Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-13865 · Boeing Model 737-700 and -800 Series Airplanes
Boeing Model 737-700 and -800 Series Airplanes
This AD applies to Boeing Model 737-700 and -800 series airplanes, certificated in any category; having variable and serial numbers listed in Table 1 of this AD.
| Variable number | Serial number | Group |
|---|---|---|
| YA004 | 27837 | 1 |
| YA005 | 27836 | 2 |
| YA201 | 28004 | 4 |
| YC003 | 27977 | 3 |
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 737-700 and -800 series airplanes. This AD requires doing an initial inspection for pitting and cracks of the lower skin panel at the lap joint; trimming the inner skin; installing exterior doublers; replacing the fuselage skin assembly; doing repetitive supplemental inspections; and repairing if necessary; as applicable. This AD is prompted by a report indicating that localized pitting in the lower skin panels was found during production on a limited number of airplanes. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct premature fatigue cracking at certain lap splice locations and consequent rapid decompression of the airplane.
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
At the applicable times specified in Table 1 of paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1256, dated September 18, 2003, do the applicable actions specified in Table 2 of this AD in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin.
| For airplanes identified in the service bulletin as— | Requirements— |
|---|---|
| (1) Groups 1, 2, and 3 | Do an external ultrasonic inspection for pitting and cracks of the lower skin panel at the lap joint. |
| (2) Groups 1 and 2 | Trim the inner skin and install two exterior doublers (including related investigative actions). |
| (3) Group 3 | Install three exterior doublers. |
| (4) Group 4 | Replace the fuselage skin assembly with a new assembly. |
For Groups 1, 2, and 3 airplanes identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1256, dated September 18, 2003: At the applicable times specified in Table 2 of paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of the service bulletin, do the repetitive supplemental inspections of the lower skins and external doublers for discrepancies in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin.
If any discrepancy is found during any action required by this AD, before further flight, repair per a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA; or per data meeting the type certification basis of the airplane approved by a Boeing Company Designated Engineering Representative (DER) who has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make such findings. For a repair method to be approved, the approval must specifically reference this AD.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
