AD 87-15-51

87-15-51 LOCKHEED-CALIFORNIA COMPANY: Amendment 39-5701. Applies to Lockheed-California Model L-1011-385 series airplanes, certificated in any category, which have stainless steel bushings installed in the retract lugs of the left and/or the right main landing gear (MLG) shock strut cylinder. Compliance required as indicated, unless previously accomplished.

To detect cracks and prevent structural failure of the MLG shock strut cylinder, accomplish the following:

A. Within 10 days after the effective date of this AD, unless previously accomplished within the last 400 landings, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 400 landings, perform an ultrasonic inspection of the inboard retract lugs of both the left and right MLG shock strut cylinder, following the procedure specified in Section 2, Accomplishment Instructions, of Lockheed-California L-1011 Service Bulletin 093-32-A211, Revision 1, dated October 26, 1982, or later revisions approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Northwest Mountain Region.

B. Any MLG shock strut cylinders that are found cracked must be repaired or replaced prior to further flight, in a manner approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Northwest Mountain Region.

C. 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.

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

All persons affected by this directive who have not already received the appropriate service document from the manufacturer, may obtain copies upon request to Lockheed-California Company, P.O. Box 551, Burbank, California 91520, Attention: Commercial Order Administration, Dept, 65-33, U-33, B-1. This document may be examined at theFAA, Northwest Mountain Region, 17900 Pacific Highway South, Seattle, Washington, or 4344 Donald Douglas Drive, Long Beach, California.

This amendment, 39-5701, becomes effective August 24, 1987, as to all persons, except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by telegraphic AD T87-15-51 issued July 22, 1987.