AD 98-15-15 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9, DC-9-80, and C-9 (Military) Series Airplanes, and Model MD-88 Airplanes

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

Model DC-9-30, -40, and -50 series airplanes; Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), and DC-9-87 (MD-87) series airplanes; Model MD-88 airplanes; and C-9 (military) series airplanes; as listed in McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC9-26-025, Revision 04, dated April 30, 1997; 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 chafing of the FIREX supply pipe, which could result in a hole in the pipe and consequently prevent the proper distribution of the fire extinguishing agent within the nacelle in the event of a fire, accomplish the following: (a) Within 8 months after the effective date of this AD, perform an inspection to detect chafing of the FIREX pipe assembly of the number one engine, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Service Bulletin 26-25, dated May 25, 1994; McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Service Bulletin 26-25, Revision 1, dated September 30, 1994; McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Service Bulletin 26-25, Revision 2, dated April 18, 1995; McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC9-26-025, Revision 03, dated July 25, 1996; McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC9-26-025, Revision 04, dated April 30, 1997; or McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC9-26-025, Revision 05, dated May 29, 1998. (1) If any chafing is detected, prior to further flight, accomplish paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) of this AD in accordance with the service bulletin. Where there are differences between the requirements of this AD and the procedures specified in the service bulletin, the AD prevails. (i) Either repair chafed pipe assemblies or replace chafed pipe assemblies with new or serviceable pipe assemblies. And (ii) Modify the FIREX and the pneumatic sense pipe assembly clamp marriage. (2) If no chafing is detected, prior to further flight, modify the FIREX and the pneumatic [[Page 39018]] sense pipe assembly clamp marriage 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 actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Service Bulletin 26-25, dated May 25, 1994; McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Service Bulletin 26-25, Revision 1, dated September 30, 1994; McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Service Bulletin 26-25, Revision 2, dated April 18, 1995; McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC9-26-025, Revision 03, dated July 25, 1996; McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC9-26-025, Revision 04, dated April 30, 1997; or McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC9-26-025, Revision 05, dated May 29, 1998. (1) The incorporation by reference of McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Service Bulletin 26-25, dated May 25, 1994; McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC9-26-025, Revision 03, dated July 25, 1996; and McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC9-26-025, Revision 04, dated April 30, 1997; and McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC9-26-025, Revision 05, dated May 29, 1998; is approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) The incorporation by reference of McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Service Bulletin 26-25, Revision 1, dated September 30, 1994; and McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Service Bulletin 26-25, Revision 2, dated April 18, 1995; was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of July 24, 1995 (60 FR 32579, June 23, 1995). (3) Copies may be obtained from The Boeing Company, Douglas Products Division, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Technical Publications Business Administration, Dept. C1-L51 (2-60). 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 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 August 25, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 10, 1998. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-19045 Filed 7-20-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U