AD 89-01-03

89-01-03 McDONNELL DOUGLAS: Amendment 39-6099.

Applicability: McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10 and KC-10A (Military) series airplanes equipped with wet center wing fuel tanks, certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required within 30 days after effective date of this AD, unless previously accomplished.

To detect fuel leaks and prevent retention of fuel in the insulation blankets, accomplish the following:

A. Remove insulation blankets from the center accessory compartment (CAC) in accordance with the service bulletins listed below:

1. For Model DC-10 series airplanes: McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin (S/B) A25-356, dated October 3, 1988.

2. For Model KC-10A (Military) airplanes: McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin 53-149, Revision 1, dated April 6, 1988.

B. Inspect the entire wing front spar area for evidence of existing or previous fuel leaks, in accordance with DC-10 Alert Service Bulletin A25-356, dated October 3, 1988.

C. Ifany evidence of fuel leaks is found, conduct a leak check in accordance with DC-10 Alert Service Bulletin A25-356, dated October 3, 1988, to determine if a fuel leak does exist. If a leak is found, repair before fueling the center wing tank for flight.

D. An alternate means of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time, which provides 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.

E. Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate airplanes to a maintenance 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). These documents may be examined at the FAA, Northwest Mountain Region, 17900 Pacific Highway South, Seattle, Washington or at 3229 East Spring Street, Long Beach, California.

This amendment (39-6099, AD 89-01-03) becomes effective January 19, 1989.