Adoption of the Amendment \n\n\n\tAccordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: \n\nPART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\n0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: \n\n\n\tAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\n\n\nSec. 39.13 (Amended) \n\n0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): \n\n2017-10-07 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18881; Docket No. FAA- 2016-6666; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-124-AD. \n\n(a) Effective Date \n\n\n\tThis AD is effective July 5, 2017. \n\n(b) Affected ADs \n\n\n\tNone. \n\n(c) Applicability \n\n\n\tThis AD applies to Boeing Model 737-400 series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1187, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2015 (''SASB 737-53-1187 R3''). \n\n(d) Subject \n\n\n\tAir Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage. \n\n(e) Unsafe Condition \n\n\n\tThis AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) which indicates that the aft fuselage skin is subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD) and reports of aft fuselage skin cracking. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking in the aft fuselage skin along the longitudinal edges of the bonded skin doubler, which could result in possible rapid decompression \n\n((Page 24478)) \n\nand reduced structural integrity of the airplane. \n\n(f) Compliance \n\n\n\tComply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. \n\n(g) Inspections, Related Investigative and Corrective Actions \n\n\n\tAt the applicable times specified in tables 1, 2, and 3 of paragraph 1.E., ''Compliance,'' of SASB 737-53-1187 R3, except as provided by paragraph (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD: Do the applicable inspections to detect cracks in the aft fuselage skin panels; and do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions; in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of SASB 737-53-1187 R3, except as required by paragraphs (h)(3) and (h)(4) of this AD. Do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions before further flight. Repeat the applicable inspections thereafter at the applicable intervals specified in tables 1, 2, and 3 of paragraph 1.E., ''Compliance,'' of SASB 737-53-1187 R3. Accomplishment of a repair in accordance with ''Part 4: Repair'' of the Accomplishment Instructions of SASB 737-53-1187 R3, except as required by paragraph (h)(3) of this AD, is terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by this paragraph at the repaired locations only. \n\n(h) Exceptions to SASB 737-53-1187 R3 \n\n\n\t(1) Where SASB 737-53-1187 R3, specifies compliance times ''after the Revision 3 date of this service bulletin,'' this AD requires compliance within the specified compliance times after the effective date of this AD. \n\t(2) The Condition column of Paragraph 1.E., ''Compliance,'' of SASB737-53-1187 R3, refers to airplanes in certain configurations as of the ''issue date of Revision 3 of this service bulletin.'' However, this AD applies to airplanes in the specified configurations as of the effective date of this AD. \n\t(3) Where SASB 737-53-1187 R3 specifies contacting Boeing for repair instructions or work instructions, before further flight, repair or perform the work instructions using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (n) of this AD, except as required by paragraph (h)(4) of this AD. \n\t(4) For airplanes on which an operator has a record that a skin panel was replaced with a production skin panel before 53,000 total flight cycles: At the applicable time for the next inspection as specified in tables 1, 2, and 3 of paragraph 1.E., ''Compliance,'' of SASB 737-53-1187 R3, except as provided by paragraph (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD: Perform inspections and applicable corrective actions using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (n) of this AD. \n\n(i) Actions for Airplanes With a Time-Limited Repair Installed \n\n\n\t(1) For airplanes with a time-limited repair installed as specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53-1187, Revision 2, dated May 9, 2007: At the applicable times specified in table 4 of paragraph 1.E., ''Compliance,'' of SASB 737-53-1187 R3, except as provided by paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD: Do the actions specified in paragraphs (i)(1)(i) and (i)(1)(ii) of this AD. \n\t(i) Do the applicable inspections to detect missing or loose fasteners and any disbonding or cracking of bonded doublers; and do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions; in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of SASB 737-53-1187 R3, except as required by paragraph (h)(3) of this AD. Do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions before further flight. Repeat the applicable inspections thereafter at the applicable intervals specifiedin table 4 of paragraph 1.E., ''Compliance,'' of SASB 737-53-1187 R3. \n\t(ii) Make the time-limited repair permanent; and do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions; in accordance with Part 6 of the Accomplishment Instructions of SASB 737-53-1187 R3, except as required by paragraph (h)(3) of this AD. Do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions before further flight. Accomplishing the permanent repair required by this paragraph terminates the inspections required by paragraph (i)(1)(i) of this AD for the permanently repaired area only. \n\t(2) For airplanes with a time-limited repair installed as specified in SASB 737-53-1187 R3: At the applicable times specified in table 5 of paragraph 1.E., ''Compliance,'' of SASB 737-53-1187 R3, except as provided by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD: Do the actions specified in paragraphs (i)(2)(i) and (i)(2)(ii) of this AD. \n\t(i) Do the applicable inspections to detect missing or loose fasteners and any disbondingor cracking of bonded doublers; and do all applicable corrective actions; in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of SASB 737-53-1187 R3, except as required by paragraph (h)(3) of this AD. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight. Repeat the applicable inspections thereafter at the applicable intervals specified in table 5 of paragraph 1.E., ''Compliance,'' of SASB 737-53-1187 R3. \n\t(ii) Make the time-limited repair permanent; and do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions; in accordance with Part 6 of the Accomplishment Instructions of SASB 737-53-1187 R3, except as required by paragraph (h)(3) of this AD. Do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions before further flight. Accomplishing the permanent repair required by this paragraph terminates the inspections required by paragraph (i)(2)(i) of this AD for the permanently repaired area only. \n\n(j) Modification of Certain Permanent Repairs \n\n\n\tFor airplanes with an existing time-limited repair that was made permanent as specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53-1187, Revision 2, dated May 9, 2007: At the applicable time specified in table 6 of paragraph 1.E., ''Compliance,'' of SASB 737-53-1187 R3, except as provided by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD: Modify the existing permanent repair; and do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions; in accordance with Part 6 of the Accomplishment Instructions of SASB 737-53-1187 R3, except as required by paragraph (h)(3) of this AD. Do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions before further flight. \n\n(k) Post-Repair Inspections \n\n\n\tTable 7 of paragraph 1.E., ''Compliance,'' of SASB 737-53-1187 R3, specifies post-repair airworthiness limitation inspections in compliance with 14 CFR 25.571(a)(3) at the repaired locations, which support compliance with 14 CFR 121.1109(c)(2) or 129.109(b)(2). As airworthiness limitations, these inspections are required by maintenance and operational rules. It is therefore unnecessary to mandate them in this AD. Deviations from these inspections require FAA approval, but do not require an alternative method of compliance. \n\n(l) Skin Panel Replacement \n\n\n\tAt the later of the times specified in paragraphs (l)(1) and (1)(2) of this AD: Replace the applicable skin panels, and do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of SASB 737-53-1187 R3. Do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions before further flight. Doing the skin panel replacement required by this paragraph terminates the inspection requirements of paragraphs (g), (i), and (j) of this AD for that skin panel only, provided the skin panel replacement was done with a production skin panel after 53,000 total flight cycles, or with the skin panel replacement kit (S-20 to S-25 (left and right)) specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53-1187. \n\t(1) Before 60,000 total flight cycles, but not before 53,000 total flight cycles. \n\t(2) Within 6,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, but not before 53,000 total flight cycles. \n\n(m) Credit for Previous Actions \n\n\n\t(1) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53-1187, Revision 2, dated May 9, 2007, except as required by paragraph (h)(4) of this AD. Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53-1187, Revision 2, dated May 9, 2007, was incorporated by reference in AD 2009-21-01, Amendment 39-16038 (74 FR 52395, October 13, 2009) (''AD 2009-21- 01''). \n\t(2) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by paragraph (l) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53-1187, Revision 2, dated May 9, 2007, except as required by paragraph (h)(4) of this AD. Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53-1187, Revision 2, dated May 9, 2007, was incorporated by reference in AD 2009-21-01. \n\t(3) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by paragraph (l) of this AD, if those actions were performed before November 17, 2009 (the effective date of AD 2009-21-01) using Part III of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing \n\n((Page 24479)) \n\nService Bulletin 737-53-1187, dated November 2, 1995; or Part III of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53- 1187, Revision 1, dated January 16, 1997, except as required by paragraph (h)(4) of this AD. Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53-1187, dated November 2, 1995; and Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53-1187, Revision 1, dated January 16, 1997; are not incorporated by reference in this AD. \n\n(n) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\n\t(1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (o)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-LAACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. \n\t(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. \n\t(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Los Angeles ACO, to make those findings. To be approved, the repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must meet the certification basis of the airplane and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. \n\t(4) AMOCs approved for repairs for AD 2009-21-01 are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraph (g) of this AD. \n\t(5) Except as specified in paragraph (n)(6) of this AD, AMOCs approved for previous modifications done as optional terminating action for AD 2009-21-01 are approved as AMOCs for the modification required by paragraph (l) of this AD provided the previous modification was done after the airplane had accumulated 53,000 total flight cycles or more. \n\t(6) AMOCs approved for previous modifications done as optional terminating action for AD 2009-21-01 are approved as AMOCs for the modification required by paragraph (l) of this AD provided the skin modification replacement is done using the skin panel kit specified Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53-1187. \n\n(o) Related Information \n\n\n\t(1) For more information about this AD, contact Jennifer Tsakoumakis, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles ACO, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5264; fax: 562-627-5210; email: jennifer.tsakoumakis@faa.gov. \n\t(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in paragraphs (p)(3) and (p)(4) of this AD. \n\n(p) Material Incorporated by Reference \n\n\n\t(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. \n\t(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. \n\t(i) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1187, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2015. \n\t(ii) Reserved. \n\t(3) For Boeing service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-5600; telephone: 562-797-1717; Internet: https://www.myboeingfleet.com. \n\t(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. \n\t(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.