Summary
This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Boeing Model 737-600, - 700, and -800 series airplanes. This proposal would require inspections of the fasteners in the elevator balance panel assemblies to detect various discrepancies; and corrective actions, if necessary. This proposal is prompted by a report that an elevator balance panel was found disconnected from the horizontal stabilizer due to the improper installation of fasteners during production. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent jamming, restricting, or binding of the elevator control surfaces due to loose or missing fasteners, which could make the movement of the elevator difficult and decrease aerodynamic control of the airplane.