AD 99-13-07 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-80 Series Airplanes, Model MD-88 Airplanes, and Model MD-90-30 Airplanes

Models named: MD-88, MD-90-30. 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 [[Page 33394]] DC-9-87 (MD-87) series airplanes, Model MD-88 airplanes, and Model MD-90-30 airplanes; equipped with a main landing gear (MLG) shock strut piston having part number 5935347-1 through -3509 inclusive, 5935347-511, or 5935347-513; 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 (e) 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 of the MLG shock strut pistons, which could result in failure of the piston, and consequent damage to the airplane structure or injury to the passengers and flightcrew, accomplish the following: Initial Inspection (a) Perform fluorescent dye penetrant and fluorescent magnetic particle inspections to detect cracking of an MLG shock strut piston, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD80-32A308, dated March 5, 1998, or MD80-32A308, Revision 01, dated May 12, 1998 [for 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]; or MD90-32A030, dated March 26, 1998, or MD90-32A030, Revision 01, dated May 11, 1998 (for Model MD-90-30 airplanes); as applicable. Perform the inspections at the later of the times specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD. (1) Prior to the accumulation of 10,000 total landings on an MLG shock strut piston, or within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. (2) Within 2,500 landings after a major overhaul and initial inspection of the MLG shock strut piston accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas All Operator Letter 9-2153 [for 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], or McDonnell Douglas Component Maintenance Manual, Chapter 32-17-01 (for Model MD-90-30 airplanes). Corrective Actions (b) Condition 1. If any cracking is detected, prior to further flight, replace any cracked MLG shock strut piston with a new or serviceable piston, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD80-32A308, dated March 5, 1998, or MD80-32A308, Revision 01, dated May 12, 1998 [for 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]; or MD90-32A030, dated March 26, 1998, or MD90-32A030, Revision 01, dated May 11, 1998 (for Model MD-90-30 airplanes); as applicable. Thereafter, repeat the inspections required by paragraph (a) of this AD prior to the accumulation of 10,000 total landings on the MLG shock strut piston. (c) Condition 2. If no cracking is detected, repeat the fluorescent dye penetrant and fluorescent magnetic particle inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,500 landings, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD80- 32A308, dated March 5, 1998, or MD80-32A308, Revision 01, dated May 12, 1998 [for 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]; or MD90-32A030, dated March 26, 1998, or MD90-32A030, Revision 01, dated May 11, 1998 (for Model MD-90-30 airplanes); as applicable. Spares (d) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install on any airplane a replacement MLG shock strut piston, part number 5935347-509, -511, or -513, or an MLG assembly from an operator's spares inventory, unless those components have been inspected in accordance with the requirements specified by paragraph (a) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (e) 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. Special Flight Permits (f) 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. Incorporation by Reference (g) The actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD80-32A308, dated March 5, 1998; McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD80-32A308, Revision 01, dated May 12, 1998; McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD90- 32A030, dated March 26, 1998; or McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD90-32A030, Revision 01, dated May 11, 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. (h) This amendment becomes effective on July 28, 1999. Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 15, 1999. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 99-15777 Filed 6-22-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U