AD 97-02-08 R1

On January 14, 1997, the FAA issued AD 97-02-08, amendment 39-9893 (62 FR 3985, January 28, 1997), which is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9, DC-9-80 and C-9 (military) series airplanes, and Model MD-88 airplanes. That AD requires that operators of these airplanes either:

1. install external protective doublers between the outboard flight spoiler actuators and the aft spar webs of the wings; or

2. replace the pistons of the outboard flight spoiler actuators with improved pistons.

That action was prompted by reports of failure of the piston of the outboard flight spoiler actuator due to fatigue at the clevis end of the upper lug mounting hole of the piston. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent such failure of the piston and the consequent puncturing of the aft spar web, which could result in fuel leakage and reduced structural integrity of the wings.

Actions Since Issuance of the AD

Recently, the FAA has become aware of the fact that, due to a typographical error when the AD was published, an incorrect part number appeared in the text of the rule. Specifically, NOTE 3 of paragraph (a) stated that installation of McDonnell Douglas flight spoiler actuator assemblies, having part number 5915900-5525, on the right and left wings prior to the effective date of the AD was considered acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (a). However, the part number cited was erroneous. The correct part number is 5913900-5525.

Corrections Necessary to the Current AD

The FAA has determined that it is appropriate to take action to revise AD 97-02-08 to correct the part number of the flight spoiler actuator assemblies, referred to in NOTE 3 of the AD, to "5913900-5525." This correction will ensure that operators who previously have installed assemblies with this part number will be given proper credit for that installation, and will not be required to perform additional,unnecessary work to comply with the requirements of the AD.

Accordingly, action is taken herein to correct the error and to correctly add the AD as an amendment to section 39.13 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.13). The effective date of the rule remains March 4, 1997.

The final rule is being reprinted in its entirety for the convenience of affected operators.

Impact of the Correction

Since this action only corrects a part number of an installation that is optional on the affected airplanes, it has no adverse economic impact and imposes no additional burden on any person. Therefore, notice and public procedures hereon are unnecessary.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Correction

Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39 - AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

§ 39.13 - (Amended)

2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-9893 (62 FR 3985, January 28, 1997), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), amendment 39-9928, to read as follows: