AD 91-13-03

91-13-03 MCDONNELL DOUGLAS: Amendment 39-7034. Docket No. 91-NM-111-AD.

Applicability: Model DC-9-80 series airplanes and Model MD-88 airplanes; Fuselage Numbers 1269 and subsequent, equipped with a non-metallic, composite rudder assembly; certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless previously accomplished.

To prevent loss of rudder control, accomplish the following:

(a) Within 5 days after the accumulation of 3,000 total flight hours, or within 5 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, visually inspect the rudder control tab crank assembly, P/N 3955539-1, for cracks, in accordance with the accomplishment instructions of McDonnell Douglas ASB 27-320, dated May 10, 1991. If the rudder control tab crank assembly is cracked, prior to further flight, remove and replace the part with a new like part. Accomplishment of the inspection requirements of paragraph (b) of this AD within 5 days after the accumulationof 3,000 total flight hours, or within 5 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, satisfies the requirements of this paragraph.

(b) Within 60 days after accumulation of 3,000 total flight hours, or within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, inspect the rudder control tab crank assembly for cracks, using an eddy current inspection method, in accordance with the accomplishment instructions of McDonnell Douglas ASB 27-320, dated May 10, 1991. If the rudder control tab crank assembly is cracked, prior to further flight, remove and replace the part with a new like part.

(c) Within 10 calendar days after performing the inspection required by paragraphs (a) or (b) of this AD, submit a report of any discrepancies discovered, to the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3229 East Spring Street, Long Beach, California 90806-2425. The report must include the airplane's serial number, total flight hours, and totalnumber of landings.

(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.

(e) An alternative method 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 (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate.

NOTE: The request should be forwarded through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then send it to the Manager, Los Angeles ACO.

(f) The inspection and replacement requirements shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin A27-320, dated May 10, 1991. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR Part 51. Copies may be obtained from McDonnell Douglas Corporation, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Business Unit Manager of Publications, C1-HCO (54-60). Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Northwest Mountain Region, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue S.W., Renton, Washington, or the Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3229 East Spring Street, Long Beach, California, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 1100 L Street N.W., Room 8401, Washington, D.C.

This amendment (39-7034, AD 91-13-03) becomes effective on June 27, 1991.