Summary
This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Boeing Model 737-700 and - 800 series airplanes. This proposal would require inspections of certain tension bolts at the attachment of the aft pressure bulkhead to the fuselage at body station 1016 to determine if the correct parts are installed, and corrective action, if necessary. This action is necessary to prevent fatigue cracking along the bulkhead-to-fuselage attachment, which could result in structural failure of the aft pressure bulkhead and consequent rapid decompression of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.