Summary
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all McDonnell Douglas airplanes identified above. This proposed AD would require revising the airplane flight manual to provide the flightcrew with procedures to preclude dry running of the fuel pumps. This proposed AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are proposing this AD to prevent pump inlet friction (i.e., overheating or sparking) when the fuel pumps are continually run as the center wing fuel tank becomes empty, and/or electrical arc burnthrough, which could result in a fuel tank fire or explosion.