AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

CAA-AD-068/2001

Date of issue: August 07, 2001

AIRCRAFT - MAIN WHEEL WELLS - CONNECTORS - INSPECTION

Applicability: All Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes; certificated in any category.

Effective date: October 04, 2001

Compliance: Required as indicated in FAA AD 2001-14-06.

Remarks: The compliance of this AD must be recorded in Aircraft Logbook, where applicable the requirements of this AD must be integrated into Aircraft Technicl Documentation. Address inquiries concerning this AD to: Civil Aviation Authority, Airworthiness Division, Ruzyne Airport, 160 08 Prague 6, Czech Republic, tel: 420 2 33320922, fax: 420 2 20562270.

Ing. Pavel MATOUŠEK

Director of Airworthiness Division

CAA CZ

2001-14-06 Boeing: Amendment 39-12316. Docket 2000-NM-39-AD.

Applicability: All Model 737-300, -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 (b) 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 discrepancies of certain connectors located in the main wheel wells, which could result in electrical arcing of the connectors, uncommanded movement of the engine fuel shut-off valves to the closed position, and consequent in-flight loss of thrust or engine shutdown from lack of fuel, accomplish the following:

Repetitive Inspections/Corrective Action

(a) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD: Perform a detailed visual inspection of connectors D5162P, D5162J, D5164P, and D5164J (connectors are linked to the fuel shut-off valves and outboard landing lights), located in the main wheel wells, to detect discrepancies (missing spare contacts and filler rods, improper plugs or filler rods, or contamination or corrosion), as specified in Boeing Service Letter 737-SL-24-138, dated May 24, 1999. Repair any discrepancies in accordance with the service letter, and repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 24 months.

Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual inspection is defined as: "An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required."

Alternative Methods of Compliance

(b) 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 Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. 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.

Special Flight Permit

(c) 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.

Incorporation by Reference

(d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Service Letter 737-SL-24-138, including attachment, dated May 24, 1999. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

Effective Date

(e) This amendment becomes effective on August 16, 2001.