AD 96-11-04 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9 and Model DC-9-80 Series Airplanes, Model MD-88 Airplanes, and C-9 (Military) Series Airplanes

Models named: DC-9-10, -20, -30, -40, -50 series, MD-88. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model DC-9-10, -20, -30, -40, and -50 series airplanes; Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), -82 (MD-82), -83 (MD-83), -87 (MD- 87) series airplanes; Model MD-88 airplanes; and C-9 (military) series airplanes; as listed in McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC9-53-268, dated August 11, 1995; 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 request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent water accumulation in the slant pressure panel area, which could result in the failure of the flaps or landing gear to properly extend or retract, accomplish the following: (a) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, accomplish paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC9-53-268, dated August 11, 1995. (1) Modify the slant panel insulation blankets on the slant pressure panel of the main landing gear. (2) Perform a visual inspection to detect discrepancies (i.e., defects and constant gap) of the left and right seal assemblies of the overwing emergency exit door. If any discrepancy is detected, prior to further flight, replace door seal in accordance with the service bulletin. (b) 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), 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 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Los Angeles ACO. (c) 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. (d) The modification, inspection, and replacement shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC9-53-268, dated August 11, 1995. 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. (e) This amendment becomes effective on June 26, 1996. Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 14, 1996. S.R. Miller, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 96-12600 Filed 5-21-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U