AD 85-11-02 R1

85-11-02 R1 MCDONNELL DOUGLAS: Amendment 39-5068 as amended by 39-5361. Applies to McDonnell Douglas DC-9-10, -20, -30, -40, -50, -80, and C-9 (Military) series airplanes (Fuselage Numbers 1 through 1242), certificated in any category.

To prevent elevator jamming which could result in loss of adequate aircraft control, accomplish the following within 300 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished within the last 2500 flight hours.

A. Open access doors 3507 and 3608 to gain access to inspection area on lower elevator surface. (See Maintenance Manual, Chapter 6-11-3 for DC-9/C-9 or 6-23-00 for MD-80.)

B. Back off nut, P/N H20-8 or P/N LH7461T-080D, on rod end assembly, P/N 4918153-1 from its torqued position until three or more threads are exposed.

C. Using a properly calibrated torque wrench, check the initial running torque on each nut. The initial running torque must be a minimum of 18 inch-pounds:

1. If the minimum 18inch-pound initial running torque is met, proceed to paragraph D., below.

2. If the initial running torque does not meet the 18 inch-pound minimum requirement, the nut must be replaced with a new H-20-8 or P/N LH7461T-080D nut which does meet the minimum 18 inch-pound initial running torque requirement.

D. After satisfying the initial minimum 18 inch-pound running torque requirement, retorque the nut on the rod end assembly to a final torque value of 400, plus or minus 50, inch-pounds.

E. Repeat the inspection requirements of paragraphs A. through D. of this AD at intervals not exceeding 2500 flight hours or 12 months, whichever occurs first, since last such inspection.

F. Alternate means of compliance which provide an acceptable level of safety may be used when approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Northwest Mountain Region.

G. Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the airplanes to a base to comply with the requirements of this AD.

H. Modification of elevator hydraulic boost cylinder attach rod ends in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Service Bulletin 27-262, dated November 27, 1985, or later revisions approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Northwest Mountain Region, constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements of this AD.

All persons affected by this directive who have not already received the appropriate service documents from the manufacturer may obtain copies upon request to McDonnell Douglas Corporation, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Director, Publications and Training, C1-L65 (54-60). These documents may be examined at the FAA, Northwest Mountain Region, 17900 Pacific Highway South, Seattle, Washington, or the Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 4344 Donald Douglas Drive, Long Beach, California.

Amendment 39-5068 became effective June 10, 1985.

This amendment 39-5361 becomes effective August 21, 1986.