Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16250 · Flight controls
The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER Series Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2010-09-05. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes; certificated in any category.
This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting airworthiness directive (AD) 2010-06-51 that was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes by individual notices. This AD requires doing a detailed inspection of the inboard and outboard aft attach lugs of the left and right elevator control tab mechanisms for gaps between the swage ring and the aft attach lug, and between the spacer and the aft attach lug; trying to move or rotate the spacer using hand pressure; and replacing any discrepant elevator tab control mechanism, including performing the detailed inspection on the replacement part before and after installation. This AD is prompted by a report of failure of the aft attach lugs on the left elevator tab control mechanism, which resulted in severe elevator vibration. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct a loose bearing in the aft lug of the elevator tab control mechanism, which could result in unwanted elevator and tab vibration. The consequent structural failure of the elevator or horizontal stabilizer could result in loss of aircraft control and structural integrity.
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
For Groups 1, 2, and 3; and Group 4, Configuration 2; as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1296, dated March 12, 2010: At the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E. Compliance of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1296, dated March 12, 2010, except as required by paragraph (i) of this AD, do a detailed inspection of the inboard and outboard aft attach lugs of the left and right elevator control tab mechanisms for gaps between the swage ring and the aft attach lug, and between the spacer and the aft attach lug; and try to move or rotate the spacer using hand pressure, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1296, dated March 12, 2010.
(h) If, during accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD, any gap is found between the swage ring and the aft attach lug, or between the spacer and the aft attach lug; or if the spacer moves or rotates: Before further flight, do the actions required by paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1296, dated March 12, 2010.
(1) Inspect the replacement elevator tab control mechanism for discrepancies, as specified in paragraph (g) of this AD; and, if no discrepancy is found, install the replacement elevator tab control mechanism.
(2) Re-inspect the installed elevator tab control mechanism, as required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
(i) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1296, dated March 12, 2010, specifies a compliance time after the date of the original issue of the service bulletin, this AD requires compliance within the specified compliance time after the effective date of this AD.
An inspection done before the effective date of this AD according to Boeing Multi Operator Message Number MOM-MOM-10-0159-01B, dated March 10, 2010, is considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding inspection specified in paragraph (g) of this AD.
At the applicable time specified in paragraph (k)(1) or (k)(2) of this AD: Submit a report of the findings (both positive and negative) of the inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD to Boeing Commercial Airplanes Group, Attention: Manager, Airline Support, e-mail: rse.boecom@boeing.com. The report must include the inspection results including a description of any discrepancies found, the airplane line number, and the number of flight cycles and flight hours accumulated on the airplane. Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements contained in this AD and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
(1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after the effective date of this AD.
For all airplanes: As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an elevator tab control mechanism, part number 251A2430-(), on any airplane, unless the mechanism has been inspected before and after installation, in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD, and no discrepancies have been found.
