AD 99-07-14 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-80 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-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), and DC-9-87 (MD-87) series airplanes, and Model MD-88 airplanes; as listed in McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD80-55- 054, dated March 3, 1998; 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 detect and correct corrosion of the lug bores and the surface of the hinge plates of the vertical-to-horizontal stabilizer, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time visual inspection to detect corrosion of the lug bores and the surface of the hinge plates of the vertical-to- horizontal stabilizer, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD80-55-054, dated March 3, 1998. (1) Condition 1: If no corrosion is detected, no further action is required by this paragraph. (2) Condition 2: If any corrosion is detected that is within the limits specified in the Structural Repair Manual, prior to further flight, remove the corrosion in accordance with the service bulletin. (3) Condition 3: If any corrosion is detected that exceeds the limits specified in the [[Page 15659]] Structural Repair Manual, prior to further flight, replace the hinge plates with new parts, in accordance with the service bulletin. (b) Within 10 days after accomplishing the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, or within 10 days 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, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137; fax (562) 627-5210. 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. (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 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. (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) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD80-55-054, dated March 3, 1998. 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 Boeing Commercial Aircraft Group, Long Beach 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. (f) This amendment becomes effective on May 6, 1999. Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 23, 1999. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 99-7691 Filed 3-31-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U