Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-600, -700, and -800 Series Airplanes

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 737-600, -700, and -800 series airplanes, that currently requires repetitive inspections of certain elevator hinge plates, and corrective action, if necessary. That AD also provides for an optional replacement of the elevator hinge plates with new, improved hinge plates, which would end the repetitive inspections. This amendment requires accomplishment of the previously optional replacement of the elevator hinge plates with new, improved hinge plates, as terminating action for the repetitive inspections. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent fatigue cracking of the elevator hinge plates, which could lead to the loss of the attachment of the elevator to the horizontal stabilizer, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.