AD 88-15-05

88-15-05 MCDONNELL DOUGLAS: Amendment 39-5980. Applies to McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, -10F, -15, -30, -30F, -40, and KC-10A (Military) series airplanes, as listed in McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin A24-141, Revision 1, dated May 12, 1988, certificated in any category. Compliance required as indicated, unless previously accomplished.

To prevent a fire in the Center Accessory Compartment (CAC), accomplish the following:

A. For all airplanes: Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 60 days, inspect the battery ground stud installation for evidence of arcing and/or corrosion, and check the two CAC drain valve installations for proper operation, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin A24-141, Revision 1, dated May 12, 1988.

1. If the ground stud installation is found to be burnt or corroded, prior to further flight, replace the ground stud installation parts in accordance with the service bulletin.

2. If the drain valve installation is not free of deterioration, is sticking, or is not functioning properly, prior to further flight, repair or replace the drain valve installation in accordance with the service bulletin.

B. For airplanes that have not incorporated McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin 24-73, Revision 1, dated February 2, 1978, or the production equivalent: Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, replace the main battery ground cable bracket in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin 24-73, Revision 1, dated February 2, 1978. This constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements of paragraph A., above.

C. Alternate means of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time, which provide an acceptable level of safety, may be used when approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Northwest Mountain Region.NOTE: The request should be forwarded through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector (PMI), who may add any comments and then send it to 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 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 the Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 4344 Donald Douglas Drive, Long Beach, California.

This amendment, 39-5980, becomes effective August 3, 1988.