AD 62-12-04

62-12-04 DOUGLAS: Amdt. 439 Part 507 Federal Register May 17, 1962. Applies to All DC-8 Series Aircraft.

Compliance required as indicated.

A number of wing flap actuating cylinder rod-end bearings have cracked and in one case there was complete failure. To preclude failure of the rod-end bearings in cylinders located at wing Stations 98 and 219, accomplish the following:

(a) Assemblies having 4,650 hours' or more time in service as of the effective date of this AD shall be inspected in accordance with (b) within the next 350 hours' time in service after the effective date of this AD and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 350 hours' time in service. Assemblies having less than 4,650 hours' time in service as of the effective date of this AD shall be inspected in accordance with (b) prior to the accumulation of 5,000 hours' time in service and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 350 hours' time in service.

(b) Visually inspect rod-end bearings P/N 4648686 in the area of the bearing case adjacent to the bearing dust shield using at least a 10-power glass, for evidence of cracks. Caution: Do not remove rod-end bearing dust shield or magnetically inspect the rod-ends.

(c) If cracks are found, replace the defective part. If no cracks are found, the 350 hour periodic inspection, specified in (b), shall be continued.

(d) When replacement assemblies P/N 4648686 are used, the inspection prescribed in (b) shall be accomplished prior to the accumulation of 5,000 hours' time in service and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 350 hours' time in service.

(e) When assembly P/N 4648686 is replaced by Douglas P/N 4648686-501 (Shafter P/N YD-200A) or -503 (Shafter P/N YD-200B), or FAA approved equivalent, the inspections called for in this AD may be discontinued.

(f) Upon request of the operator, an FAA maintenance inspector, subject to prior approval of the Chief, Engineering & Manufacturing Branch, FAA Western Region, may adjust the repetitive inspection intervals specified in this AD to permit compliance at an established inspection period of the operator if the request contains substantiating data to justify the increase for such operator.

(Douglas Service Bulletin No. 27-127 reissue No. 2 dated January 28, 1964, covers this same subject.)

This directive effective May 17, 1962.

Revised August 12, 1964.