Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14531 · Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 Series Airplanes
Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 Series Airplanes
This AD applies to Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes, certificated in any category; as listed in Boeing Service Bulletin 737-54-1041, Revision 1, dated December 1, 2005.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive general visual inspections for dirt, debris, and drain blockage and cleaning of the aft fairing cavities of the engine struts; and modification of the aft fairings, which terminates the repetitive general visual inspections. This AD results from a report indicating that water had accumulated in the cavities of the engine strut aft fairings. We are issuing this AD to prevent drain blockage by debris that, when combined with leaking, flammable fluid lines passing through the engine strut aft fairing, could allow flammable fluids to build up in the cavity of the aft fairing, and consequently could be ignited by the engine exhaust nozzle located below the engine strut, resulting in an explosion or uncontrolled fire.
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
The term “service bulletin,” as used in this AD, means the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-54-1041, dated January 22, 2004; or Boeing Service Bulletin 737-54-1041, Revision 1, dated December 1, 2005.
Within 4,000 flight cycles or within 30 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Do the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD.
(1) Do a general visual inspection for dirt, debris, and drain blockage and clean the aft fairing cavity of the left engine strut, in accordance with Part I of the service bulletin, except as provided by paragraph (h) of this AD. Thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4,000 flight cycles or 30 months, whichever occurs first: Repeat the inspection until the aft fairing of the left engine strut has been modified in accordance with paragraph (i)(1) of this AD.
(2) Do a general visual inspection for dirt, debris, and drain blockage and clean the aft fairing cavity of the right engine strut, in accordance with Part II of the service bulletin, except as provided by paragraph (h) of this AD. Thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4,000 flight cycles or 30 months, whichever occurs first: Repeat the inspection until the aft fairing of the right engine strut has been modified in accordance with paragraph (i)(2) of this AD.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is: “A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.”
If the service bulletin specifies that the general visual inspection and cleaning of the aft fairing cavity of the left or right engine strut may be accomplished per an “approved equivalent procedure”: The general visual inspection or cleaning must be accomplished in accordance with the chapter of the Boeing 737-600/700/800/900 Airplane Maintenance Manual specified in the service bulletin.
(i) Within 9,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD.
(1) Modify the aft fairing of the left engine strut, in accordance with Part III of the service bulletin; and after accomplishing the modification but before further flight, inspect and clean the drain system of the aft fairing in accordance with Part I of the service bulletin. This modification terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
(2) Modify the aft fairing of the right engine strut, in accordance with Part IV of the service bulletin; and after accomplishing the modification but before further flight, inspect and clean the drain system of the aft fairing in accordance with Part II of the service bulletin. This modification terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD.
