AD 2006-07-11 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), MD-88, and MD-90-30 Airplanes

This AD applies to all McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), MD-88, and MD-90-30 airplanes, certificated in any category.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Inspection (f) Prior to the accumulation of 10,000 total flight hours on the aft attach fitting assembly of the spoiler link, or within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever is later: Inspect the aft attach fitting assembly of the spoiler link to determine the part number, in accordance with Item 1.a). of Section 1.D., “Description,” of Aerotech Manufacturing Service Bulletin DC9-27-01-AMI5139, Revision “A,” dated June 19, 2003. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the part number of the assembly can be conclusively determined from that review. (1) If the part number is not AMI3954558-1 or AMI3954558-501: No further action is required by this AD, but the provisions of paragraph (h) of this AD continue to apply. (2) If the part number is AMI3954558-1 or AMI3954558-501, or if the part number cannot be conclusively determined: Before further flight, inspect the aft attach fitting assembly of the spoiler link to determine the lot number, then determine if the lot number is identified in the “Lot Number” column of the table in Section 1.A.1. of the service bulletin. If the lot number is not identified in the service bulletin, no further action is required by this AD, but the provisions of paragraph (h) of this AD continue to apply. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the lot number of the assembly can be conclusively determined from that review. Replacement (g) If the part number of the aft attach fitting assembly of the spoiler link is AMI3954558-1 or AMI3954558-501, and the lot number is identified in the “Lot Number” column of the table in Section 1.A.1. of Aerotech Manufacturing Service Bulletin DC9-27-01-AMI5139, Revision “A,” dated June 19, 2003, or if the part number and/or lot number cannot be conclusively determined: Before further flight, replace the assembly with a new or serviceable assembly having a lot number that is not identified in the “Lot Number” column of the table in Section 1.A.1. of the service bulletin, in accordance with Item 1.b). of Section 1.D., “Description,” of the service bulletin. Parts Installation (h) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on any airplane, an aft attach fitting assembly of the spoiler link having part number AMI3954558-1 or AMI3954558-501, and having a lot number identified in the “Lot Number” column of the table in Section 1.A.1. of Aerotech Manufacturing Service Bulletin DC9-27-01-AMI5139, Revision “A,” dated June 19, 2003. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (i)(1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with 14 CFR 39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding District Office. Material Incorporated by Reference (j) You must use Aerotech Manufacturing Service Bulletin DC9-27-01-AMI5139, Revision “A,” dated June 19, 2003; to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this document in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Aerotech Engineering, Inc., 19655 Descartes, Foothill Ranch, California 92610; for a copy of this service information. You may review copies at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 17, 2006. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 06-3064 Filed 3-30-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD was prompted by a determination that the holes of certain aft attach fitting assemblies of the spoiler link were not cold-worked during production. We are issuing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking of the aft attach fitting of the spoiler link and consequent failure of the fitting. Failure of the fitting could result in an asymmetrical lift condition and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.