2004-09-09: Station 348.2 Frame Stop Fittings and Intercostal Flanges at Stringers 14L, 15L, and 16L

2004-09-09 Boeing: Amendment 39-13598. Docket 2003-NM-208-AD. \n\n\tApplicability: All Model 737-200C series airplanes; certificated in any category. \n\n\tCompliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. \n\n\tTo prevent rapid decompression of the airplane, and possible separation of the forward entry door from the airplane, accomplish the following: \n\nInitial and Repetitive Inspections \n\n\t(a) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this AD: Prior to the accumulation of 46,000 total flight cycles, or within 2,250 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, do detailed and eddy current inspections of the Station 348.2 frame for cracking under the stop fittings and intercostal flanges at Stringers 14L, 15L, and 16L by accomplishing paragraphs 3.A. and 3.B.1. through 3.B.7. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1240, dated April 10, 2003. Do the actions per the service bulletin. Any applicable repairmust be accomplished prior to further flight. Repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4,500 flight cycles. \n\n\tNote 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed 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." \n\nCorrective Action \n\n\t(b) If any crack is found during any inspection required by this AD, and the bulletin specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate action: Before further flight, repair per a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA; or per data meeting the type certification basis of the airplane approved by a Boeing Company Designated Engineering Representative who has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make such findings. For a repair method to be approved, the approval must specifically reference this AD. \n\nAlternative Methods of Compliance \n\n\t(c) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Seattle ACO, FAA, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance (AMOCs) for this AD. \n\nIncorporation by Reference \n\n\t(d) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1240, dated April 10, 2003. 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 Airplanes, PO 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. \n\nEffective Date \n\n\t(e) This amendment becomes effective on June 4, 2004.