AD 93-05-07

93-05-07 MCDONNELL DOUGLAS: Amendment 39-8512. Docket 92-NM-162-AD.

Applicability: Model DC-9-80 series airplanes and Model MD-88 airplanes, as listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin A52-178, dated July 10, 1992; certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent a riding condition between the overwing emergency exit door liner and the adjacent sidewall lining, which could hinder the opening of the overwing emergency exit door in an emergency situation, accomplish the following:

(a) Within 180 days after the effective date of this AD, conduct a one-time visual inspection of the overwing emergency exit door to determine whether the door can be opened without restriction, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin A52-178, dated July 10, 1992. If the door can be opened without restrictions, no further action is required by this AD action.

(b) If the door cannot be opened without restrictions, prior to further flight, inspect for sufficient clearance between the door liner and the adjacent passenger sidewall lining panels, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin A52-178, dated July 10, 1992. If clearance is within the limits specified in the service bulletin, no further action is required.

(c) If clearance is not within the limits specified in the service bulletin, prior to further flight, adjust the passenger sidewall lining panels and verify the clearance, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin A52-178, dated July 10, 1992. If clearance is obtained by adjusting the passenger compartment sidewall lining, no further action is required.

(d) If clearance cannot be obtained by adjusting the passenger compartment sidewall lining, prior to further flight, adjust the door liner as shown in Figure 2 of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin A52-178, dated July 10, 1992, to obtain proper clearance. If clearance is obtained by adjusting the door liner, no further action is required.

(e) If clearance cannot be obtained by adjusting the door liner, prior to further flight, modify the door installation in accordance with Figure 3 of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin A52-178, dated July 10, 1992.

(f) Within 60 days after accomplishing the requirements of this AD, submit a report of all inspection results that indicate restricted opening of the overwing emergency exit door to the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 3229 East Spring Street, Long Beach, California 90806-2425; fax (310) 988-5210. The report must include a description of the discrepancy and the airplane's serial number. 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 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

(g) 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 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.

(h) 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.

(i) The inspections, adjustments, and modification shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin A52-178, dated July 10, 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 ACO, 3229 East Spring Street, Long Beach, California; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

(j) This amendment becomes effective on April 29, 1993.