Summary
This document revises an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas airplanes, that would have required inspections of the linear variable differential transducers (LVDTs) of the autopilot for discrepancies, and follow-on actions, if necessary. This new action revises the proposed rule by expanding the applicability. The actions specified by this new proposed AD are intended to prevent failure of the LVDTs, which could result in an automatic pitch trim malfunction or an autopilot disconnect, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.