AD 92-03-02

92-03-02 MCDONNELL DOUGLAS: Amendment 39-8156. Docket 92-NM-02-AD.

Applicability: Model DC-9-81, -82, -83, and -87 series airplanes, and Model MD-88 airplanes, certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent loss of engine thrust, accomplish the following:

(a) Within 10 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to include the following. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM.

"Ice on Wing Upper Surfaces

CAUTION

Ice shedding from the wing upper surface during takeoff can cause severe damage to one or both engines, leading to surge, vibration, and complete thrust loss. The formation of ice can occur on wing surfaces during exposure of the airplane to normal icing conditions. Clear ice can also occur on the wing upper surfaces when cold-soaked fuel is in the main wing fuel tanks,and the airplane is exposed to conditions of high humidity, rain, drizzle, or fog at ambient temperatures well above freezing. Often, the ice accumulation is clear and difficult to detect visually. The ice forms most frequently on the inboard, aft corner of the main wing tanks. (END OF CAUTIONARY NOTE)

The wing upper surfaces must be physically checked for ice when the airplane has been exposed to conditions conducive to ice formation. Takeoff may not be initiated unless the flight crew verifies that a visual check and a physical (hands-on) check of the wing upper surfaces have been accomplished, and that the wing is clear of ice accumulation when any of the following conditions occur:

(1) when the ambient temperature is less than 50 degrees F and high humidity or visible moisture (rain, drizzle, sleet, snow, fog, etc.) is present;

(2) when frost or ice is present on the lower surface of either wing;

(3) after completion of de-icing.

When tufts and triangular decals are installed in accordance with McDonnell Douglas MD-80 Service Bulletin 30-59, the physical check may be made by assuring that all installed tufts move freely.

NOTE

This limitation does not relieve the requirement that aircraft surfaces are free of frost, snow, and ice accumulation, as required by Federal Aviation Regulations Sections 91.527 and 121.629. (END OF NOTE)"

(b) Within 10 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the Configuration Deviation List (CDL) Appendix of the AFM to include the following. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM.

"30-80-01 Triangular Decal and Tuft Assemblies

Up to two (2) decals or tufts per side may be missing, provided:

a) At least one decal and tuft on each side is located along the aft spar line; and

b) The tufts are used for performing the physical check to determine that the upper wing is free of ice by observing that the tufts move freely.

Up to eight (8)decals and/or tufts may be missing, provided:

a) Takeoff may not be initiated unless the flight crew verifies that a physical (hands-on) check is made of the upper wing in the location of the missing decals and/or tufts to assure that there is no ice on the wing when icing conditions exist;

OR

b) When the ambient temperature is more than 50 degrees F."

(c) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, install tufts and triangular decals on the inboard side of the wings' upper surfaces, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin 30-59, dated September 18, 1989; Revision 1, dated January 5, 1990; or Revision 2, dated August 15, 1990.

(d) 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. The request shall be forwarded through an FAA PrincipalMaintenance or Operations Inspector, as appropriate, who may concur or comment and then send it to the Manager, Los Angeles ACO.

(e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(f) The installation required by this AD shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin 30-59, dated September 18, 1989; Revision 1, dated January 5, 1990; or Revision 2, dated August 15, 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, P. O. Box 1771, Long Beach, California 90846-0001, Attention: Business Unit Manager, Technical Publications, C1-HDR (54-60). Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue S.W., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 1100 L Street N.W., Room 8401, Washington, D.C.

(g) This amendment (39-8156, AD 92-03-02) becomes effective on January 17, 1992.