AD 92-01-03

92-01-03 McDONNELL DOUGLAS: Amendment 39-8126. Docket No. 91-NM-137-AD. Supersedes AD 91-07-06, Amendment 39-6934.

Applicability: Model DC-9-80 (MD-80) series airplanes and Model MD-88 airplanes, operating in a passenger or passenger/cargo configuration, certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless previously accomplished.

NOTE: The requirements of this AD become applicable at the time an airplane in an all-cargo configuration is converted to a passenger or passenger/cargo configuration.

To prevent failure of the tailcone release system, accomplish the following:

(a) Prior to 12 months in service since new, or within 90 days after March 26, 1991 (the effective date of AD 91-07-06, Amendment 39-6934), whichever occurs later, accomplish a tailcone release system functional test and inspection in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin A53-244, Revision 1, dated February 8, 1991.

(b) Discrepancies in the operation of the tailcone release system found as a result of the functional test must be repaired prior to further flight.

(c) Repeat the tailcone release system functional test and inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 3,500 flight hours or 18 months, whichever occurs first.

(d) Within 30 days after discovery, report any discrepancies found during the accomplishment of the inspection and functional tests required by paragraph (a) of this AD to the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3229 East Spring Street, Long Beach, California 90806-2425. Information collection requirements contained in this regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1990 (Public Law 96-511) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

(e) Within 9 months after the effective date of this AD, replace or modify the externaltailcone release system cable and handle assemblies in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin 53-245, Revision 1, dated June 12, 1991. Accomplishment of such replacement or modification constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspection of the exterior tailcone release handle for cracks, as required by paragraph (c) of this AD. However, the repetitive functional tests and inspections of the tailcone release system required by paragraph (c) of this AD must continue to be accomplished.

NOTE: The following portions of the continuing repetitive functional tests and inspections of the tailcone release system are not necessary to accomplish once the replacement/modification of the cable and handle assembly is completed: Those procedures are specified in Paragraph Q. and the second paragraph of the Notes of Paragraph O., of the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin A53-244, Revision 1, datedFebruary 8, 1991.

(f) 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).

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.

(g) 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.

(h) The functional test and inspection requirements of this AD shall be accomplished in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin A53-244, Revision 1, dated February 8, 1991. The replacement or modification requirements shall be accomplished in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin 53-245, Revision 1, dated June 12, 1991. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director ofthe 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 Administration Support, C1-L5B(45-60). Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Northwest Mountain Region, 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.

(i) Airworthiness Directive 92-01-03 supersedes AD 91-07-06, Amendment 39-6934.

(j) This amendment (39-8126, AD 92-01-03) becomes effective on February 14, 1992.