AD FAA-2011-0254

The FAA withdraws a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that proposed a new airworthiness directive (AD), which would have applied to certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes. For certain airplanes, the NPRM would have required a one-time inspection for damage of the hydraulic actuator rod ends and actuator attach fittings on the thrust reversers, and repair or replacement if necessary. For all airplanes, the NPRM would have required repetitive inspections for damage of the hydraulic actuator rod ends, attach bolts, and nuts; repetitive inspections for damage of fitting assemblies, wear spacers, and actuator attach fittings on the thrust reverser; repetitive measurements of the wear spacer; and corrective actions if necessary. Since the NPRM was issued, the manufacturer notified us that an assumption regarding a failure mode of the rod ends or attachment fittings for the thrust reverser actuator used in the original safety assessment was incorrect. A new safety analysis was conducted and we determined that this issue is no longer a safety concern. Accordingly, the NPRM is withdrawn.