AD 92-16-03

92-16-03 MCDONNELL DOUGLAS: Amendment 39-8312. Docket No. 92-NM-127-AD.

Applicability: Model DC-10-10, -15, -30, -40, and KC-10A (Military) series airplanes on which spoiler mixer brackets, part number APH7275-1, APH7275-501, APH7275-503, APH7275-505, APH7275-507, or APH7275-509, have been installed; certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent failure of the spoiler mixer brackets, which could lead to reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:

(a) Unless accomplished within the last 1,500 landings, conduct an eddy current inspection of the right- and left-hand spoiler mixer brackets in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin A27-220, dated May 29, 1992, at the later of times specified in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD.

(1) Prior to the accumulation of 100 landings or within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first; or(2) Prior to the accumulation of 8,000 landings on the currently installed brackets.

(b) If no cracking is detected, repeat the eddy current inspection at intervals not to exceed 1,500 landings.

(c) If cracking is detected, accomplish the procedures specified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD:

(1) Prior to further flight, replace the spoiler mixer bracket with one having the same part number; or with a spoiler mixer bracket having part number APH7275-507 or APH7275-509, as applicable; in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin A27-220, dated May 29, 1992.

(2) Prior to the accumulation of 8,000 landings on the spoiler mixer bracket installed in accordance with paragraph (c)(1) of this AD, conduct an eddy current inspection of the right- and left-hand spoiler mixer brackets in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin A27-220, dated May 29, 1992. Thereafter, repeat the eddy current inspection at intervals not to exceed1,500 landings.

(d) 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.

(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 inspection and replacement shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin A27-220, dated May 29, 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, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3229 East Spring Street, Long Beach, California; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 1100 L Street NW., Room 8401, Washington, DC.

(g) This amendment becomes effective on September 8, 1992.