AD 88-06-06

88-06-06 MCDONNELL DOUGLAS: Amendment 39-5879. Applies to McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, -10F, -15, -30, -30F, and KC-10A (Military) series airplanes that do not have a secondary retention system installed in accordance with AD 87-07-04, certificated in any category. Compliance required as indicated, unless previously accomplished.

To prevent structural damage to the airplane due to engine core cowl door separation, accomplish the following:

A. Within ten days after the effective date of this AD, check the core cowl door latches in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10 Alert Service Bulletin A71-150, Revision 1, dated January 27, 1988, or later FAA-approved revision, once each day for engine Numbers 1 and 3 (wing mounted engines) and after each core cowl door is opened and subsequently closed.

B. If the latch is open, before further flight, properly close the latch; if the latch will not engage, adjust the latch in accordance with Maintenance Manual Chapter 71-13-01, paragraph entitled "Adjustment/test core cowl doors"; if the latch cannot be properly adjusted, replace the latch prior to further flight.

C. The checks required by paragraph A., above, may be discontinued after the secondary retention system is installed in accordance with AD 87-07-04.

D. An alternate means of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time, which provides an acceptable level of safety and which has the concurrence of an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, may be used when approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Northwest Mountain Region.

E. 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 requirements of this AD.

All persons affected by this directive who have not already received the appropriate service information from the manufacturer may obtain copies upon request to McDonnell Douglas Corporation, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Director of Publications, C1-L00 (54-60). This information may be examined at the FAA, Northwest Mountain Region, 17900 Pacific Highway South, Seattle, Washington, or at the Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 4344 Donald Douglas Drive, Long Beach, California.

This amendment becomes effective April 4, 1988.