AD 98-09-19 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9, DC-9-80, and C-9 (Military) Series Airplanes, and Model MD-88 Airplanes

Models named: MD-88. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model DC-9, DC-9-80, and C-9 (military) series airplanes and Model MD-88 airplanes, on which a converted or first production non-regulating shutoff valve having AlliedSignal Aerospace part number (P/N) 979410-1-1 or 979410-2-1 has been installed on the engine starter; 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 (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 the application of excessive pressure on the engine starter, which could cause uncontained failure of an engine starter and, consequently, could create a fire hazard in the nacelle of the engine, accomplish the following: (a) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, accomplish either paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD. (1) Modify any converted or first production non-regulating shutoff valve, P/N 979410-1-1 or 979410-2-1, on the starter of engines 1 and 2 by installing a pressure regulator on the valve in accordance with AlliedSignal Aerospace Service Bulletin 979410-80- 1611, dated November 27, 1995; or AlliedSignal Aerospace Service Bulletin 979410-80-1611, Revision 1, dated March 13, 1997; or McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC9-80-010, dated August 22, 1997. Or (2) Install a pressure relief valve in the pneumatic supply line to the starter air shutoff valve on engines 1 and 2 in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC9-80-014, dated August 22, 1997. (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 actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC9-80-010, dated August 22, 1997; McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC9-80-014, dated August 22, 1997; AlliedSignal Aerospace Service Bulletin 979410-80-1611, dated November 27, 1995; and AlliedSignal Aerospace Service Bulletin 979410-80-1611, Revision 1, dated March 13, 1997. AlliedSignal Aerospace Service Bulletin 979410-80-1611, Revision 1, dated March 13, 1997, contains the specified effective pages: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Revision Page Number level shown Date shown on page on page ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1, 6, 7, 14, 15, 17, 18...... 1............ March 13, 1997. 2-5, 8-13, 16................ Original..... November 27, 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 AlliedSignal Fluid Systems, Technical Publications Department, Building 1230__V, Mail Stop 65- 92, P.O. Box 22200, Tempe, Arizona 85285-2200. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount [[Page 23381]] 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 3, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 21, 1998. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-11071 Filed 4-28-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U