# Proposed AD FAA-2011-0217: The Boeing Company Model DC-9-81 (MD- 81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), and MD-88 Airplanes

- Type: Proposed airworthiness directive (not in force)
- Status: Became AD 2011-15-01
- Products: Boeing
- Product type: Aircraft
- Action: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
- Published: March 14, 2011, 76 FR 13543
- Comments due: April 28, 2011
- Became: [AD 2011-15-01](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2011-15-01)
- Docket: FAA-2011-0217 (https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FAA-2011-0217, where comments are filed)
- Project: 2010-NM-165-AD
- FR document: 2011-5725
- Official PDF: https://openairdocs.org/files/sha256/e4/59/e459e3b724e4e845bfb130d1751143ebca1b8e0bf83c3b191f4df0c5fdc9f222 (from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2011-03-14/pdf/2011-5725.pdf)
- Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2011/03/14/2011-5725/airworthiness-directives-the-boeing-company-model-dc-9-81-md-81-dc-9-82-md-82-dc-9-83-md-83-dc-9-87
- FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/27C59D501559331586257853004AF2E3.0001
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/proposed/FAA-2011-0217

## Summary

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This proposed AD would require a detailed inspection to detect distress and existing repairs to the leading edge structure of the vertical stabilizer at the splice at Station Zfs = 52.267; repetitive inspections for cracking in the front spar cap forward flanges of the vertical stabilizer, and either the aft flanges or side skins; repetitive inspections for loose and missing fasteners; and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracked vertical stabilizer skin, a severed front spar cap, elongated fastener holes at the leading edge of the vertical stabilizer, and a cracked front spar web and front spar cap bolt holes in the vertical stabilizer. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct such cracking damage, which could result in the structure being unable to support limit load, and could lead to the loss of the vertical stabilizer.

## Notices in this docket

- Mar 14, 2011: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). (first notice), FR document 2011-5725, comments due Apr 28, 2011 (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2011/03/14/2011-5725/airworthiness-directives-the-boeing-company-model-dc-9-81-md-81-dc-9-82-md-82-dc-9-83-md-83-dc-9-87)

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