Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-11878 · Boeing Model 737-100, -200, and -200C Series Airplanes
Boeing Model 737-100, -200, and -200C Series Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2003-23-03. Comply with the one in force.
Model 737-100, -200, and -200C series airplanes, line numbers 1 through 291 inclusive, 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 (c) 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) that is applicable to certain Boeing Model 737-100, -200, and -200C series airplanes. This action requires repetitive inspections to detect discrepancies in the upper and lower skins of the fuselage lap joint, and repair, if necessary. This action is necessary to detect and correct such discrepancies, which could result in sudden fracture and failure of a lap joint and rapid decompression of the airplane fuselage.
To detect and correct discrepancies in the upper and lower skins of the fuselage lap joint, which could result in sudden fracture and failure of a lap joint and rapid decompression of the airplane fuselage, accomplish the following:
(a) Perform the applicable (initial and repetitive) inspections as specified in Figures 1 through 4 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1224, dated August 17, 2000, to detect discrepancies (i.e., cracks, pillowing, corrosion, delamination, or loose or missing fasteners) in the upper and lower skins of the fuselage lap joint. Perform the inspections at the applicable times specified in Tables 1 and 2 of Section 1.E. “Compliance” of the alert service bulletin, in accordance with the alert service bulletin; except that where Table 1 specifies a compliance time of “airplane flight cycles at time of service bulletin release,” this AD requires a compliance time of “airplane flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD.”
(b) Prior to further flight, repair any discrepancies detected during any inspection required by this AD in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1224, dated August 17, 2000. If any discrepancies are detected and the alert service bulletin specifies that the manufacturer may be contacted for disposition of certain repairs, prior to further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA; or in accordance with data meeting the type certification basis of the airplane approved by a Boeing Company Designated Engineering Representative who has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make such findings.
