AD 2000-01-18 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-8 Series Airplanes

Models named: DC-8 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model DC-8 series airplanes, as listed in McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC8-57-030, Revision 05, dated April 28, 1998; certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent stress corrosion cracking of the lower cap of the wing front spar, which if not corrected, could result in reduced structural integrity of the wing, accomplish the following: (a) Within 48 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time eddy current conductivity test to determine the material type of the forward tang of the lower cap of the front spar in the center section of the wing, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC8-57-030, Revision 05, dated April 28, 1998, or Revision 04, dated August 17, 1995. (1) If 7079-T6 aluminum is not found, no further action is required by this AD. (2) If any 7079-T6 aluminum is found, within 48 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the forward tang of the lower cap of the front spar, in accordance with the service bulletin. (b) Accomplishment of the eddy current conductivity test, and modification, if necessary, specified in paragraph (a) of this AD constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements of paragraph (a) of AD 90-16-05, amendment 39-6614, as it applies to the inspections of the forward tang of the lower cap of the front spar specified in McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC8-57-030, Revision 3, dated December 10, 1970. Alternative Methods of Compliance (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Los Angeles ACO. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Los Angeles ACO. Special Flight Permits (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. Incorporation by Reference (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC8-57-030, Revision 05, dated April 28, 1998, or McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC8-57-030, Revision 04, dated August 17, 1995. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Boeing Commercial Aircraft Group, Long Beach Division, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Technical Publications Business Administration, Dept. C1-L51 (2-60). Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. (f) This amendment becomes effective on February 23, 2000. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 11, 2000. Donald L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-1119 Filed 1-18-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U