AD 87-07-03

87-07-03 BOEING: Amendment 39-5577. Applies to Boeing Model 737 airplanes, equipped with an aft airstair on which the detent plate modification described in Boeing Service Bulletin 737-52-1083, dated June 4, 1982, or later revisions, has been incorporated; certificated in any category. Compliance is required within one year after the effective date of this AD.

To ensure usability of the aft airstair exit in the event of an emergency evacuation, accomplish the following, unless previously accomplished:

A. Remove the aft airstair operating handle detent plate which has been modified in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 737-52-1083, and install an unmodified Boeing P/N 65- 60510-1 aft airstair operating handle detent plate.

B. An alternate means of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time, which provides an acceptable level of safety, may be used when approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Northwest Mountain Region.

C. Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate airplanes to a base for the accomplishment of the requirements of this AD.

All persons affected by this directive who have not already received the appropriate service documents from the manufacturer may obtain copies upon request to the Boeing Commercial Airplane Company, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. These documents may be examined at the FAA, Northwest Mountain Region, 17900 Pacific Highway South, Seattle, Washington, or the Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 9010 East Marginal Way South, Seattle, Washington.

This amendment becomes effective April 13, 1987.