Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21861 · Fuselage
The Boeing Company Airplanes
(1) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1388 RB, dated October 27, 2020.
(2) Installation of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST01219SE does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions required by this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST01219SE is installed, a “change in product” alternative method of compliance (AMOC) approval request is not necessary to comply with the requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating that the frame splice between certain stringers is subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). This AD requires an inspection of certain fuselage frame splices for existing repairs, repetitive inspections of certain fuselage frame splices for cracking, and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD: At the applicable times specified in the “Compliance” paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1388 RB, dated October 27, 2020, do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1388 RB, dated October 27, 2020.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1388, dated October 27, 2020, which is referred to in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1388 RB, dated October 27, 2020.
(1) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1388 RB, dated October 27, 2020, uses the phrase “the Original Issue date of Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1388 RB,” this AD requires using “the effective date of this AD,” except where Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1388 RB, dated October 27, 2020, uses the phrase “the Original Issue date of Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1388 RB,” in a note or flag note.
(2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1388 RB, dated October 27, 2020, specifies contacting Boeing for repair instructions or for alternative inspections: This AD requires doing the repair, or doing the alternative inspections and applicable on-condition actions using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
