AD 99-24-04 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 MD80-53- 201, Revision 02, dated July 20, 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 (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 prevent failure of certain Hi-Lok pin fasteners and subsequent gouging of the aft pressure bulkhead tee, which could result in fatigue cracking and reduced structural integrity of the airplane, accomplish the following: Inspection (a) Within 48 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time general visual inspection to determine whether self-aligning nuts are installed at certain locations of the aft pressure bulkhead tee, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD80-53-201, Revision 02, dated July 20, 1998, as revised by Information Notice MD80-53-201 R02, dated October 21, 1998. Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is defined as ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or drop-light, and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.'' (1) If all nuts installed are self-aligning, no further action is required by this AD. (2) If any nut is determined to be non-self-aligning, prior to further flight, remove the existing nut and perform a one-time visual inspection to detect gouges in the aft pressure bulkhead tee on station Y=1338.000 and longeron end fitting, as applicable, in accordance with the service bulletin. (i) If no gouge is detected, prior to further flight, install new self-aligning nuts in accordance with the service bulletin. (ii) If any gouge is detected that is within the repair limits specified in the service bulletin, prior to further flight, repair the gouge and install new self-aligning nuts in accordance with the service bulletin. (iii) If any gouge is detected that is outside the repair limits specified in the service bulletin, prior to further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Note 3: Inspections, and repair of the aft pressure bulkhead tee longeron end fittings prior to the effective date of this AD, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD80-53-201, dated July 6, 1988, or Revision 1, dated March 22, 1991, are considered acceptable for compliance with the actions required by paragraph (a) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (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 4: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of [[Page 72272]] compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Los Angeles ACO. Special Flight Permits (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with Secs. 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 (d) Except as provided by paragraph (a)(2)(iii) of this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD80-53-201, Revision 02, dated July 20, 1998. This incorporation by reference was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of December 27, 1999 (64 FR 63187, November 19, 1999). 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 90712; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. (e) The effective date of this amendment remains December 27, 1999. Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 20, 1999. D.L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 99-33444 Filed 12-23-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U