AD 2003-08-02 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-90-30 Airplanes

Models named: MD-90-30. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model MD-90-30 airplanes, as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD90-25A056, Revision 01, dated April 30, 2002; 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 chafing and damage of the cable assemblies of the powered seats located in the first-class cabin, which could result in electrical arcing and consequent smoke and/or fire in the cabin, accomplish the following: One-Time Inspection/Follow-on Modification (a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD: Do a one-time general visual inspection for chafing and damage of the cable assemblies of the powered seats located in the first-class cabin between fuselage stations Y=273.500 and Y=465.000, per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD90-25A056, Revision 01, dated April 30, 2002. Before further flight, do the applicable follow-on modification specified in paragraph (a)(1), (a)(2), or (a)(3) of this AD. 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 from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight 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.” (1) If no chafing or damage is found, modify the cable assemblies (includes installing cable assemblies and mating identification bands; installing protective sleeving and wrap; installing and routing of seat cable assemblies using improved methods; and coiling and stowing the ground wire if applicable) per Condition 1 of the service bulletin. (2) If any chafing or damage is found that is within the limits specified in Chapter 20 of the Standard Wiring Practices Manual (SWPM), modify the cable assemblies (includes repairing the damaged cable assemblies and doing a continuity check; installing cable assemblies and mating identification bands; installing protective sleeving and wrap; installing and routing of seat cable assemblies using improved methods; and coiling and stowing the ground wire if applicable) per Condition 2 of the service bulletin. (3) If any chafing or damage is found that is outside the limits specified in Chapter 20 of the SWPM, modify the cable assemblies (includes replacing the damaged wires or cable assemblies with new components, and doing a continuity check; installing cable assemblies and mating identification bands; installing protective sleeving and wrap; installing and routing of seat cable assemblies using improved methods; and coiling and stowing the ground wire if applicable) per Condition 3 of 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 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 Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD90-25A056, Revision 01, dated April 30, 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 (e) This amendment becomes effective on April 30, 2003. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 7, 2003. Ali Bahrami, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 03-8892 Filed 4-14-03; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P