AD 2000-23-31 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-82 (MD-82) and DC-9-83 (MD-83) Series Airplanes, and Model MD-88 Airplanes

Models named: MD-88. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model DC-9-82 (MD-82) and DC-9-83 (MD-83) series airplanes, and Model MD-88 airplanes, certificated in any category, as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80-33A115, dated August 10, 2000. 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 (b) 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 arcing and heat damage of the Luminator fluorescent lamp holders located outboard of the Passenger Service Unit panel, which could result in smoke and fire in the passenger compartment, accomplish the following: Deactivation (a) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, deactivate the left and right lower sidewall lights located in the passenger compartment, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80-33A115, dated August 10, 2000. Alternative Methods of Compliance (b) 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. 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 Manager, Los Angeles ACO. Special Flight Permits (c) 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 (d) The deactivation shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80-33A115, dated August 10, 2000. 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, 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. Effective Date (e) This amendment becomes effective on December 13, 2000. Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 15, 2000. Donald L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-29802 Filed 11-27-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U