AD 2003-11-02 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.

All Model MD-90-30 airplanes, 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 (d) 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 failure of the starter relay of the auxiliary power unit (APU), which could result in depleted main airplane batteries, overheated APU starters, and damage to the wiring adjacent to the APU starter, accomplish the following: Starter Relay Replacement (a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the APU starter relay with a new, improved relay, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD90-49A025, Revision 01, dated April 16, 2002. (b) Replacement of the APU starter relay before the effective date of this AD, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD90-49A025, dated December 13, 2000, is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this AD. Parts Installation (c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a contactor (starter relay) having part number 5D0387-1, A-770-WA-3, or AH-CXA-016 on any airplane. Alternative Methods of Compliance (d) 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, 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 (e) 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 (f) Unless otherwise provided in this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD90-49A025, Revision 01, dated April 16, 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 (g) This amendment becomes effective on July 3, 2003. Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 20, 2003. Ali Bahrami, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 03-13116 Filed 5-28-03; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P