Ad/B737/340 - Outboard Trailing Edge Flap Carriage Spindles (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/B737/340 Outboard Trailing Edge Flap Carriage Spindles 10/2008

Applicability:

All Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series aircraft.

Requirement:

Action in accordance with the technical requirements of FAA AD 2008-15-05 Amdt 39-15617.

Note:  Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-57A1304 dated 2 June 2008, or later FAA approved revision, refers.

Compliance:

As specified in the Requirement document, with a revised effective date of
25 September 2008.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 25 September 2008.

Background:

The FAA received a report of corrosion found on outboard trailing edge flap carriage spindles.  Fracture of both the flap inboard and outboard carriage spindles, in the forward ends through the large diameters, could adversely affect continued flight safety.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

11 August 2008