AD 2003-11-15 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 (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 ensure that the lanyards on the pressure relief door for the thrust reverser have adequate strength so that the door will not detach from the thrust reverser in the event that an engine bleed air duct bursts, which could result in the door striking and damaging the horizontal stabilizer, accomplish the following: Replacement of Lanyards on the Thrust Reverser Pressure Relief Door (a) Within 18 months after the effective date of the AD, replace the lanyards on the pressure relief door for the thrust reverser with new, improved lanyards, and accomplish associated modifications, per the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-78-048, dated February 15, 2001. The associated modifications include removing the pressure relief door, modifying the pressure relief door (including replacing existing brackets with new brackets and re-identifying the door with a new part number), modifying the lower track beam (including removing terminals, replacing the aft quick-release pin with a new pin, and re-identifying the beam with a new part number), modifying the heat shield on the lanyard assembly attach lugs, and re-installing the pressure relief door. Note 2: Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-78-048, dated February 15, 2001, refers to International Aero Engines Service Bulletin V2500-NAC-78-0184, dated February 16, 2001, for instructions on replacing the lanyards on the pressure relief door for the thrust reverser. Parts Installation (b) After the effective date of this AD, no person may install a lanyard having part number (S700M1392A170) or (S700M1392A161) on the pressure relief door for the thrust reverser on any airplane. 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) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-78-048, dated February 15, 2001. This incorporation by reference was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of July 9, 2003 (68 FR 33355, June 4, 2003). 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 (f) This amendment becomes effective on January 27, 2004. Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 12, 2003. Kevin M. Mullin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 03-31439 Filed 12-22-03; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P