AD 80-05-03

80-05-03 MCDONNELL DOUGLAS: Amendment 39-3705. Applies to McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-10, -20, -30, -40, -50 series, and C-9, C-9A, and VC-9 airplanes certificated in all categories, having the cabin aft pressure bulkhead fitted with a ventral door.

Compliance required as indicated unless already accomplished.

To prevent elevator control cable binding resulting from interference with insulation blanket material, accomplish the following:

(a) Within the next 200 hours' time in service from the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 200 hours' time in service since the last inspection, visually inspect the insulation blanket located in the aft entrance stairway area, left side, (looking forward), for security and to establish that there is no interference with the elevator control cable or pulley identified in Part 2 of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin 25-222, Revision 1, dated November 6, 1979.

(b) If evidence of insulation blanket sagging and/or interference with the elevator control cables or pulley is detected, rework the blanket as shown in Service Bulletin 25-222, Revision 1, dated November 6, 1979, prior to return to service.

(c) The repetitive inspection of paragraph (a) may be discontinued after accomplishment of the insulation blanket rework per paragraph (b) of this AD.

(d) Alternative inspections, modifications or other actions which provide an equivalent level of safety may be used when approved by the Chief, Aircraft Engineering Division, FAA Western Region.

(e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate airplanes to a base for the accomplishment of inspections required by this AD.

This amendment becomes effective March 10, 1980.