AD 96-01-05 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-10, -20, - 30, -40, and -50 Series Airplanes and C-9 (Military) Series Airplanes

Models named: DC-9-10, -20, -30, -40, -50 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

All Model DC-9-10, -20, -30, -40, and -50 series airplanes, and C-9 (military) series airplanes; certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must use the authority provided in paragraph (d) of this AD to request approval from the FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current configuration eliminates the unsafe condition; or different actions necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair remove any airplane from the applicability of this AD.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To minimize the possibility of primary structural damage and rupture of the integral fuel tank due to overload of the main landing gear (MLG) caused by adverse landing conditions, and subsequent fuel spillage and a resultant fire, accomplish the following: (a) For airplanes on which Option 1 (or production equivalent) has not been accomplished as specified in McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Service Bulletin 57-125 (original issue through Revision 5): Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the attach fittings of both the right and left MLG's in accordance with Option 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Service Bulletin 57-125, Revision 5, dated November 5, 1990. Note 2: Airplanes on which Option 1 has been accomplished as specified in any of the following revisions of McDonnell Douglas DC- 9 Service Bulletin 57-125, are considered to be in compliance with this AD and no further action is required by this AD: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Service bulletin Revision level Date No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 57-125.. Revision 3.................... October 28, 1982; or Revision 4.................... June 21, 1983; or Revision 5.................... November 5, 1990. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (b) For airplanes on which Option 1 has been accomplished as specified in McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Service Bulletin 57-125 (original version through Revision 2); but on which Phase 2 has not been accomplished as specified in McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Service Bulletin 57-148 (original version through Revision 5): Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect and modify the attach fittings of both the right and left MLG's in accordance with Phase 2 of McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Service Bulletin 57-148, Revision 5, dated November 23, 1992. Note 3: Airplanes on which both Option 1 (or a production equivalent) has been accomplished as specified in any of the following revisions of McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Service Bulletin 57- 125; and Phase 2 (or a production equivalent) has been accomplished as specified in any of the following revisions of McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Service Bulletin 57-148; are considered to be in compliance with this AD and no further action is required by this AD: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Service bulletin Revision level Date No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 57-125 (Original)................... January 26, 1979; or Revision 1.................... February 16, 1979; or Revision 2.................... August 24, 1979; and 57-148 (Original).................... October 1, 1982; or Revision 1.................... June 8, 1983; or Revision 2.................... August 9, 1989; or Revision 3.................... September 11, 1990; or Revision 4.................... February 25, 1991; or Revision 5.................... November 23, 1992. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (c) Accomplishment of the actions required by this AD constitutes terminating action for the requirements of AD 80-06-04 R1, amendment 39-4909, and AD 84-26-01, amendment 39-4971. (d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), [[Page 2407]] FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Los Angeles ACO. Note 4: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Los Angeles ACO. (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Service Bulletin 57-125, Revision 5, dated November 5, 1990; and McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Service Bulletin 57-148, Revision 5, dated November 23, 1992. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from McDonnell Douglas Corporation, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Technical Publications Business Administration, Department C1-L51 (2-60). Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, Transport Airplane Directorate, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. (g) This amendment becomes effective on February 26, 1996. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 2, 1996. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 96-187 Filed 1-25-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P