ATA 2720

737 Rudder System Enhancement

Program (RSEP)

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Background

• Engineering Test and Evaluation Board (ETEB) formed

based on NTSB recommendation to study 737 rudder
system

– After extensive study, ETEB issued report / findings

• ETEB issue – “Reliable Redundancy” of rudder

control system

• Independent Boeing study revealed possible safety

enhancements to an already safe rudder control system

• RSEP is result – enhances safety and addresses ETEB

“Reliably Redundant” issue

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Current Rudder PCU

Single Input Linkage

(dual load path)

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RSEP Rudder PCU

Separate “A” and

“B” system input
cranks and linkages

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Current Rudder Control System Installation

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RSEP Rudder Control System Installation

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Current Program Status

• System CDR delayed due to technical issues

• PCU Input rod breakout devices “rotary type” instead of
linear

– Cam and roller at torque tube crank arm rather than

pogo rod

• Minor deviation from original “no structural modification”

design objective

– Small, unavoidable interference detected between new

rudder PCU and rudder seal support

– Will be resolved by either minor modification of existing

support or remove and replace with new support

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Regulatory Action
• The FAA was briefed on the rudder system enhancement
program in Washington DC on 26 Mar 2001

• Ongoing discussions continue with the FAA’s Seattle

Aircraft Certification Office

• Both the NTSB and FAA are satisfied with the rudder
system enhancement design approach

• FAA advised they intend to release an NPRM providing

regulatory compliance details

– NPRM requirements and compliance times are not

released at time of this update

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Retrofit Communication

• Four separate service bulletins

– Classic Provisional Wiring (Est 1st Quarter 2002)

– NG Provisional Wiring (Est 1st Quarter 2002)

– Classic RSEP Hardware (Est 3rd Quarter 2003)

– NG RSEP Hardware (Est 3rd Quarter 2003)

• Operators may be contacted for retrofit scheduling info

– This info used for SB kit procurement and distribution
scheduling

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Provisional Wiring Service Bulletin

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RSEP Hardware Service Bulletin

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Schedule
Wire
Wire Provision Hardware
Wire Provision SB & Kit Full Sys SB & Kit
NG Reqmt in Prod Release in Prod Release
Models: 4/01 Jan 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr

2001 2002 2003

Classic 4/01 Nov 1st Qtr 3rd Qtr

Models: Wire Wire Wire Hardware
Reqmt Provision Provision SB & Kit
validation SB & Kit Release
SB & Kit Release
Release

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Warranty Provisions

• Boeing warranty position regarding RSEP retrofit has not

yet been determined

– A program letter will be released when our warranty

position has been established

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Recommended Action

• Provide RSEP retrofit scheduling information when

requested by Boeing

• Provide the FAA with comments within the specified

comment period when NPRM is released

– Boeing is also interested in NPRM operator comments

– Forward these comments to Boeing if willing to share

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