AD 2002-26-13 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-11, -12, -13, -14, -15, and -15F Airplanes; Model DC-9-21 Airplanes; Model DC-9-31, -32, -32 (VC-9C), -32F, -32F (C-9A, C-9B), -33F, -34, and -34F Airplanes; Model DC-9-41 Airplanes; Model DC-9-51 Airplanes; Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), and DC-9-87 (MD-87) Airplanes; and Model MD-88 Airplanes

Models named: DC-9-11, DC-9-12, DC-9-13, DC-9-14, DC-9-15, DC-9-15F. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to the following airplanes, certificated in any category, as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC9-24A191, Revision 01, dated January 9, 2002: McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-11, DC-9-12, DC-9-13, DC-9-14, DC-9-15, and DC-9-15F airplanes DC-9-21 airplanes DC-9-31, DC-9-32, DC-9-32 (VC-9C), DC-9-32F, DC-9-32F (C-9A, C-9B), DC-9-33F, DC-9-34, and DC-9-34F airplanes DC-9-41 airplanes DC-9-51 airplanes DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), and DC-9-87 (MD-87) airplanes MD-88 airplanes 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 internal arcing of the left and right generator power relays, auxiliary power relays, and external power relays, and consequent smoke and/or fire in the cockpit and cabin, accomplish the following: Inspection (a) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time inspection of the left and right generator power relays, auxiliary power relays, and external power relays, to determine if Sundstrand (Westinghouse) part number (P/N) 914F567-3 or -4 is installed, per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC9-24A191, Revision 01, dated January 9, 2002. Replacement or Modification/Reidentification of Any Generator Power Relay, Auxiliary Power Relay, or External Power Relay, P/N 914F567-3 (b) If any generator power relay, auxiliary power relay, or external power relay, Sundstrand (Westinghouse) P/N 914F567-3, is found installed during the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, do either action specified in paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD per the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC9-24A191, Revision 01, dated January 9, 2002. [] (1) Replace power relay having Sundstrand (Westinghouse) P/N 914F567-3 with either a serviceable power relay having Sundstrand (Westinghouse) P/N 9008D09 series or 914F567-4. (2) Modify the power relay, Sundstrand (Westinghouse) P/N 914F567-3, to a -4 configuration. Maintenance or Replacement of Any Generator Power Relay, Auxiliary Power Relay, or External Power Relay, P/N 914F567-4 (c) If any generator power relay, auxiliary power relay, or external power relay, Sundstrand (Westinghouse) P/N 914F567-4, is found installed during the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, clean, inspect, repair, and test the relay, or replace the power relay with a serviceable power relay having Sundstrand (Westinghouse) P/N 9008D09 series or 914F567-4; per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC9-24A191, Revision 01, dated January 9, 2002; at the time specified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD, except as provided by paragraph (c)(2) of this AD. (1) Within 7,000 flight hours after installation of the generator power relay, auxiliary power relay, or external power relay, Sundstrand (Westinghouse) P/N 914F567-4, or within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. (2) For airplanes on which the flight hours since installation of any generator power relay, auxiliary power relay, or external power relay, Sundstrand (Westinghouse) P/N 914F567-4, cannot be determined: Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD. Repetitive Maintenance of Generator Power Relay, Auxiliary Power Relay, or External Power Relay, Sundstrand (Westinghouse) P/N 914F567-4 (d) Before or upon the accumulation of 7,000 flight hours on any generator power relay, auxiliary power relay, or external power relay, Sundstrand (Westinghouse) P/N 914F567-4 since accomplishing the action(s) required by either paragraph (b) or (c) of this AD, as applicable, clean, inspect, repair, and test; per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC9-24A191, Revision 01, dated January 9, 2002. Thereafter, repeat these actions at intervals not to exceed the accumulation of 7,000 flight hours on the power relay. 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 2: 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 (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 Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC9-24A191, Revision 01, dated January 9, 2002. 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 February 6, 2003. Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 23, 2002. Vi L. Lipski, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 02-32865 Filed 12-31-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U