AD 2003-24-14 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), and MD-88 Airplanes

All 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; certificated in any category.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. Note 1: The FAA recommends that the actions required by this AD be accomplished after replacing the metallized polyethyleneteraphthalate (MPET) insulation blankets, as required by AD 2000-11-02, amendment 39-11750. To prevent smoke and fire in various areas of the airplane due to heat damage and/or electrical arcing of improperly installed wiring, accomplish the following: Inspection (a) Within 6 years after the effective date of this AD: Perform a detailed inspection to detect discrepancies of exposed electrical wiring installations as specified in Table 1 of this AD. Specific discrepancies are listed in paragraph 3.B.3. of each service bulletin. Prior to further flight thereafter, perform corrective actions in accordance with the service bulletin, as applicable. Table 1.—Inspection Requirements Inspect the electrical wiring installations in the— In accordance with the following Boeing Service Bulletin— (1) Flight compartment and forward drop ceiling MD80-24-176, Revision 02, Excluding Appendix, dated January 21, 2003. (2) Electrical/electronic compartment MD80-24-177, Revision 02, Excluding Appendix, dated January 21, 2003. (3) Forward passenger compartment from stations Y = 218.000 to Y = 846.000 MD80-24-178, Revision 02, Excluding Appendix, dated January 21, 2003. (4) Aft passenger compartment from stations Y = 846.000 to Y = 1338.000 MD80-24-179, Revision 02, Excluding Appendix, dated January 21, 2003. (5) Forward and mid cargo compartments from stations Y = 218.000 to Y = 811.000 MD80-24-180, Revision 02, Excluding Appendix, dated January 21, 2003. (6) Aft cargo compartment from stations Y = 1033.000 to Y = 1338.000 MD80-24-181, Revision 02, Excluding Appendix, dated January 21, 2003. (7) Forward accessory compartment from stations Y = 41.000 to Y = 70.000 MD80-24-182, Revision 02, Excluding Appendix, dated January 21, 2003. Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is defined as: “An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.” (b) Although the service bulletins identified in Table 1 of this AD specify that operators provide a report of inspection findings, this AD does not require such information. (c) An inspection done before the effective date of this AD is acceptable for compliance with the inspection requirements of this AD, if accomplished in accordance with the corresponding service bulletin identified in Table 1 of this AD, the original version, dated July 14, 2000, or July 14, 2000; or Revision 01, dated June 12, 2001. Alternative Methods of Compliance (d) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD. Incorporation by Reference (e) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with the Boeing Service Bulletins in Table 2 of this AD, as applicable: Table 2.—Boeing Service Bulletins Service bulletin Revision level Date MD80-24-176, Excluding Appendix 02 January 21, 2003. MD80-24-177, Excluding Appendix 02 January 21, 2003. MD80-24-178, Excluding Appendix 02 January 21, 2003. MD80-24-179, Excluding Appendix 02 January 21, 2003. MD80-24-180, Excluding Appendix 02 January 21, 2003. MD80-24-181, Excluding Appendix 02 January 21, 2003. MD80-24-182, Excluding Appendix 02 January 21, 2003. 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 (f) This amendment becomes effective on January 8, 2004. Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 26, 2003. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 03-30111 Filed 12-3-03; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P