AD 92-14-51

92-14-51 MCDONNELL DOUGLAS: Amendment 39-8325. Docket No. 92-NM-135-AD.

Applicability: Model MD-11 series airplanes having fuselage numbers 447 through 499; certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent inadvertent slat deployment during flight, which could create significant vibrations and cause damage to the elevators, accomplish the following:

(a) Within 10 days after the effective date of this amendment, conduct a one-time inspection of the slat mechanical input system for proper clearance and rigging; and, prior to further flight, correct any discrepancies found; in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin A27-29, dated June 23, 1992.

(b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Los Angeles ACO.

NOTE: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Los Angeles ACO.

(c) 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.

(d) The inspection and adjustment shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin A27-29, dated June 23, 1992. 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 - Technical Administrative Support, C1-l5B. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 3229 East Spring Street, Long Beach, California; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street NW., 7th Floor, Suite 700, Washington, DC.

(e) This amendment becomes effective on September 8, 1992, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by telegraphic AD T92-14-51, issued on June 29, 1992, which contained the requirements of this amendment.