AD 2010-10-20 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Corporation Model DC-9-30, DC-9-40, and DC-9-50 Series Airplanes

This AD applies to McDonnell Douglas Corporation Model DC-9-31, DC-9-32, DC-9-32 (VC-9C), DC-9-32F, DC-9-33F, DC-9-34, DC-9-34F, and DC-9-32F (C-9A, C-9B), DC-9-41, and DC-9-51 airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Service Bulletin DC9-28-227, dated April 23, 2009.

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 (g) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect to determine the part numbers of the forward and aft auxiliary fuel tank boost and transfer pumps conduit assembly and conduit assembly electrical connector, as applicable, and do applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin DC9-28-227, dated April 23, 2009. Do the applicable corrective actions before further flight. If the auxiliary fuel tank(s) has been removed, thereby removing the fuel boost or transfer fuel pump conduit assembly connectors, the corrective action specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin DC9-28-227, dated April 23, 2009, is not required. If the removed auxiliary fuel tank(s) are re-installed, the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD must be done before further flight. 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: William Bond, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140L, FAA, Los Angeles ACO, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5253; 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 DC9-28-227, dated April 23, 2009, 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. (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 3, 2010. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2010-11185 Filed 5-14-10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. The Federal Aviation Administration is issuing this AD to detect and correct the potential for an arc/spark condition to occur within the fuel boost or transfer pump conduit assembly connectors and propagate into the forward and aft auxiliary fuel tanks, which could result in a fire or explosion.