Summary
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800 and -900 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require an inspection of the escape slides for the forward and aft entry and service doors to determine the part number and service bulletin number stenciled on the escape slide girt, and modification of the escape slide assemblies. This proposed AD also would require concurrent modification of the escape slide latch assembly; concurrent inspection of the escape slides to determine the part number and service bulletin number stenciled on the escape slide girts, and replacement of the trigger housing on the regulator valve with improved trigger housing if necessary; and concurrent replacement of the rod in the pilot valve regulator with a new improved rod; as applicable. This proposed AD results from reports that certain escape slides did not automatically inflate when deployed or after the manual inflation cable was pulled. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of an escape slide to inflate when deployed, which could result in the slide being unusable during an emergency evacuation and consequent injury to passengers or crewmembers.