AD 2001-09-18 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-80 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-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), and DC-9-87 (MD-87) series airplanes; and Model MD-88 airplanes; as listed in McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD80-32-277, Revision 04, dated December 7, 1999; 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 (m)(1) 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 fatigue cracking of the main landing gear (MLG) pistons, which could result in failure of the pistons and subsequent damage to the airplane structure or injury to airplane occupants, accomplish the following: For Airplanes on Which Certain Pistons Have Not Been Modified: Inspections (a) For airplanes on which any MLG piston, part number (P/N) 5935347-1 through 5935347-509 inclusive, has NOT been modified: Do the actions specified in paragraph (a)(1), (a)(2), or (a)(3) of this AD, as applicable, per the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD80-32-277, Revision 04, dated December 7, 1999. (1) For any MLG piston that has accumulated less than 5,000 total landings since date of manufacture: Prior to the accumulation of 5,000 total landings on the MLG piston, or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, do dye penetrant and magnetic particle inspections to detect cracks of the MLG pistons. (2) For any MLG piston that has accumulated 5,000 or more total landings since date of manufacture, but less than 30,000 total landings since date of manufacture: Within 1,500 landings on the MLG piston or 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, do dye penetrant and magnetic particle inspections to detect cracks of the MLG pistons. (3) For any MLG piston that has accumulated 30,000 or more total landings since date of manufacture: Within 2 years or 5,000 landings on the MLG piston after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, do the preventative modification (including inspections; corrective actions, if necessary; wet grind rework area; flap shot peen rework area; and reidentify the MLG pistons); except as required by paragraph (k) of this AD. Following accomplishment of the preventative modification, do the actions specified in paragraph (e) at the time indicated in that paragraph. Note 2: Modification of the MLG piston per the original version, and Revisions 01 through 04 of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD80-32-277, Service Rework Drawing SR08320081, or any FAA-approved preventative modification to MLG pistons before the effective date of this AD, is considered acceptable for compliance with the preventative modification requirements of paragraphs (a)(3), (b)(1)(iii), (b)(2), and (c)(1) of this AD. For Airplanes on Which Certain Pistons Have Not Been Modified: Condition 1 (No Crack) (b) If no crack is found during any inspection required by either paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, do the actions specified in either paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD. (1) Condition 1, Option 1. Do the actions specified in either paragraph (b)(1)(i) or (b)(1)(ii) of this AD, and in paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this AD. (i) Repeat the inspections required by either paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,500 landings until the permanent modification required by paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this AD has been done. (ii) Before further flight, do the flap shot peening per McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD80-32-277, Revision 04, dated December 7, 1999. Repeat the inspections required by either paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,500 landings until the permanent modification required by paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this AD has been done. (iii) Prior to the accumulation of 30,000 or more total landings on the MLG piston, do the preventative modification (including inspections; corrective actions, if necessary; wet grind rework area; flap shot peen rework area; and reidentify the MLG pistons), per the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD80-32-277, Revision 04, dated December 7, 1999; except as required by paragraph (k) of this AD. Accomplishment of the permanent modification stops the repetitive inspection requirements of paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and (b)(1)(ii) of this AD. Following accomplishment of the preventative modification, do the actions specified in paragraph (e) at the time indicated in that paragraph. (2) Condition 1, Option 2. Before further flight, do the preventative modification (including inspections; corrective actions, if necessary; wet grind rework area; flap shot peen rework area; and reidentify the MLG pistons) per Condition 1, Option 2, of the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD80-32-277, Revision 04, dated December 7, 1999; except as required by paragraph (k) of this AD. Following accomplishment of the preventative modification, do the actions specified in paragraph (e) at the time indicated in that paragraph. For Airplanes on Which Certain Pistons Have Not Been Modified: Condition 2 (Any Crack Within Limits) (c) If any crack is found during any inspection required by either paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, and that crack is within the limits specified in McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD80-32-277, Revision 04, dated December 7, 1999, before further flight, do the action(s) specified in either paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this AD. (1) Do the preventative modification (including inspections; corrective actions, if necessary; wet grind rework area; flap shot peen rework area; and reidentify the MLG pistons) per the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin; except as required by paragraph (k) of this AD. Following accomplishment of the preventative modification, do the actions specified in paragraph (e) or (h) of this AD, as applicable, at the time indicated in that paragraph. (2) Replace the MLG piston with a new or serviceable MLG piston per the service bulletin. Following accomplishment of the replacement, do the actions specified in paragraph (a), (e), or (h) of this AD, as applicable, at the time indicated in that paragraph. Note 3: Replacement of the MLG piston with a modified MLG per the original version, and Revisions 01 through 04 of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD80-32-277, Service Rework Drawing SR08320081, or any FAA-approved preventative modification to MLG pistons before the effective date of this AD, is considered acceptable for compliance with the replacement requirements of paragraphs (c)(2) and (d)(1) of this AD. For Airplanes on Which Certain Pistons Have Not Been Modified: Condition 3 (Any Crack Outside Limits) (d) If any crack is found during any inspection required by either paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD that is outside the limits specified in McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD80-32-277, Revision 04, dated December 7, 1999, before further flight, do the action(s) specified in paragraph (d)(1) or (d)(2) of this AD. (1) Condition 3, Option 1. Replace the MLG piston with a new or serviceable MLG piston per the service bulletin. Following accomplishment of the replacement, do the actions specified in paragraph (a), (e), or (h) of this AD, as applicable, at the time indicated in that paragraph. (2) Condition 3, Option 2. Repair per a method approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. For Airplanes on Which Certain Pistons Have Been Modified: Replacement or Inspections and Corrective Actions, If Necessary (e) For airplanes on which any MLG piston, part number (P/N) 5935347-1 through 5935347-509 inclusive, has been modified and reidentified as P/N SR09320081-3 through SR09320081-13 inclusive: (1) For any MLG piston that has accumulated 30,000 or more landings since accomplishment of the modification: Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the MLG piston with a new or serviceable MLG piston per the service bulletin. Following accomplishment of the replacement, do the actions specified in paragraph (a), (e), or (h) of this AD, as applicable, at the time indicated in that paragraph. (2) For any MLG piston that has accumulated less than 30,000 landings since accomplishment of the modification: Do dye penetrant and magnetic particle inspections to detect cracks of the MLG pistons, per the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD80-32-277, Revision 04, dated December 7, 1999; at the applicable time(s) specified in paragraph (e)(2)(i) or (e)(2)(ii) of this AD. (i) For any MLG piston that has been modified per paragraph (a)(3), (b)(1)(iii), (b)(2), or (c)(1) of this AD, or that has been replaced with a modified MLG piston per paragraph (c)(2) or (d)(1) of this AD: Inspect within 2,500 landings following accomplishment of the modification or replacement with a modified MLG piston. (ii) For any MLG piston that has been modified per service information other than Revision 04 of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD80-32-277 and not inspected per Revision 04 of the service bulletin prior to the effective date of this AD: Inspect within 1,500 landings or 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. (f) If no crack is found during any inspection required by paragraph (e)(2) of this AD, repeat the dye penetrant and magnetic particle inspections required by paragraph (e)(2) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,500 landings. Within 30,000 landings since modification of the MLG piston, replace the MLG piston with a new or serviceable MLG piston per the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD80-32-277, Revision 04, dated December 7, 1999. Following accomplishment of the replacement, do the actions specified in paragraph (a), (e), or (h) of this AD, as applicable, at the time indicated in that paragraph. (g) If any crack is found during any inspection required by paragraph (e)(2) of this AD, before further flight, do the action(s) specified in either paragraph (d)(1) or (d)(2) of this AD. For Airplanes on Which A Certain Piston Has Been Installed: (h) For airplanes on which any MLG piston, P/N 5935347-511, has been installed: Do the actions specified in paragraph (h)(1), (h)(2), or (h)(3) of this AD, as applicable, per the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD80-32-277, Revision 04, dated December 7, 1999. (1) For any MLG piston that has accumulated less than 5,000 total landings since date of manufacture: Prior to the accumulation of 5,000 total landings on the MLG piston, or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, do dye penetrant and magnetic particle inspections to detect cracks of the MLG pistons. (2) For any MLG piston that has accumulated 5,000 or more total landings since date of manufacture, but less than 30,000 total landings since date of manufacture: Within 1,500 landings on the MLG piston or 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, do dye penetrant and magnetic particle inspections to detect cracks of the MLG pistons. (3) For any MLG piston that has accumulated 30,000 or more total landings since date of manufacture: Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the MLG piston with a new or serviceable MLG piston per the service bulletin. Following accomplishment of the replacement, do the actions specified in paragraph (a), (e), or (h) of this AD, as applicable, at the time indicated in that paragraph. (i) If no crack is found during any inspection required by either paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD, repeat the dye penetrant and magnetic particle inspections required by either paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,500 landings. Prior to the accumulation of 30,000 or more total landings on the MLG piston, do the actions specified in paragraph (d)(1) of this AD. (j) If any crack is found during any inspection required by either paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD, before further flight, do the action(s) specified in either paragraph (d)(1) or (d)(2) of this AD. Exception to Actions Referenced in Service Bulletin (k) If any discrepancy is found during any inspection while accomplishing the preventative modification required by this AD, prior to further flight, do applicable corrective action(s) per McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD80-32-277, Revision 04, dated December 7, 1999. If the service bulletin specifies to contact the manufacturer for appropriate action: Prior to further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Los Angeles ACO. For a repair method to be approved by the Manager, Los Angeles ACO, as required by this paragraph, the Manager's approval letter must specifically reference this AD. Optional Terminating Action (l) Replacement of any MLG piston with a new MLG piston, P/N 5935347-517, per McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD80-32-309, dated January 31, 2000, constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this AD for that MLG piston. Alternative Methods of Compliance (m)(1) 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 ACO. 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 4: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Los Angeles ACO. (2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in accordance with AD 96-19-09, amendment 39-9756, are approved as alternative methods of compliance with this AD. Special Flight Permits (n) 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 (o) Except as provided by paragraphs (d)(2), (k), and (l) of this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD80-32-277, Revision 04, dated December 7, 1999. 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: Data and Service Management, Dept. C1-L5A (D800-0024). 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 (p) This amendment becomes effective on June 14, 2001. Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 3, 2001. Lirio Liu Nelson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-11674 Filed 5-9-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P