AD NUMBER: 2012-05-02

PRODUCT: Certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes
SUBJECT: Airworthiness Directive 2012-05-02
ACTION: Final Rule

SUMMARY: This AD was prompted by reports of heat damage to the inner wall of the thrust reversers, which could result in separation of adjacent components and consequent structural damage to the airplane, damage to other airplanes, and injury to people on the ground. This AD requires modifying the thrust reverser inner walls, inspecting for damage of the upper and lower inner wall insulation blankets, measuring the electrical conductivity on the aluminum upper compression pads 2 and 3 as applicable, inspecting for discrepancies of the inner wall of the thrust reverser, and corrective actions if necessary.

This AD also requires, for certain airplanes, doing various concurrent actions (including replacing the inner wall blanket insulation, installing updated full-authority digital electronic control software, and modifying the thrust reverser inner wall and insulation blankets). The FAA is issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective May 10, 2012

FMI: AD