improved hub assemblies. This amendment is prompted by reports of cracked or broken mounting hub assemblies for the interior door handles on the cabin doors. The actions specified by thisAD are intended to prevent cracking or breaking of the door handle mounting hub, which could result in the interior door handle breaking off while the door is being opened. In an emergency situation, this could impede evacuation of the airplane.
To prevent cracking or breaking of the door handle mounting hub, which could result in the interior door handle breaking off while the door is being opened, and, in an emergency situation, could impede evacuation of the airplane, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, replace existing door handle mounting hub assemblies in the forward and aft entry doors, forward galley door, and aft service door, with new, improved hub assemblies, in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 737-25-1322, Revision 2, dated February 19, 1998.
Note 2: Replacements accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 737-25-1322, dated January 19, 1995, or Revision 1, dated December 19, 1996, are considered acceptable for compliance with paragraph (a) of this AD.
