AD 2001-24-19 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-10, -20, -30, -40, and -50 Series Airplanes; C-9 Airplanes; Model DC-9-81, -82, -83, and -87 Series Airplanes; and Model MD-88 Airplanes

Models named: DC-9-10, -20, -30, -40, -50 series, DC-9-81, -82, -83, -87 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; C-9 airplanes; Model DC-9-81, -82, -83, and -87 series airplanes; and Model MD-88 airplanes; as listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin DC9-24A135, Revision 01, dated May 1, 2000; 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 (e) 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 loose external power ground wires, which could cause arcing and overheated wire insulation and consequent smoke/fire in the cockpit, accomplish the following: Inspection (a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, do a general visual inspection to detect chafing or overheat damage of the electrical wires located at fuselage station Y=110.000 bulkhead of the lower nose left tunnel, per McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin DC9-24A135, Revision 01, dated May 1, 2000. Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is defined as “A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or drop-light, and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.” Condition 1 (No Chafing or Damage) (b) If no chafing or overheat damage is detected during the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), and (b)(3) of this AD per McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin DC9-24A135, Revision 01, dated May 1, 2000. (1) Replace the external power ground stud with a new ground stud using new attaching parts. (2) Torque the new attachments. (3) Install nameplate (includes applying silicone primer and adhesive/sealant). Note 3: Accomplishment of the actions identified in paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), and (b)(3) of this AD per McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Service Bulletin 24-135, dated April 14, 1993, before the effective date of this AD, is considered acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (b) of this AD. Condition 2 (Chafing or Damage Within Limits) (c) If any chafing or damage is detected within the limits referenced in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin DC9-24A135, Revision 01, dated May 1, 2000, before further flight, repair damage; perform a continuity test to check the integrity of the wiring, and repair as applicable; and do the actions required by paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), and (b)(3) of this AD; per the alert service bulletin. Condition 3 (Chafing or Damage Beyond Limits) (d) If any chafing or damage is detected beyond the limits referenced in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin DC9-24A135, Revision 01, dated May 1, 2000, before further flight, replace any damaged wire with a new wire; perform a continuity test to check the integrity of the wiring, and repair as applicable; and do the actions required by paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), and (b)(3) of this AD; per the alert service bulletin. Alternative Methods of Compliance (e) 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 4: 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 Permit (f) 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 (g) The actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin DC9-24A135, Revision 01, dated May 1, 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: 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 (h) This amendment becomes effective on January 16, 2002. Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 28, 2001. Vi L. Lipski, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-30195 Filed 12-11-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U