Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-11948 · Boeing Model 737 Series Airplanes
Boeing Model 737 Series Airplanes
All Model 737 series airplanes, certificated in any category.
This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Boeing Model 737 series airplanes, that currently requires revising the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM). This new amendment revises the AFM procedure in the existing AD to simplify the instructions for correcting a jammed or restricted flight control condition. This amendment is prompted by an FAA determination that the procedure currently inserted in the AFM by the existing AD is not defined adequately. The actions specified in this AD are intended to ensure that the flight crew is advised of the procedures necessary to address a condition involving a jammed or restricted rudder.
To ensure that the flight crew is advised of the procedures necessary to address a condition involving a jammed or restricted rudder, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 30 days after January 17, 1997 (the effective date of AD 96-26-07, amendment 39-9871): Revise the Emergency Procedures Section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to include the following recall item, which will enable the flight crew to take appropriate action to maintain control of the airplane during an uncommanded yaw or roll condition. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM.
Maintain control of the airplane with all available flight controls. If roll is uncontrollable, immediately reduce angle of attack and increase airspeed. Do not attempt to maintain altitude until control is recovered. If engaged, disconnect autopilot and autothrottle.”
(b) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Revise the Normal Procedures Section of the FAA-approved AFM for Model 737-100 and -200 series airplanes or the Non-Normal Procedures Section of the FAA-approved AFM for Model 737-300, -400, -500, -600, -700, and -800 series airplanes, as applicable, to include the following procedure. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM and removing the existing copy (inserted as required by AD 96-26-07), entitled “Jammed Flight Controls.”
Condition: Uncommanded rudder pedal displacement or pedal kicks.
AUTOPILOT (if engaged): DISENGAGE.
Maintain control of the airplane with all available flight controls. If roll is uncontrollable, immediately reduce pitch/angle of attack and increase airspeed. Do not attempt to maintain altitude until control is recovered.
AUTOTHROTTLE (if engaged): DISENGAGE.
Verify thrust is symmetrical.
YAW DAMPER SWITCH: OFF.
RUDDER TRIM: CENTER.
RUDDER PEDALS: FREE & CENTER.
Use maximum force including a combined effort of both pilots, if required to free and center the rudder pedals.
If rudder pedal position or movement is not normal and the condition is not the result of rudder trim:
SYSTEM B FLIGHT CONTROL SWITCH: STBY RUD.
A slight rudder deflection may remain, but continued rudder pedal pressure may help maintain an in-trim condition.
Sufficient directional control is available on landing using differential braking and nose wheel steering.
Crosswind capability may be reduced.
Do not use autobrakes.
Consider checking rudder freedom of movement at a safe altitude using slow rudder inputs while in the landing configuration and at approach speed.
If condition was the result of rudder trim or environmental factors:
YAW DAMPER SWITCH: ON.
Accomplish the normal DESCENT—APPROACH and LANDING checklists.”
(c) It is acceptable to modify the format of the above procedure to reflect the format used by individual carriers. However, the procedural sequence, memory items, and/or associated text may not be modified, except by submitting a request for an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) as specified in paragraph (d) of this AD.
(d) An AMOC 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. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Operations Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Seattle ACO.
Note 1: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Seattle ACO.
