Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-11847 · McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9, Model MD-90-30, Model 717-200, and Model MD-88 Airplanes
McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9, Model MD-90-30, Model 717-200, and Model MD-88 Airplanes
All Model DC-9, Model MD-90-30, Model 717-200, and Model MD-88 airplanes, certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.
This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9, Model MD-90-30, Model 717-200, and Model MD-88 airplanes, that currently requires inspecting the general condition of the jackscrew assembly and the area around the jackscrew assembly to detect the presence of metal shavings and flakes. This amendment also requires inspecting for metallic particles in the lubrication for the jackscrew assembly of the horizontal stabilizer and surrounding area to detect any discrepancy; follow-on actions; and corrective actions, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by numerous reports from operators that indicate instances of metallic shavings in the vicinity of the jackscrew assembly and gimbal nut of the horizontal stabilizer. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent loss of pitch trim capability due to excessive wear of the jackscrew assembly of the horizontal stabilizer, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.
Note 2: Inspections and follow-on and corrective actions accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD in accordance with Revision 1 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD90-27A034, Revision 01, DC9-27A362, Revision 01, and 717-27A0002, Revision 01; all dated February 12, 2000; are considered acceptable for compliance with the applicable actions required by this AD that are specified in the original issue of the applicable alert service bulletin.
To prevent loss of pitch trim capability due to excessive wear of the jackscrew assembly of the horizontal stabilizer, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:
(a) Prior to the accumulation of 650 hours total time-in-service (TTIS), or within 72 hours after March 6, 2000 (the effective date of AD 2000-03-51, amendment 39-11595), whichever occurs later, accomplish the actions required by paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(4), and (a)(5) of this AD; in accordance with Phase 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC9-27A362, dated February 11, 2000 (original issue), or Revision 02, dated March 30, 2000 (for Model DC-9 and Model MD-88 airplanes); MD90-27A034, dated February 11, 2000 (original issue), or Revision 02, dated March 30, 2000 (for Model MD-90-30 airplanes); or 717-27A0002, dated February 11, 2000 (original issue), or Revision 02, dated March 30, 2000 (for Model 717-200 airplanes); as applicable. Repeat the actions required by paragraph (a) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 650 flight hours. As of the effective date of this AD, the repetitive inspections required by this paragraph must be accomplished as detailed visual inspections in accordance with Phase 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Revision 02 of the applicable alert service bulletin.
(1) Perform a general visual inspection of the lubricating grease on the jackscrew assembly and the area directly below the jackscrew and surrounding areas for the presence of metallic particles (including slivers, dust, shavings, and flakes) in accordance with Phase 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of either the original issue or Revision 02 of the applicable alert service bulletin. If the presence of metallic particles is detected, prior to further flight, remove and replace the jackscrew assembly with a new or serviceable assembly; or accomplish the detailed visual inspections, follow-on actions, and corrective actions, as applicable; in accordance with Phase 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Revision 02 of the applicable alert service bulletin.
(2) Perform a general visual inspection of the jackscrew assembly to detect the presence of corrosion, pitting, or distress in accordance with Phase 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of either the original issue or Revision 02 of the applicable alert service bulletin. If any corrosion, pitting, or distress is detected, prior to further flight, remove and replace the jackscrew assembly with a new or serviceable assembly; or accomplish the detailed visual inspections, follow-on actions, and corrective actions, as applicable; in accordance with Phase 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Revision 02 of the applicable alert service bulletin.
(3) During any inspection conducted prior to the effective date of this AD, check the condition of the jackscrew assembly lubricant in accordance with Phase 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the original issue of the applicable alert service bulletin. If the jackscrew assembly is dry, prior to further flight, lubricate the assembly in accordance with Phase 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Revision 02 of the applicable alert service bulletin.
Note 3: During other inspections required by this AD, lubrication of the jackscrew is checked in accordance with Phase 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Revision 02 of the applicable alert service bulletin.
(4) Inspect the horizontal stabilizer jackscrew upper and lower mechanical stops for general condition in accordance with the Phase 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of either the original issue or Revision 02 of the applicable alert service bulletin; and record the condition.
(5) Perform a test of the horizontal stabilizer shutoff controls in accordance with Phase 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of either the original issue or Revision 02 of the applicable alert service bulletin. If the mechanical stop on the jackscrew contacts the mechanical stop on the acme nut prior to limit switch shutoff, prior to further flight, adjust the horizontal stabilizer trim system in accordance with operator-approved maintenance instructions.
Note 4: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is defined as: “A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or drop-light and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.”
Note 5: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual inspection is defined as: “An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc. may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.”
Note 6: Accomplishment of steps (b) through (e) of BOECOM message number M-7200-00-00456, dated February 9, 2000, constitutes compliance with paragraphs (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(4), and (a)(5) of this AD.
(b) Within 2,000 flight hours since the last endplay check of the jackscrew and acme nut conducted in accordance with the McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Maintenance Manual, Chapter 27-40-1; McDonnell Douglas MD-80 Maintenance Manual, Chapter 27-40-01; McDonnell Douglas MD-90 Maintenance Manual, Chapter 27-41-10; or Boeing 717 Maintenance Manual, Chapter 27-41-04; or within 30 days after March 6, 2000, whichever occurs later: Perform endplay and freeplay checks of the jackscrew and acme nut in accordance with Phase 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC9-27A362, dated February 11, 2000, or Revision 02, dated March 30, 2000 (for Model DC-9 and Model MD-88 airplanes); MD90-27A034, dated February 11, 2000, or Revision 02, dated March 30, 2000 (for Model MD-90-30 airplanes); or 717-27A0002, dated February 11, 2000, or Revision 02, dated March 30, 2000 (for Model 717-200 airplanes); as applicable. Repeat the endplay and freeplay checks thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,000 flight hours. As of the effective date of this AD, only Phase 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Revision 02 of the applicable alert service bulletin shall be used to accomplish the requirements of this paragraph (including the corrective actions specified in Phase 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Revision 02 of the applicable alert service bulletin).
Note 7: Accomplishment of step (a) of BOECOM message number M-7200-00-00456, dated February 9, 2000, constitutes compliance with paragraph (b) of this AD.
(c) At intervals not to exceed 90 days after accomplishing the endplay checks required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD, submit a report of the results of the endplay checks to The Boeing Company, Long Beach Division, P.O. Box 1771, Long Beach, California 90801, Attention: Senior Manager—Systems, Technical and Fleet Support, Service Engineering D035-0035; fax: (562) 497-5811. Results of the endplay checks may be accumulated and submitted at the intervals required by this paragraph. Information collection requirements contained in this regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
