AD 2004-07-08 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-15 Airplane

Model DC-9-15 airplane, fuselage number 0097; certificated in any category.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent loose external power ground wires, which could cause arcing and overheated wire insulation and consequent smoke/fire in the cockpit, accomplish the following: Inspection (a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, do a general visual inspection to detect chafing or overheat damage of the electrical wires located at fuselage station Y=110.000 bulkhead of the lower nose left tunnel, per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC9-24A135, Revision 02, dated January 7, 2003. 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 under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or drop-light, 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.” Condition 1 (No Chafing or Damage) (b) If no chafing or overheat damage is detected during the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), and (b)(3) of this AD per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC9-24A135, Revision 02, dated January 7, 2003. (1) Replace the external power ground stud with a new ground stud using new attaching parts. (2) Torque the new attachments. (3) Install nameplate (includes applying silicone primer and adhesive/sealant). Condition 2 (Chafing or Damage Within Limits) (c) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, any chafing or damage is detected within the limits referenced in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC9-24A135, Revision 02, dated January 7, 2003, before further flight, repair damage; perform a continuity test to check the integrity of the wiring, and repair as applicable; and do the actions required by paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), and (b)(3) of this AD; per the alert service bulletin. Condition 3 (Chafing or Damage Beyond Limits) (d) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, any chafing or damage is detected beyond the limits referenced in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC9-24A135, Revision 02, dated January 7, 2003, before further flight, replace any damaged wire with a new wire; perform a continuity test to check the integrity of the wiring, and repair as applicable; and do the actions required by paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), and (b)(3) of this AD; per the alert service bulletin. Accomplishment of the Actions (e) Accomplishment of the actions specified in AD 2001-24-19, amendment 39-12536, is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (f) 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 (g) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC9-24A135, Revision 02, excluding Appendix, dated January 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 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 (h) This amendment becomes effective on May 5, 2004. Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 19, 2004. Kevin M. Mullin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 04-6955 Filed 3-30-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P