Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22673 · Flight controls
The Boeing Company Airplanes
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-8, 737-8200, and 737-9 airplanes, certificated in any category, with an original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before December 20, 2023.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company (Boeing) Model 737-8, 737-8200, and 737-9 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a missing washer and nut and consequent migrated bolt discovered by an operator during scheduled maintenance. This AD requires a one-time inspection of the aft rudder quadrant and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time detailed visual inspection or remote video inspection of the aft rudder quadrant for missing bolts, nuts, and washers; a gap between the bolt/nut/washer and quadrant; and insufficient thread protrusion.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD can be found in Boeing Multi Operator Message MOM-MOM-23-0993-01B, dated December 27, 2023.
If any discrepancy is found during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (3) of this AD before further flight.
(1) Do a detailed inspection of the bolt, washer, and nut for damage and, before further flight, replace any missing or damaged bolts, washers, and nuts.
(2) Install each bolt, washer, and nut with a torque of 65 in-lb.
(3) Perform a rudder travel test to ensure that the rudder is operating correctly. If the test fails, before further flight, do applicable corrective actions and repeat until the test is passed.
Note 2 to paragraph (h) of this AD: Guidance for accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD can be found in Boeing Multi Operator Message MOM-MOM-23-0993-01B, dated December 27, 2023.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
