Two Technicians report about their involvement with a B737-700 NexGen aircraft that had a logbook Airworthiness Release signed-off prior to a required maintenance Test Flight being accomplished after replacement of the left-hand; outboard; Trailing Edge (T/E) aft flap.
Synopsis
Two Technicians report about their involvement with a B737-700 NexGen aircraft that had a logbook Airworthiness Release signed-off prior to a required maintenance Test Flight being accomplished after replacement of the left-hand; outboard; Trailing Edge (T/E) aft flap.
Narrative
I was working on the Terminating Action (T/A) for a deferred item for flap damage. I removed and replaced the left-hand outboard and trailing edge flap on a B737-700 aircraft In Accordance With (IAW) Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) 27-51-22. All adjustments and Operational Checks were good and no adjustments were made. I reported to my upper Management that the part had been changed and the aircraft had been signed-off when I was done. Prior to Maintenance Release; I checked our General Manual (G/M) for RII and/or NDT to verify Quality Control (Q/C) involvement. I was unaware of the Test Flight requirements. In the future I will have to take more time investigating the General Manual (G/M) more thoroughly; instead of relying on my upper Management for assistance. In the future; if possible; when the aircraft is scheduled for known Maintenance Test Flight; it should be taken out of service until the results of the Test Flight comes back; Out of Service meaning not having a scheduled flight the next morning until a test flight is complete.
Second reporter narrative
I worked the Service Check and the additional Work Cards assigned to the work package for a [B737-700] aircraft EXCEPT for; the Terminating Action (T/A) deferred item to replace the left outboard aft flap and chip detectors on number 1 engine. I also worked a log page write-up to replace the left wing illumination light. I don't have an Airworthiness Release on the B737-NG aircraft; so I signed-off the log page with a 'Work Performed By' (WPB) and Mechanic X signed the Airworthiness Release.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.