AD 2002-09-07 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), and MD-88 Airplanes

Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), and MD-88 airplanes; certificated in any category; as listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD80-24A124, Revision 01, dated August 24, 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 possible arcing of the electrical power cables in the aft cargo compartment sidewall and consequent damage to equipment and the adjacent structure, which could result in smoke and/or fire in the cargo compartment, accomplish the following: Inspection and Corrective Action, if Necessary (a) Within 1 year after the effective date of this AD, perform a general visual inspection of the electrical power feeder cables on each side of the floor support strut at station Y=1231.00 for chafing and preloading against the adjacent floor support cutout, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD80-24A124, Revision 01, dated August 24, 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.” Note 3: Accomplishment of the actions required by this AD, before the effective date of this AD, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas MD-80 Service Bulletin 24-124, dated September 26, 1991, is considered acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this AD. (1) Condition 1. If no chafing and preloading of the electrical power feeder cables are found, no further action is required by this AD. (2) Condition 2. If any chafing of the electrical power feeder cable is found, before further flight, repair the cable, install a shim on the bracket, and reposition the cable; in accordance with the service bulletin. (3) Condition 3. If any preloading of the electrical power feeder cable is found, before further flight, install a shim on the bracket and reposition the cable, 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 4: 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 actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD80-24A124, Revision 01, dated August 24, 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; 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 June 6, 2002. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 24, 2002. Lirio Liu-Nelson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 02-10653 Filed 5-1-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U