Summary
This document revises an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9, DC- 9-80, and C-9 (military) series airplanes; Model MD-88 airplanes; and Model MD-90 airplanes that would have required, among other actions, a visual check to determine the part and serial numbers of the upper lock link assembly of the nose landing gear (NLG); repetitive inspections of certain upper lock link assemblies to detect fatigue cracking; and replacement of the upper lock link assembly with an assembly made from aluminum forging material, if necessary. Such replacement would constitute terminating action for the requirements of this AD. That proposal was prompted by a report indicating that an NLG upper lock link fractured prior to landing and jammed against the NLG shock strut, restricting the NLG from fully extending. This new action revises, among other actions, a list of suspect parts; delays accomplishment of a certain replacement; and revises the initial compliance time. The actions specified by this new proposed AD are intended to address the identified unsafe condition.