AD 2002-10-03 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), MD-88, and MD-90-30 Airplanes

Models named: MD-90-30. 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), DC-9-87 (MD-87), and MD-88 airplanes, as listed in Boeing Service Bulletin MD80-32-309, Revision 01, dated April 25, 2001; and Model MD-90-30 airplanes, as listed in Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-32-031, Revision 01, dated April 25, 2001; 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 (c) 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) shock strut pistons, which could result in failure of the MLG shock strut pistons during landing or jacking of the airplane, and consequent damage to the airplane structure and injury to the passengers, flightcrew, or ground personnel, accomplish the following: Replacement (a) Before the accumulation of 30,000 total landings on the MLG shock strut piston assemblies, or within 5,000 landings after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Replace the MLG shock strut piston assemblies, left and right-hand sides, with new or serviceable, improved assemblies, per the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin MD80-32-309, Revision 01, dated April 25, 2001 (for Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), and MD-88 airplanes); or Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-32-031, Revision 01, dated April 25, 2001 (for Model MD-90-30 airplanes); as applicable. If the MLG shock strut piston is not serialized or the number of landings on the piston cannot be conclusively determined, consider the total number of landings on the piston assembly to be equal to the total number of landings accumulated by the airplane with the highest total number of landings in the operator's fleet. Note 2: Accomplishment of the replacement specified in Boeing Service Bulletin MD80-32-309, dated January 31, 2000 (for Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), and MD-88 airplanes); or Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-32-031, dated January 31, 2000 (for Model MD-90-30 airplanes); as applicable; before the effective date of this AD, is considered acceptable for compliance with the requirement of paragraph (a) of this AD. Compliance With Requirements of Other ADs (b) Accomplishment of the replacement required by paragraph (a) of this AD constitutes terminating action for the requirements of AD 99-13-07, amendment 39-11201, AD 2000-03-08, amendment 39-11567, and AD 2001-09-18, amendment 39-12225. Alternative Methods of Compliance (c) 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 Angeles ACO. Special Flight Permits (d) 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 (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin MD80-32-309, Revision 01, dated April 25, 2001; or Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-32-031, Revision 01, dated April 25, 2001; as applicable. 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 (f) This amendment becomes effective on June 20, 2002. Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 8, 2002. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 02-12064 Filed 5-15-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P