Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16019 · Flight controls
Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900 and -900ER Series Airplanes
This AD applies to all Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900 and -900ER series airplanes, certificated in any category.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900 and -900ER series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive testing of the rudder pedal forces or repetitive detailed inspections of the inner spring of the rudder feel and centering unit, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also requires replacement of the spring assembly in the rudder feel and centering unit, which terminates the repetitive tests or inspections. This AD results from reports of low rudder pedal forces that were caused by a broken inner spring in the rudder feel and centering unit; a broken inner spring in conjunction with a broken outer spring would significantly reduce rudder pedal forces. We are issuing this AD to prevent reduced rudder pedal forces, which could result in increased potential for pilot-induced oscillations and reduce the ability of the flightcrew to maintain the safe flight and landing of the airplane.
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.
For Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1287, dated April 16, 2008: Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a test of the rudder pedal forces or a detailed inspection of the inner spring of the rudder feel and centering unit, by doing all the applicable actions, including all applicable corrective actions before further flight, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1287, dated April 16, 2008. Repeat the test or inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 120 days.
For Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1287, dated April 16, 2008: Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the spring assembly in the rudder feel and centering unit in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1287, dated April 16, 2008. Accomplishing the replacement ends the repetitive tests or inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
(i) For all airplanes: As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on any airplane, a rudder feel and centering unit having part number (P/N) 65C25410-7, serial numbers 3609 through 3820 inclusive, unless it has been modified according to paragraph (h) of this AD.
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1287, dated April 16, 2008, specifies sending a data reporting sheet to Boeing; however, this AD does not require that action.
