Summary
This document proposes the supersedure of an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-81, -82, -83, and -87 series airplanes (MD-81, -82, -83, and -87), and Model MD-88 airplanes, that currently requires visual or eddy current inspections to detect cracks of the actuator cylinder support brackets of the slat drive mechanism assembly, and replacement of any cracked brackets. This action would continue to require repetitive eddy current inspections, would add an inspection requirement, and would expand the area of inspection. This action also would provide terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This proposal is prompted by reports indicating that additional cracking was found outside the original inspection area. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent inadvertent slat retraction in flight.