Summary
This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes. This proposal would require either replacement or modification of the inboard and outboard flap actuators. This proposal is prompted by a report of failure of the piston rod of the inboard flap actuator due a manufacturing process error. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent failure of the piston rod, which could result in uncommanded flap extension and could lead to an asymmetric flap configuration, which could reduce controllability of the airplane.