{"id":"F2006B02890","name":"AD/B737/189 - Rudder Feel and Centering Unit","slug":"ad-b737-189-rudder-feel-and-centering-unit","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":42232,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006B02890-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/B737/189 Rudder Feel and Centering Un","sectionType":"part","heading":"AD/B737/189 Rudder Feel and Centering Unit 11/2002","content":"# AD/B737/189 Rudder Feel and Centering Unit 11/2002\n\nDM\n\nApplicability: Model 737-600, \\-700, \\-700C, \\-800, and \\-900 series aircraft, line numbers 948 through\n\n1108.\n\nRequirement: Action in accordance with the technical requirements of FAA AD 2002-16-23 Amdt 39-12862.\n\nNote: Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1259 refers.\n\nCompliance: Within 10 days after 4 September 2002 for the initial requirement. Thereafter as specified in the Requirement document, with a revised effective date of 4 September 2002.\n\nThis Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 4 September 2002.\n\nBackground: The FAA has received reports of low rudder pedal forces caused by a broken inner spring in the rudder feel and centring unit on some new generation Model 737 aircraft. Investigation of the broken springs revealed an incorrect process used on a specific batch of inner springs. In the event that both the inner and outer springs fail, the pedal feel and centring forces will be lost. This condition, if not corrected, could result in pilot- induced oscillation and consequent loss of control of the aircraft.\n\n![Signature of David Villiers, Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.](image.002.jpeg)  \n\nDavid Alan Villiers\n\nDelegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 28 August 2002\n\n![](image.001.png)  \n\nThe above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 4 September 2002.","sortOrder":1}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The AD adopts and enforces the FAA AD's technical requirements for the specified aircraft and line numbers without expanding applicability or altering the corrective action. It establishes the Australian effective date (4 September 2002) and an initial 10-day compliance deadline while leaving subsequent intervals and procedures to the referenced FAA AD (Requirement; Compliance)."},"complexity_factors":["Cross-reference to FAA AD 2002-16-23 and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1259 (Requirement) — compliance depends on external, technical documents.","Narrow applicability to specific 737 models and line numbers (Applicability) — precise aircraft identification required to determine obligation.","Short initial compliance timeframe: within 10 days after 4 September 2002 (Compliance) — logistical and operational scheduling pressure for operators.","Ongoing obligations 'thereafter as specified in the Requirement document' — continued compliance tied to the FAA AD's future instructions.","Legal enforcement under CAR 1998 subreg 39.1(1) via CASA delegate (prefatory paragraph and signature) — regulatory discretion to require corrective action."],"plain_english_summary":"This Airworthiness Directive requires operators of Boeing 737-600, -700, -700C, -800 and -900 series aircraft (line numbers 948–1108) to carry out the corrective actions set out in FAA AD 2002-16-23 (and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1259) to fix broken inner springs in the rudder feel and centering unit that can remove pedal centring and cause pilot‑induced oscillation (Requirement; Background). The work must be completed within 10 days after 4 September 2002 and thereafter as the FAA AD prescribes; CASA enforces compliance under CAR 1998 subreg 39.1(1) (Compliance)."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This AD maintains its original narrow scope — addressing a specific manufacturing defect in a specific component (rudder feel and centering unit springs) on a limited production batch of Boeing 737 aircraft. There is no evidence of scope creep; it remains tightly focused on the immediate safety issue identified."},"complexity_factors":["Very short document (approximately 300 words)","Only 3 defined applicability criteria (specific Boeing 737 models and line numbers)","Single requirement referencing external technical document (FAA AD) rather than spelling out detailed steps","Simple compliance timeline (10 days from effective date)","No nested exceptions or conditional logic","Minimal cross-referencing (only to FAA AD and Boeing Service Bulletin)","Straightforward background explaining single mechanical failure mode"],"plain_english_summary":"This AD mandates urgent corrective action on the rudder feel and centering unit for certain Boeing 737-600/700/700C/800/900 airframes (line numbers 948–1108) due to a manufacturing defect in the inner spring. It affects airlines and operators of those aircraft in Australia and requires following FAA AD 2002-16-23 and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1259 to restore rudder pedal feedback and prevent pilot-induced oscillation and potential loss of control."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-b737-189-rudder-feel-and-centering-unit","history":"/api/acts/ad-b737-189-rudder-feel-and-centering-unit/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-b737-189-rudder-feel-and-centering-unit/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-b737-189-rudder-feel-and-centering-unit/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-b737-189-rudder-feel-and-centering-unit/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-b737-189-rudder-feel-and-centering-unit/documents"}}