AD 2000-02-23 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9, DC-9-80, and C-9 (Military) Series Airplanes, and Model MD-88 Airplanes

Models named: DC-9-10, -20, -30, -40, -50 series, MD-88. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model DC-9-10, -20, -30, -40, and -50 series airplanes; Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), and DC-9-87 (MD-87) series airplanes; Model MD-88 airplanes; and C-9 (military) series airplanes; as listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin DC9-74A001, Revision 01, dated October 26, 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 an internal electrical short in the engine ignition switch, which could result in smoke in the flight compartment, accomplish the following: Inspection and Corrective Action (a) Within 8 months after the effective date of this AD, visually inspect the engine ignition switch to determine what type of switch (rotary or toggle) is installed in the hinged forward overhead switch panel, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC9-74-001, dated May 23, 1997, or McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin DC9-74A001, Revision 01, dated October 26, 1998. Note 2: Inspection of the five position ignition switches prior the effective date of the AD in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC9-74001, dated May 23, 1997, is considered acceptable for compliance with paragraph (a) of this AD. (1) If the switch is a toggle type, no further action is required by this AD. (2) If the switch is a rotary type, prior to further flight, determine the switch part number in accordance with the service bulletin. (i) If the switch has part number 79-2318 (5D0423-2) or 79-2355, no further action is required by this AD. (ii) If the switch has any part number other than that identified in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this AD, prior to further flight, replace the engine ignition switch with a new design ignition switch in accordance with the service bulletin. Spares Affected (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install a four position rotary ignition type switch, part number (P/N) 79-2081, 69-1966, or 34064; or a five position rotary type ignition switch, P/N 79-2055 (5D0423-1), 69-1967, 53306-033, or 3600-3076; on any airplane. 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 3: 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 §§ 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 DC9-74-001, dated May 23, 1997; or McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin DC9-74A001, Revision 01, dated October 26, 1998. 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 March 9, 2000. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 25, 2000. Donald L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-2084 Filed 2-2-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U