98-03-09 BOEING: Amendment 39-10301. Docket 98-NM-09-AD. Supersedes AD 97-26-04, Amendment 39-10247.

Applicability: All Model 737-100, -200, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes, certificated in any category. NOTE 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it. Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To detect and correct defective ailerons installed on the airplane, which could result in in-flight separation of an aileron from the airplane and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:

NOTE 2: The requirements of this AD specify and clarify the identification of certain defective ailerons and restate the requirements of AD 97-26-04, amendment 39-10247. As allowed by the phrase, ”unless accomplished previously,” if those requirements of AD 97-26-04 have already been accomplished, this AD does not require that those actions be repeated.

(a) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time visual inspection to determine if any aileron having any of the following serial numbers and correlating part numbers is installed on the airplane:

(b) If any aileron is found with an affected serial number and correlating part number identified in paragraph (a) of this AD, accomplish paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this AD.

(1) Prior to further flight, remove the defective aileron, and replace it with a new or serviceable aileron. And

(2) Within 10 days after accomplishing the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, submit a report of any findings of ailerons specified in paragraph (a) of this AD to the Manager, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2028; fax (425) 227-1181. Information collection requirements contained in this regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

(c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install on any airplane an aileron having any serial number and correlating part number identified in paragraph (a) of this AD.

(d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Seattle ACO.

NOTE 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Seattle ACO.

(e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(f) This amendment becomes effective on February 17, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Greg Schneider or Nenita Odesa, Aerospace Engineers, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2028 or (425) 227-2557; fax (425) 227-1181.