AD 2003-26-07 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas 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 MD90-24A081, Revision 01, dated March 7, 2003; certificated in any category.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent internal overheating and arcing of circuit breakers and airplane wiring due to long-term use and breakdown of internal components of the circuit breakers, which could result in smoke and fire in the flight compartment and main cabin, accomplish the following: Inspection and Replacement (a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD: Perform a one-time general visual inspection of the circuit breakers to determine if discrepant circuit breakers are installed (includes circuit breakers manufactured by Wood Electric and Wood Electric Division of Brumfield Potter Corporations, and incorrect circuit breakers installed per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD90-24A081, dated February 14, 2002), per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD90-24A081, Revision 01, dated March 7, 2003. Instead of performing the one-time inspection, a review of the airplane maintenance records is acceptable if the part number of the discrepant circuit breakers can be positively determined by that review. Note 1: 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 discrepant circuit breaker is found: No further action is required by this paragraph. (2) If any discrepant circuit breaker is found: Before further flight, replace the circuit breaker with a new, approved circuit breaker, per the service bulletin. Part Installation (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install a circuit breaker manufactured by Wood Electric Corporation or Wood Electric Division of Potter Brumfield Corporation on any airplane. Alternative Methods of Compliance (c) 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 (d) Unless otherwise provided in this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD90-24A081, Revision 01, dated March 7, 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 (e) This amendment becomes effective on February 4, 2004. Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 19, 2003. Ali Bahrami, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 03-31851 Filed 12-30-03; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P