AD 98-26-51 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-8 Series Airplanes Modified in Accordance With Supplemental Type Certificate SA1802SO

Models named: DC-8 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model DC-8 series airplanes that have been converted from a passenger-carrying to a cargo-carrying (``freighter'') configuration in accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA1802SO. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise 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 (g) 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 fatigue cracking in the structure of the main deck cargo door, which could result in cabin decompression of the airplane and loss of the main deck cargo door, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Within 24 hours after the effective date of this AD, revise the Limitations Section of [[Page 4525]] the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to include the following information. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD into the AFM. ``IF ANY UNEXPECTED LOSS OF CABIN PRESSURE OCCURS, DO NOT INCREASE CABIN PRESSURE. IMMEDIATELY SELECT A HIGHER CABIN ALTITUDE AND, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, DESCEND TO A LOWER FLIGHT ALTITUDE.'' (b) Except as provided by paragraph (d) of this AD, within 7 days after the effective date of this AD: Perform an internal detailed visual inspection to detect cracking or any discrepancy of the main deck cargo door in the immediate area of the bolts attaching the latch fittings. Inspect for cracking or any discrepancy of the skin in the immediate area of the fastener heads, and for loose or missing fasteners. In addition, prior to the internal detailed visual inspection, clean and degrease the inside structure where the latch fitting bolts attach to the frames, and perform a detailed visual inspection of the frames to detect cracking emanating from the bolt holes and at the bend radius of the frames. Note 2: Removal of the inner skin of the main deck cargo door is not necessary to gain access and inspect for cracking emanating from the bolt holes and at the bend radius of the frames. (c) Prior to accomplishment of the inspections required by paragraph (b) of this AD, notify an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector of the date and time the inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD is to be accomplished. (d) For airplanes on which there have been reports of cabin pressurization anomalies or illuminations of the main deck cargo door warning light within 30 days prior to the effective date of this AD or within 7 days after the effective date of this AD: Perform the inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD prior to further flight. (e) If any discrepancy is detected during the inspections required by paragraph (b) of this AD, prior to further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Small Airplane Directorate. (f) Within 24 hours after accomplishment of the inspections required by paragraph (b) of this AD, or within 24 hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, submit a report of the inspection results (both positive and negative findings) to the Manager, Atlanta ACO, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; fax (770) 703-6097. Information collection requirements contained in this regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the paperwork reduction act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB control number 2120-0056. (g) 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, Atlanta ACO. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Atlanta ACO. Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Atlanta ACO. (h) 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. (i) This amendment becomes effective on February 3, 1999, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by telegraphic AD T98-26-51, issued on December 18, 1998, which contained the requirements of this amendment. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 22, 1999. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 99-2107 Filed 1-28-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U