AD 96-11-18 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-80 Series Airplanes, and Model MD-88 and MD-90 Airplanes

Models named: DC-9-80 series, MD-88, MD-90. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model DC-9-80 series airplanes and Model MD-88 airplanes, having manufacturer's fuselage numbers 924 through 1094 inclusive, and 1095 through 2113 inclusive; and Model MD-90 airplanes, having manufacturer's fuselage numbers 2094 through 2098 inclusive, and 2100; certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 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 (c) 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 ensure that the length of the oxygen mask lanyards is correct, so that the oxygen canister will be properly activated when needed during an emergency, accomplish the following: (a) For Model DC-9-80 series airplanes and Model MD-88 airplanes, having manufacturer's fuselage numbers 1095 through 2113 inclusive; and Model MD-90 airplanes: Within 2 years after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time measurement of the length of the oxygen mask lanyards of the passenger service unit (PSU) from the loop on the firing pin or aluminum ring to the mask, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD80-35-022, dated August 29, 1995 (for Model DC-9-80 series airplanes and Model MD-88 airplanes), or McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD90-35-001, dated August 29, 1995 (for Model MD-90 airplanes), as applicable. (1) If the length of all oxygen mask lanyards is found to be within the limits specified in the applicable service bulletin, no further action is required by this paragraph. (2) If the length of any oxygen mask lanyard is found to exceed the limits specified in the applicable service bulletin, prior to further flight, modify that oxygen mask lanyard of the PSU in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. (b) For Model DC-9-80 series airplanes having manufacturer's fuselage numbers 924 through 1094 inclusive: Within 2 years after the effective date of this AD, modify the oxygen mask lanyards of the PSU in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD80- 35-022, dated August 29, 1995. (c) 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. (d) 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. (e) The measurement and modification shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD80-35-022, dated August 29, 1995 (for Model DC-9-80 series airplanes and Model MD-88 airplanes), or McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD90-35-001, dated August 29, 1995 (for Model MD-90 airplanes). 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. (f) This amendment becomes effective on July 9, 1996. Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 23, 1996. John J. Hickey, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 96-13609 Filed 6-3-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U