AD 98-24-24 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Series Airplanes

Models named: MD-11 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model MD-11 series airplanes, as listed in McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-53-043, Revision 02, dated May 28, 1996; 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 detect and correct corrosion of seat tracks and adjacent structure, which could result in shifting of lavatories causing injury to passengers and crew, as well as damage to aircraft structure and systems, accomplish the following: (a) Within 15 months after the effective date of this AD, conduct a visual inspection to detect discrepancies (i.e., corrosion and breakage) of the seat tracks and adjacent structure at the lavatory locations defined in JAMCO Service Bulletin MD11-25-1010, dated July 12, 1994. (1) If no discrepancy is detected, prior to further flight, install a non-metallic barrier on the bottom of each lavatory foot fitting and replace existing seat track fittings with new fittings, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD-11-53-043, Revision 02, dated May 28, 1996. (2) If any discrepancy is detected, prior to further flight, repair in accordance with the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Structural Repair Manual, or in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Prior to further flight following accomplishment of the repair, install a non-metallic barrier on the bottom of each lavatory foot fitting and replace existing seat track fittings with new fittings, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD-11-53-043, Revision 02, dated May 28, 1996. (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 ACO. 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 installation and replacement shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-53-043, Revision 02, dated May 28, 1996. 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 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 December 30, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 17, 1998. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-31318 Filed 11-24-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U