Query about 737

[monkeyboy]

I'm looking at an Easy 737 from my office window and I've noticed what appears to be a lever or a handle on the starboard side of the fuselage under the tail, just below where it says "Boeing 737-700". I reckon it's probably 1-2 feet in length. I'm curious so can somebody enlighten me as to what it's for? Nothing too technical!

Thanks

MB

[knobbygb]

You probably mean the APU air intake. When flush with the fuselage it does look a bit like a handle. It opens inwards when the APU is running and the front portion sticks out to deflect and dirt or debris that may be sucked in.

This was also evident on the classic 737's.