AD 93-17-51

93-17-51 BOEING: Amendment 39-8699. Docket 93-NM-152-AD.

Applicability: Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes, line positions 2288 through 2515 inclusive, certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent loss of the horizontal stabilizer, which could severely affect controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:

(a) For airplanes having line positions 2288 through 2347 inclusive: Within 24 hours after the effective date of this AD, perform a detailed visual inspection of the left and right horizontal stabilizer hinge fitting to verify installation of the retention devices on the inner and outer hinge pins. For the purposes of this AD, retention devices are cotter pins, nuts, washers, and bushing retainers.

(b) For airplanes having line positions 2348 through 2515 inclusive: Within 15 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a detailed visual inspection of the leftand right horizontal stabilizer hinge fitting to verify installation of the retention devices on the inner and outer hinge pins.

(c) If no part is missing, no further action is required by this AD.

(d) If any part is missing, prior to further flight, replace the outer pin, inner pin, and all associated retention devices on the affected side of the horizontal stabilizer, in accordance with the procedures described in Boeing 737 Maintenance Manual.

(e) Within 24 hours after completion of the inspection required by this AD, submit a report of any finding(s) of discrepancies to the Manager, Seattle Manufacturing Inspection District Office, ANM-108S, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; fax (206) 227-1181. Information collection requirements contained in this regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) andhave been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

(f) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Seattle ACO.

NOTE: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Seattle ACO.

(g) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(h) This amendment becomes effective on October 14, 1993, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by telegraphic AD T93-17-51, issued on August 27, 1993, whichcontained the requirements of this amendment.