Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-15821 · Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 Series Airplanes
Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 Series Airplanes
This AD applies to Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1268, dated August 25, 2006.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive internal eddy current and detailed inspections to detect cracked stringer tie clips; measuring the fastener spacing and the edge margin if applicable, and doing applicable corrective and related investigative actions. As a temporary alternative to doing the actions described previously, this AD requires repetitive external general visual inspections of the skin and lap joints and repetitive external eddy current sliding probe inspections, as applicable, of the lap joints for cracks and evidence of overload resulting from cracked stringer tie clips, and applicable corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from a report of several cracked stringer tie clips. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct multiple adjacent cracked stringer tie clips and damaged skin and frames, which could lead to the skin and frame structure developing cracks and consequent 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.
Do repetitive internal eddy current and detailed inspections, as applicable, to detect cracked stringer tie clips; measure the fastener spacing and the edge margin if applicable; and do applicable corrective and related investigative actions. Do all applicable actions at the applicable compliance times and repeat intervals identified in Tables 2 through 8 inclusive of paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1268, dated August 25, 2006 (“the service bulletin”); except as provided by paragraphs (h) through (k) of this AD. Do all applicable actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin, except as provided by paragraph (l) of this AD.
Note 1: Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1268, dated August 25, 2006, refers to Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53A1177, Revision 6, dated May 31, 2001, as an additional source of service information for doing an internal eddy current inspection of the lap joint for certain airplane configurations.
Note 2: The eddy current inspections along the stringer tie clip radius to detect damage and replacement, as applicable, specified in paragraph 3.B.5. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1268, dated August 25, 2006, are not required by this AD. The actions are optional and can be done in addition to and at the same time as the actions required by paragraph (f) of this AD.
As a temporary alternative to doing the actions required by paragraph (f) of this AD, do repetitive external general visual inspections of the skin and lap joints and repetitive external eddy current sliding probe inspections, as applicable, of the lap joints for cracks and evidence of overload resulting from cracked stringer tie clips, and applicable corrective actions if necessary. Do all applicable actions at the applicable compliance times and repeat intervals identified in Tables 9 through 12 inclusive of paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1268, dated August 25, 2006 (“the service bulletin”), but not to exceed the flight cycles in the “Inspection Period Allowed” column of the tables; except as provided by paragraphs (h) and (k) of this AD. Do all applicable actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin, except as provided by paragraph (l) of this AD.
Note 3: Inspection B may be used on affected airplanes having line numbers 1 through 999 inclusive on which the terminating action (i.e., replacement of stringer tie clips) specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53-1085, Revision 1, dated May 10, 1990, has been done; and on affected airplanes having line numbers 1000 and subsequent. Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1268, dated August 25, 2006, contains a similar note.
Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1268, dated August 25, 2006 (“the service bulletin”), specifies a compliance time after the date of the service bulletin, this AD requires compliance within the specified compliance time after the effective date of this AD.
(i) For Model 737-100, -200, and -200C series airplanes, on which Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53-1085, Revision 1, dated May 10, 1990, has not been done in accordance with AD 93-08-04: As of the effective date of this AD, do the applicable inspections from station (STA) 559 to STA 887 in accordance with paragraph (f) of this AD, at the applicable compliance times specified in paragraph (b) of AD 93-08-04.
(j) In the first row of Tables 5 and 6 of paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1268, dated August 25, 2006 (“the service bulletin”), where the service bulletin specifies a compliance time of before 25,000 total airplane flight cycles, this AD requires a compliance time of before the accumulation of 25,000 total flight cycles, or within 2 years after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
(k) Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1268, dated August 25, 2006, specifies no starting point (e.g., “after the date on the service bulletin”) for a grace period, this AD requires compliance within the specified grace period after the effective date of this AD.
(l) Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1268, dated August 25, 2006, specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate action: Before further flight, repair the discrepancy using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (n) of this AD.
Accomplishment of the internal eddy current and detailed inspections for STA 559 to STA 887 in accordance with paragraph (f) of this AD constitutes compliance with the inspections required by paragraph (a) of AD 93-08-04, as it pertains to Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53-1085, Revision 1, dated May 10, 1990. Accomplishment of the internal eddy current and detailed inspections does not terminate the remaining requirements of AD 93-08-04, as it applies to other service bulletins. Operators are required to continue to inspect and/or modify per the other service bulletins listed in that AD.
