AD NUMBER: 2019-08-02

PRODUCT: Certain Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes.

ACTION: Final Rule.

SUMMARY: This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the frame web, frame integral inboard chord, and fail-safe chord on multiple airplanes in multiple locations between stringers S-10 and S-17 above the passenger floor, in addition to an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating that certain fuselage frame splices are subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD).

This AD requires repetitive inspections of certain fuselage upper frames, side frames, fail-safe chords, inboard chords, frame webs, and stringers; an inspection for open tooling holes and the presence of repairs in certain inspection zones; and applicable on-condition actions.

DATES: This AD is effective June 13, 2019.

COST: The FAA estimates that this AD affects 262 airplanes of U.S. registry. Operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD:

• Inspections: Up to 243 work-hours × $85 per hour = $20,655 per inspection cycle.

The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable it to provide cost estimates for the oncondition actions specified in this AD.

FMI: AD