Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER Series Airplanes

This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting airworthiness directive (AD) 2010-06-51 that was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes by individual notices. This AD requires doing a detailed inspection of the inboard and outboard aft attach lugs of the left and right elevator control tab mechanisms for gaps between the swage ring and the aft attach lug, and between the spacer and the aft attach lug; trying to move or rotate the spacer using hand pressure; and replacing any discrepant elevator tab control mechanism, including performing the detailed inspection on the replacement part before and after installation. This AD is prompted by a report of failure of the aft attach lugs on the left elevator tab control mechanism, which resulted in severe elevator vibration. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct a loose bearing in the aft lug of the elevator tab control mechanism, which could result in unwanted elevator and tab vibration. The consequent structural failure of the elevator or horizontal stabilizer could result in loss of aircraft control and structural integrity.