# Proposed AD FAA-2004-18996: Boeing Model 737-700 and -800 Series Airplanes

- Type: Proposed airworthiness directive (not in force)
- Status: Became AD 2004-23-10
- Products: Boeing
- Product type: Aircraft
- Action: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
- Published: September 3, 2004, 69 FR 53855
- Comments due: October 18, 2004
- Became: [AD 2004-23-10](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2004-23-10)
- Docket: FAA-2004-18996 (https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FAA-2004-18996, where comments are filed)
- Project: 2004-NM-40-AD
- FR document: 04-20124
- Official PDF: https://openairdocs.org/files/sha256/e1/f7/e1f7dceac79676261f859a15e0ca3c679392c545b8f5a876de76f593b206fa28 (from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2004-09-03/pdf/04-20124.pdf)
- Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2004/09/03/04-20124/airworthiness-directives-boeing-model-737-700-and--800-series-airplanes
- FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/AA7A86074513EEFD85256F0400562423.0001
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/proposed/FAA-2004-18996

## Summary

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 737-700 and -800 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require doing an initial inspection for pitting and cracks of the lower skin panel at the lap joint; trimming the inner skin; installing exterior doublers; replacing the fuselage skin assembly; doing repetitive supplemental inspections; and repairing if necessary; as applicable. This proposed AD is prompted by a report indicating that localized pitting in the lower skin panels was found during production on a limited number of airplanes. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct premature fatigue cracking at certain lap splice locations and consequent rapid decompression of the airplane.

## Notices in this docket

- Sep 3, 2004: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). (first notice), FR document 04-20124, comments due Oct 18, 2004 (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2004/09/03/04-20124/airworthiness-directives-boeing-model-737-700-and--800-series-airplanes)

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.