AD/B737/312 Aft Pressure Bulkhead Inspection (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.001(1) of CASR 1998.  The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

Boeing 737 Series Aeroplanes

AD/B737/312 Aft Pressure Bulkhead Inspection 2/2008 DM

Applicability:

Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800 and -900 series aircraft.

Requirement:

Perform repetitive inspections and if required, corrective actions, of the aft pressure bulkhead in accordance with the accomplishment instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1253, dated May 18, 2007 or later revision approved by the FAA as an Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC).

Note:  FAA AD 2007-25-03 Amendment 39-1528 refers.

Compliance:

As per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1253.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 14 January 2008.

Background:

This Airworthiness Directive has resulted from several cases of web “oil canning” or bulges or previous repairs which could lead to web cracking and consequent failure of the aft pressure bulkhead.

This AD requires repetitive inspection of the aft side and/or forward side of the aft pressure bulkhead to identify and to correct “oil canning” or bulges.  There is also a one time inspection for previously installed web repairs and corrective actions if necessary.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

12 December 2007