Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-15284 · 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 identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1253, dated May 18, 2007.
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 inspections of either the aft side or forward side of the aft pressure bulkhead for oil can conditions or bulges, a one-time inspection of the aft pressure bulkhead to identify any previously installed web repair, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from web oil can conditions found on the aft pressure bulkhead of several airplanes. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct oil can conditions, bulges, or previous repairs in the aft pressure bulkhead, which could lead to web cracks and consequently result in 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 paragraph 1.E. of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1253, dated May 18, 2007, except as provided by paragraph (g) of this AD: Do repetitive general visual inspections of either the aft side or forward side of the aft pressure bulkhead for oil can conditions or bulges and a one-time general visual inspection of the aft pressure bulkhead to identify any previously installed web repair, and do all applicable corrective actions, by accomplishing all of the applicable actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1253, dated May 18, 2007, except as provided by paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD.
Where Tables 1 and 2 of paragraph 1.E. of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1253, dated May 18, 2007, specify a compliance time of “at or before 15,000 total flight cycles or within 1,200 flight cycles” for the general visual inspections, this AD requires accomplishing the applicable inspection at the later of those compliance times. Where Tables 1 and 2 of paragraph 1.E. of the service bulletin specify counting the compliance time from the “release date of this service bulletin” or “after the date on this service bulletin,” this AD requires starting the compliance time from the effective date of this AD. Where Table 2 of paragraph 1.E. of the service bulletin specifies to determine the FAA-approved, follow-on inspection procedures, thresholds, and repeat intervals and to incorporate them into the airplane maintenance program within 12 months after accomplishing the inspection given in Section 53-80-08-2R of the Boeing 737-600/700/700C/800/900 Structural Repair Manuals (SRMs), this AD requires that those corrective actions, if applicable, be done within 12 months after accomplishing the one-time general visual inspection of the aft pressure bulkhead for any previously installed web repair as required by paragraph (f) of this AD.
If any crack or bulge is found during any inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1253, dated May 18, 2007, specifies to contact Boeing for repair instructions, before further flight, repair according to a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, or according to data meeting the certification basis of the airplane approved by an Authorized Representative for the Boeing Delegation Option Authorization Organization who has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. If a previously installed aft pressure bulkhead web repair is found during any inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD, and the FAA-approved supplemental inspection program cannot be determined from either the Boeing 737-600/700/700C/800/900 SRMs or the service bulletin, and the service bulletin specifies to contact Boeing for further instructions, within 12 months after accomplishing the inspection contact the Manager, SACO, or an Authorized Representative for the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Delegation Option Authorization Organization to develop a supplemental inspection program.
(i) Although Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1253, dated May 18, 2007, specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that action.
