AD 2008-18-10 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-90-30 Airplanes

Models named: MD-90-30. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to McDonnell Douglas Model MD-90-30 airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD90-54A002, dated August 1, 2008.

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. Detailed Inspection (f) Within 703 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, do a detailed inspection for any defect (missing, loose, or damaged fasteners; incorrect gap between washers and structure or between fastener heads and structure; or incorrect torque of fastener nuts) of the upper fasteners of the aft mount support fitting of the left and right engines, and do all the applicable corrective actions before further flight, by accomplishing all of the applicable actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD90-54A002, dated August 1, 2008. Credit for Actions Done per Multiple Operator Message (MOM) (g) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Boeing MOM 1-893882781-2, dated July 25, 2008, are acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (h)(1) The Manager, Los Angeles Certification Office (ACO), FAA, ATTN: Roger Durbin, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles ACO, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5233; 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. (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair required by this AD, if it is approved by an Authorized Representative for the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Delegation Option Authorization Organization who has been authorized by the Manager, Los Angeles ACO, to make those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (i) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD90-54A002, dated August 1, 2008, 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 August 25, 2008. Dionne Palermo, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8-20494 Filed 9-8-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from reports of loose, cracked, or missing fasteners in the aft mount support fitting of the left and right engines. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct loose, cracked, or missing fasteners in the engine aft support mount fitting, which could lead to separation of the support fitting from the pylon, which could result in separation of the engine from the airplane.