AD 2004-05-09 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

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; as listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD80-24A158, Revision 01, dated February 23, 2000.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent wire chafing and subsequent shorting to structure in the forward cargo compartment, which could result in smoke or fire in the airplane, accomplish the following: Inspection and Follow-On Actions (a) Within 1 year after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time general visual inspection for chafing of wiring in the left-hand tunnel area of the forward cargo compartment between Y = 237.000 and Y = 256.000, per the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD80-24A158, Revision 01, dated February 23, 2000. Then, do paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD, as applicable. (1) If any chafing is found, before further flight, repair per the service bulletin. (2) Before further flight, coil and stow excess wiring per the service bulletin. 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.” Inspections Accomplished per Previous Issue of Service Bulletin (b) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD per McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD80-24-158, dated October 27, 1995, are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding action specified in this AD. 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 specified in this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD80-24A158, Revision 01, dated February 23, 2000. 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 Airplanes, 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 7, 2004. Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 20, 2004. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 04-4560 Filed 3-2-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P