AD 2001-26-15 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-81, -82, -83, and -87 Series Airplanes, and Model MD-88 Airplanes

Models named: DC-9-81, -82, -83, -87 series, MD-88. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model DC-9-81, -82, -83, and -87 series airplanes, and Model MD-88 airplanes, as listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD80-24A126, Revision 02, dated September 22, 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 (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 smoke and fire in the flight deck and main cabin due to insufficient clearance between wire assemblies and the ice protection airduct and airstair door interlock rod; chafing; and consequent arcing of wire assemblies, accomplish the following: Inspection and Modification (a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a detailed visual inspection of wire runs in the electrical/equipment compartment to detect chafing and preload against the airduct shroud assembly of the strake ice protection system and/or airstair door interlock rod between stations Y=148.00 and Y=160.000, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD80-24A126, Revision 02, dated September 22, 1999. Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual inspection is defined as: “An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.” (1) If no chafed or preloaded wire is found, prior to further flight, install spacers, sta-straps, and tie-back wire bundles, in accordance with the service bulletin. (2) If any chafed or preloaded wire is found, prior to further flight, repair, and install spacers, sta-straps, and tie-back wire bundles, in accordance with the service bulletin. 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 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Los Angles ACO. Special Flight Permit (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 actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD80-24A126, Revision 02, dated September 22, 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 (e) This amendment becomes effective on February 8, 2002. Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 21, 2001. Ali Bahrami, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 02-144 Filed 1-3-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P