Summary
This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Model DC-9 series airplanes and C-9 (military) airplanes. This proposal would require an inspection of the driver links of the thrust reverser door to determine whether the driver links are chamfered, an inspection to detect damage of the overcenter links, and follow-on corrective actions, if necessary; and replacement or rework of the driver links. This proposal is prompted by reports of a thrust reverser door that failed to operate properly due to improperly manufactured (missing chamfers on the) driver links. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent damage to the overcenter links due to missing chamfers on the driver links, which may result in uncommanded opening of the thrust reverser door, and subsequently, adversely affecting controllability of the airplane.