Boeing Model 737 Series Forward Airstairs

FAA Aircraft Certification Service SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS INFORMATION BULLETIN SUBJ: Boeing Model 737 Series Forward Airstairs SAIB: NM-07-47 Date: September 6, 2007 This is information only. Recommendations aren’t mandatory.

Introduction

This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) advises you, owners and operators of Boeing Model 737 series airplanes equipped with forward airstairs, of a potential personal injury risk associated with the possibility for small children to fall through openings in the airstair handrails.

Background

We have received four reports of personal injury resulting from small children falling through or over the airstair handrails. During the process of disembarking or entering the aircraft, unattended children have either passed through the handrails or lost their balance and fallen from the airstairs.

The steps on the airstairs are equipped with folding handrails on each side. In addition, the airstairs are equipped with handrail extensions which are secured to the inside of the forward entry door opening to provide a continuous handrail support from the ground to the airplane. These handrail extensions close a gap along the top airstair platform between the fuselage of the airplane and folding handrails.

However, there are gaps between the folding handrails along the stairs and handrail extensions along the top platform that can allow small children to pass through. In addition, the side beams of the stairs and top stair of the airstairs are not coated with non skid material.

Recommendations

We recommend that you incorporate Boeing Service Bulletin 737-52-1157, as well as Monogram Systems Service Bulletin 870700-52-2130, which is referred to in the Boeing service bulletin. These service bulletins add warning placards to the risers on the airstair steps and door jams, as well as anti-skid material to the side beams and top stair of the airstairs. The warning placards advise to hold a child’s hand while they are on the airstairs. Boeing has also revised the flight attendant manual, as applicable, advising to pay particular attention to persons with small children or those with special needs.

For Further Information Contact

Robert Hettman, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Ave. SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone (425) 917-6457; fax (425) 917-6590; email: [email protected]

For Related Service Information Contact:

The Boeing Company, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, WA 98124, or through the following website: https://www.myboeingfleet.com/ReverseProxy/Authentication.html