# Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, and -800 Series Airplanes
> **Rule** · Final rule; request for comments. · Published 2002-04-26 · Effective 2002-05-13 · 67 FR 20628
## Document
- **Document number:** 02-10244
- **Category:** airworthiness
- **Type:** Rule
- **Action:** Final rule; request for comments.
- **Citation:** 67 FR 20628
- **Publication date:** 2002-04-26
- **Effective date:** 2002-05-13
- **FAA docket:** Docket No. 2002-NM-76-AD
## Abstract

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to all Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, and 800 series airplanes. This action requires inspecting the airplane following any suspected limit cycle oscillation (LCO) of the elevator tab; and revising the airplane flight manual (AFM) to limit airspeeds under certain conditions and to provide the flight crew with information regarding elevator tab LCO. This action also requires repetitive cleaning of the elevator tab and a one-time cleaning of the elevator balance bays. This action provides for the option to repetitively clean the elevator tab and balance bays following every deicing/anti-icing of the horizontal stabilizer, which would temporarily allow airspeeds exceeding those limited by the AFM revision. For certain airplanes, this action requires trimming the elevator balance panel seals, which will terminate the optional repetitive cleaning procedures for the balance bays. This action is necessary to prevent the accumulation of fluid or residue in the balance bays and foreign substances on the external surfaces of the elevator tab, which can lead to limit cycle oscillation, severe vibration, flutter, and loss of controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

## Source
- [Federal Register document](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2002/04/26/02-10244/airworthiness-directives-boeing-model-737-600--700--700c-and--800-series-airplanes)
---
*AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*