AD 92-27-18

92-27-18 MCDONNELL DOUGLAS: Amendment 39-8453. Docket 92-NM-105-AD.

Applicability: Model DC-10-10, -15, -30, -40, and KC-10 (Military) series airplanes; certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent failure of the main landing gear (MLG) piston and subsequent reduced controllability of the airplane during landing, accomplish the following:

(a) For Model DC-10-10 and DC-10-15 series airplanes that have not been modified in accordance with McDonnell Douglas DC-10 Service Bulletin 32-227, dated January 21, 1991: Within 30 months after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD:

(1) Conduct a visual inspection of the right and left MLG pistons to detect inward buckling. If inward buckling of the MLG piston is detected, prior to further flight, replace the MLG piston in accordance with McDonnell Douglas DC-10 Service Bulletin 32-227, Revision 1, dated April 30, 1992.

(2) Determine if the rebound check valve previously has been replaced in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin 32-60, Revision 3, dated August 7, 1974; or Revision 4, dated November 6, 1974; or Revision 5, dated May 1, 1975; or Revision 6, dated June 20, 1975; (hereafter referred to as "SB 32-60").

(i) If the rebound check valve has not been replaced in accordance with SB 32-60: Within 30 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the rebound check valve in accordance with McDonnell Douglas DC-10 Service Bulletin 32-227, Revision 1, dated April 30, 1992.

(ii) If the rebound check valve has been replaced in accordance with SB 32-60: Within 30 months after the effective date of this AD, rework or replace the rebound check valve in accordance with McDonnell Douglas DC-10 Service Bulletin 32-227, Revision 1, dated April 30, 1992.

(b) For Model DC-10-10 and DC-10-15 series airplanes that have been modified in accordance with McDonnell Douglas DC-10 Service Bulletin 32-227, dated January 21, 1991; and for all Model DC-10-30 and DC-10-40 and KC-10 (military) series airplanes: Within five years after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the requirements of paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this AD:

(1) Conduct a visual inspection of the right and left MLG pistons to detect inward buckling, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas DC-10 Service Bulletin 32-227, Revision 1, dated April 30, 1992. If inward buckling of the MLG piston is detected, prior to further flight, replace the MLG piston in accordance with McDonnell Douglas DC-10 Service Bulletin 32-227, Revision 1, dated April 30, 1992.

(2) Determine if the rebound check valve previously has been replaced in accordance with SB 32-60.

(i) If the rebound check valve has not been replaced in accordance with SB 32-60: Within five years after the effective date of this AD, replace the rebound check valve in accordance with McDonnell Douglas DC-10 Service Bulletin 32-227, Revision 1, dated April 30, 1992.

(ii) If the rebound check valve has been replaced in accordance with SB 32-60: Within five years after the effective date of this AD, rework or replace the rebound check valve in accordance with McDonnell Douglas DC-10 Service Bulletin 32-227, Revision 1, dated April 30, 1992.

(c) 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.

(d) 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.

(e) The inspection, rework, and replacement shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas DC-10 Service Bulletin 32-227, Revision 1, dated April 30, 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 90846-1771, 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 90806-2425; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

(f) This amendment becomes effective on February 25, 1993.