AD 93-23-11

93-23-11 MCDONNELL DOUGLAS: Amendment 39-8747. Docket 93-NM-51-AD.

Applicability: All Model DC-9-10, -20, -30, -40, and -50 series airplanes; Model DC-9-81, -82, -83, and -87 series airplanes; Model MD-88 airplanes; and C-9 (military) airplanes; equipped with nose wheel assembly part number 9550267-6 or 9550267-7; certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent reduced structural integrity of the nose wheel assembly, resulting from installation of a suspected unapproved part, accomplish the following:

(a) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, accomplish either paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD.

(1) Perform a one-time visual inspection of nose wheel assemblies, part numbers 9550267-6 and 9550267-7, to ensure that these assemblies are identified correctly in accordance with Section II, Accomplishment Instructions, of Aircraft Braking Systems Corporation Service Letter MD81-SL-3, MD82-SL-3, MD83-SL-4, MD87-SL-3, MD88-SL-4, MD90-SL-1, DC9-10-SL-12, DC9-30-SL-16, DC9-40-SL-16, DC9-50-SL-8 (included in one document), dated February 10, 1993.

(i) If any nose wheel assembly is not identified correctly, prior to further flight, replace that assembly with an FAA-approved assembly in accordance with the applicable Aircraft Maintenance Manual.

(ii) If each nose wheel assembly is identified correctly, no further action is required by this paragraph.

(2) Determine if the nose wheel assemblies, part numbers 9550267-6 and 9550267-7, have ever been in the possession of Aviation Wheel and Brake, Miami, Florida. This determination may be accomplished by performing a search of maintenance or other records.

(i) If it is not possible to make such a determination, or if the results of that determination indicate that any nose wheel assembly has been in the possession of Aviation Wheel and Brake, accomplish the inspection required by paragraph (a)(1) of this AD.

(ii) If it is determined that a nose wheel assembly has never been in the possession of Aviation Wheel and Brake, no further action is required by this paragraph with respect to that nose wheel assembly.

(b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install a nose wheel assembly, part number 9550267-6 or 9550267-7, on any airplane unless, prior to installation, that nose wheel assembly has been inspected in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of this AD and has been found to be identified correctly; or unless, prior to installation, it has been determined that the nose wheel assembly has never been in the possession of Aviation Wheel and Brake in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (a)(2) of this AD.

(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 shall be done in accordance with Aircraft Braking Systems Corporation Service Letter MD81-SL-3, MD82-SL-3, MD83-SL-4, MD87-SL-3, MD88-SL-4, MD90-SL-1, DC9-10-SL-12, DC9-30-SL-16, DC9-40-SL-16, DC9-50-SL-8 (included in one document), dated February 10, 1993. 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 Aircraft Braking Systems Corporation, 1204 Massillon Road, Akron, Ohio 44306-4186. 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, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

(f) This amendment becomes effective on January 5, 1994.