AD 87-04-08

87-04-08 MCDONNELL DOUGLAS: Amendment 39-5537. Applies to McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-80 (MD-80) series airplanes, certificated in any category, equipped with Pratt and Whitney (P&W) JT8D-209, -217, or -217A engines, listed in P&W Service Bulletin (S/B) 5618, dated November 26, 1985. Compliance required as indicated, unless previously accomplished.

To prevent 5th stage compressor blade failure from flutter and the possibility of engine power loss, accomplish the following within 30 calendar days after the effective date of this airworthiness directive:

A. Revise the McDonnell Douglas DC-9-80 FAA approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Report MDC-J8480 (English) or MDC-J8480M (Metric) to add the following:

SECTION 1 - LIMITATIONS

1. The engine and airplane performance limitations presented in the AFM Report MDC-J8480, Appendix 10, FAA-approved November 26, 1986, or later FAA-approved revisions, must be observed.

2. The Engine Pressure Ratio (EPR) Indicating System for each engine must have the pointer, digital counter, and maximum limit chevron operative prior to takeoff.

NOTE: The McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL) Revision No. 21, dated November 1, 1984, and subsequent revisions, Page 77-1, Item 77-1, Engine Pressure Ratio Indicating System (with Pointer AND Digital Counter) (Series 80) and Maximum Limit Chevrons (Series 80) is affected by the above AFM Limitations, which take precedence over the MMEL.

B. Terminating action for this AD is the installation of the modified blades P/N 804505 in accordance with P&W Service Bulletin (S/B) 5618, dated November 26, 1985, or later FAA-approved revisions, or other equivalent FAA-approved 5th stage blades.

C. A copy of this AD inserted in the FAA approved AFM may be considered as an acceptable means of compliance with the required AFM revisions.

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

E. 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.

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, C1-750 (54-60). These documents may be examined at FAA, Northwest Mountain Region, 17900 Pacific Highway South, Seattle, Washington, or at 4344 Donald Douglas Drive, Long Beach, California 90808.

This amendment becomes effective March 9, 1987.