{"id":"F2006B02884","name":"AD/B737/182 - Elevator PCU Retention Bracket","slug":"ad-b737-182-elevator-pcu-retention-bracket","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":42226,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006B02884-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-01","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE","sectionType":"part","heading":"AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE","content":"# AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE\n\n![](image.001.png)\n\n![](image.001.png)  \nFor the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.\n\nBoeing 737 Series Aeroplanes","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"AD/B737/182 Elevator PCU Retention Brack","sectionType":"part","heading":"AD/B737/182 Elevator PCU Retention Bracket 6/2002","content":"# AD/B737/182 Elevator PCU Retention Bracket 6/2002\n\nApplicability: Model 737-600, \\-700, \\-700C, and \\-800 series aircraft; as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1234, Revision 1, dated 10 August 2000.\n\nRequirement: Do the following in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (SB) 737- 27A1234, or SB 737-27A1234 Revision 1:\n\n    Measure the clearance between a certain retention bracket for the elevator power control unit and a quadrant on the inboard side of the right elevator power control unit. If clearance is less than 0.10 inch, before further flight, accomplish rework in accordance with the Requirement document.\n\n    b. Perform a one-time general visual inspection for loose fasteners or brackets in certain retention bracket assemblies for the left and right elevator power control units. If any loose fastener or bracket is found, before further flight, torque affected fasteners in accordance with the Requirement document.\n\nNote: FAA AD 2002-06-03 Amdt 39-12679 refers.\n\nCompliance: Within 10 days after the effective date of this Directive, unless already accomplished.\n\nThis Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 13 June 2002.\n\nBackground: The FAA received reports of loose fasteners in certain retention bracket assemblies for the left and right elevator power control units. Such loose fasteners could separate from the bracket and interfere with adjacent systems, including the elevator flight controls. A loose bracket could also cause such interference. Also, inadequate clearance has been found between a retention bracket and quadrant of an elevator power control unit.\n\n![Signature of Steven John Swift, Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.](image.002.png)  \n\nSteven John Swift\n\nDelegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 29 April 2002\n\n![](image.001.png)  \n\nThe above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 22 May 2002.","sortOrder":1}],"analysis":{"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This Airworthiness Directive maintains its original narrow scope. It addresses a specific mechanical defect in specific Boeing 737 models as identified by the FAA and Boeing. There is no evidence of scope creep; the directive remains tightly focused on the elevator PCU retention bracket issue without expanding to unrelated systems or aircraft types."},"complexity_factors":["Very short document (approximately 300 words)","Only 4 defined/referenced technical documents (Boeing Service Bulletin 737-27A1234 original and Revision 1, plus FAA AD 2002-06-03)","Simple two-part requirement structure (measurement task + visual inspection task)","Single compliance timeframe (10 days) with one exception clause ('unless already accomplished')","No nested definitions or interpretation sections","Clear applicability limited to specific aircraft models by reference to Boeing document","Minimal conditional logic — essentially 'if problem found, fix before flight'"],"plain_english_summary":"This emergency safety order requires operators of Boeing 737-600/700/700C/800 aircraft to inspect and measure elevator power‑unit retention brackets within 10 days for loose fasteners and insufficient clearance with the quadrant, and to perform Boeing’s Service Bulletin repairs before further flight if problems are found. It affects airlines and maintenance crews and prevents flying until the identified defects are corrected."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"Based on the Directive text, the scope is confined to the Boeing 737 models listed in the Boeing Alert Service Bulletin and mirrors the FAA AD reference. The Directive mandates one-time inspections and corrective rework/torqueing per the Service Bulletin and sets a 10-day compliance deadline (see Applicability; Requirement; Compliance; Note; Background). The instrument does not expand continuing maintenance obligations beyond those specified, nor does it add new affected systems outside those retention brackets and associated PCU quadrants."},"complexity_factors":["Technical measurement requirement with a numeric threshold (clearance < 0.10 inch) — Requirement","Dependence on Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1234 (or Revision 1) for the detailed rework/torque instructions — Requirement","One-time visual inspection of both left and right elevator PCU retention assemblies, with corrective action mandated before further flight if defects found — Requirement","Short compliance window (within 10 days of effective date) increases operational scheduling pressure — Compliance","Safety-critical context: loose fasteners or inadequate clearance can interfere with elevator flight controls — Background","Limited applicability to specific 737 models listed in the Service Bulletin, requiring operators to confirm applicability against aircraft serials/records — Applicability","Cross-reference to FAA AD 2002-06-03, indicating alignment with an external regulator's finding — Note"],"plain_english_summary":"This Directive requires operators of certain Boeing 737-600/‑700/‑700C/‑800 aircraft (as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737‑27A1234) to measure clearance at a right-elevator PCU retention bracket and perform a one‑time visual inspection of left and right elevator PCU retention assemblies. If clearance is below 0.10 inch or any fastener/bracket is loose, rework or torqueing must be carried out per the Service Bulletin before further flight.\n\nIt affects aircraft operators and maintenance organisations and must be complied with within 10 days of the Directive's effective date."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-b737-182-elevator-pcu-retention-bracket","history":"/api/acts/ad-b737-182-elevator-pcu-retention-bracket/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-b737-182-elevator-pcu-retention-bracket/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-b737-182-elevator-pcu-retention-bracket/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-b737-182-elevator-pcu-retention-bracket/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-b737-182-elevator-pcu-retention-bracket/documents"}}