Aircraft
Certification Service Washington, DC U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration
NM-07-47
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:
robert.hettman@faa.gov
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