Action
Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Summary
We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2005-13- 30, which applies to all Boeing Model 737-100, -200, and -200C series airplanes. AD 2005-13-30 currently requires repetitive inspections to detect discrepancies of certain fuselage skin panels located just aft of the wheel well, and repair if necessary. Since we issued AD 2005-13- 30, an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicates that the fuselage skin is subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD), and we have received reports of cracks at the chem-milled steps in the fuselage skin. This proposed AD would add new fuselage skin inspections for cracking, inspections to detect missing or loose fasteners and any disbonding or cracking of bonded doublers, permanent repairs of time- limited repairs, related investigative and corrective actions if necessary, and skin panel replacement. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the fuselage skin panels, which could cause rapid decompression of the airplane.