Action
Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Summary
We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires repetitive inspections to detect cracking in the web of the aft pressure bulkhead at body station 1016 at the aft fastener row attachment to the "Y" chord, and corrective actions if necessary. That AD was prompted by several reports of fatigue cracking at that location, which could result in rapid decompression of the fuselage. Since we issued that AD, we have received additional reports of cracks found in the aft pressure bulkhead. This proposed AD would add various inspections for discrepancies at the aft pressure bulkhead, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct such fatigue cracking, which could result in rapid decompression of the fuselage.