Summary
This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to all Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. For certain airplanes, this proposal would require a one-time inspection or a review of the maintenance records of the airplane to determine if a particular control rod barrel for the aileron tabs is installed, and follow-on repetitive inspections for cracking of the control rod barrels and replacement of the control rod barrels with new barrels, if necessary. Such replacement would terminate the repetitive inspections. For all airplanes, this proposal would prohibit installation of a certain control rod barrel for the aileron tabs. This action is necessary to prevent the disconnection of an aileron tab, which could lead to severe airframe vibrations; consequent damage to the aileron tab, aileron, and wing; and loss of controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.