AD 2009-11-11 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, excluding fuselage number 2159.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Installation (g) Within 5 years after the effective date of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, as applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-28-012, dated November 19, 2008 (“the service bulletin”). (1) For Group 1 airplanes identified in the service bulletin, install fuel level float switch in-line fuses and wire protection in the left and right wing forward spars and center fuel tank forward spar, right side. (2) For Group 2 airplanes identified in the service bulletin, install fuel level float switch in-line fuses and wire protection in the left and right wing forward spars, center fuel tank forward spar, right side, and forward auxiliary fuel tank, right side; and install a fuel pressure switch in-line fuse and wire protection in the center fuel tank forward spar, left side. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (h)(1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to Attn: Samuel Lee, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140L, FAA, Los Angeles ACO, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5262; fax (562) 627-5210. (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 principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (i) You must use Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-28-012, dated November 19, 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, Attention: Data & Services Management, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, MC D800-0019, Long Beach, California 90846-0001; telephone 206-544-5000, extension 2; fax 206-766-5683; e-mail dse.boecom@boeing.com; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221 or 425-227-1152. (4) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference 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 May 20, 2009. Stephen P. Boyd, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E9-12521 Filed 6-1-09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent possible damage to the fuel level float or pressure switch wires. Such damage could become a potential ignition source inside the fuel tank, and, when combined with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.