AD 98-22-13 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-10, -20, - 30, and -40 Series Airplanes; and C-9 (Military) Series Airplanes

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

Model DC-9-10, -20, -30, and -40 series airplanes, and C-9 (military) series airplanes; having a pressurized or unpressurized potable water piping system installed over the center wing box; 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 prevent ice from forming on the control cables in the wheel well of the left main landing gear, which could render the slat, aileron, and spoiler flight controls inoperative, and consequently could result in reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this AD: Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the piping of the potable water system in accordance with McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Service Bulletin 38-27, Revision 1, dated May 16, 1978. (b) For any period during which the potable water piping system is deactivated, the actions specified in paragraph (a) of this AD are not required. (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 actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin 38-27, Revision 1, dated May 16, 1978. 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 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 ACO, 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 December 2, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 21, 1998. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-28664 Filed 10-27-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U