Action
Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); reopening of comment period.
Summary
We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, - 900 and -900ER series airplanes. That NPRM proposed to require modifying the fluid drain path in the wing leading edge area, forward of the wing front spar, and doing all applicable related investigative and corrective actions. That NPRM was prompted by a report of leaking fuel from the wing leading edge area at the inboard end of the number 5 leading edge slat. This action revises that NPRM by including installing new seal disks on the latches in the fuel shutoff valve access door as part of the modification and by specifying that certain inspections are detailed inspections. This action also revises the applicability to include additional airplanes. We are proposing this AD to prevent flammable fluids from accumulating in the wing leading edge, and draining inboard and onto the engine exhaust nozzle, which could result in a fire. Since these actions impose an additional burden over that proposed in the NPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on these proposed changes.