AD 91-24-05

91-24-05 MCDONNELL DOUGLAS: Amendment 39-8091. Docket No. 91-NM-30-AD. Supersedes AD 90-15-02, Amendment 39-6651.

Applicability: All Model DC-9 and DC-9-80 series airplanes, Model MD-88 airplanes, and C-9 (military) airplanes, certified in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless previously accomplished.

To prevent the lap belt connector or buckle from jamming the passenger entrance door hinge, accomplish the following:

(a) For airplanes listed in McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Alert Service Bulletin A25-311, dated January 31, 1990: Within six months after August 14, 1990 (the effective date of AD 90-15-02, Amendment 39-6651), modify the forward cabin attendant dual seat, outboard position, lap belt restraint system, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Paragraph 2, of McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Alert Service Bulletin A25-311, dated January 31, 1990.

(b) For airplanes not listed in McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Alert Service Bulletin A25-311, dated January 31, 1990, and having dual forward cabin attendant seats incorporating a restraint system with lap belts independent of the shoulder harness: Within six months after the effective date of this AD, inspect the outboard attendant seat lap belt to determine if the connector or buckle is capable of reaching and interfering with the lower hinge of the passenger entrance door and obstructing the opening of the door.

(1) If opening of the passenger door entrance is obstructed, prior to further flight, modify the installation so that a shorter lap belt half is utilized, in a manner approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate.

(2) If opening of the passenger entrance door is not obstructed, no further action is necessary.

(c) An alternate 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: This result should be forwarded through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then send it to the Manager, Los Angeles ACO.

NOTE: Any previously-approved alternative method of compliance with AD 90-15-02 is considered to be an approved alternative method of compliance with this AD.

NOTE: The procedures described in McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Alert Service Bulletin A25-321, dated August 8, 1991, are considered an approved alternative method of compliance with paragraph (b) of this AD.

(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) The modification requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Alert Service Bulletin A25-311, dated January 31, 1990. 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, Post Office Box 1771, Long Beach, California 90801; Attn: Business Unit Manager, Technical Publications & Technical Administrative Support, C1-L5B (54-60). Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue S.W., Renton, Washington; or at 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.

Airworthiness Directive 91-24-05 supersedes AD 90-15-02, Amendment 39-6651.

This amendment (39-8091, AD 91-24-05) becomes effective on January 7, 1992.