AD 2008-09-17 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, and MD-10-10F Airplanes

Models named: DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, MD-10-10F. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, and MD-10-10F airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-32A259, dated October 30, 2007.

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. Inspections and Corrective Actions (f) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (f)(1), (f)(2), or (f)(3) of this AD, do a video probe inspection for the presence of stray nickel or chrome plating deposits on the air filler valve bore of the MLG shock strut cylinders, and before further flight, do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-32A259, dated October 30, 2007. Repeat the video probe inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,400 flight cycles or 20 months, whichever occurs first. Accomplishment of the repair specified in Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin or the replacement specified in Part 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin terminates the repetitive inspections for that MLG shock strut cylinder. (1) For passenger airplanes: Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD. (2) For freighter airplanes with MLG cylinders that have accumulated fewer than 7,200 flight cycles in a freighter configuration as of the effective date of this AD: Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD. (3) For freighter airplanes with MLG cylinders that have accumulated 7,200 flight cycles or more in a freighter configuration as of the effective date of this AD: Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD. Parts Installation (g) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a MLG shock strut cylinder assembly, part number ARG7002-1, -501, -503, or -505, on any airplane, unless the air filler valve bore hole has been oversized and closing action has been accomplished in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-32A259, dated October 30, 2007, and the MLG shock strut cylinder assembly has been permanently identified with part number SB10320259-3 adjacent to the existing ARG7002 part number. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (h)(1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, ATTN: Maureen Moreland, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, Los Angeles ACO, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5238; fax (562) 627-5210; has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. Material Incorporated by Reference (i) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-32A259, dated October 30, 2007, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Long Beach Division, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Data and Service Management, Dept. C1-L5A (D800-0024). (3) You may review copies of the service information incorporated by reference at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 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 April 18, 2008. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8-9439 Filed 5-1-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from a report of a left main landing gear (MLG) collapse during landing rollout. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct stray nickel and chrome plating deposits, corrosion, and cracking of the air filler valve bore on the MLG cylinder, which could result in landing gear failure, significant damage to the airplane, and injury to personnel.