Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-13876 · McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), and DC-9-87 (MD-87) Airplanes; and Model MD-88 Airplanes
McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), and DC-9-87 (MD-87) Airplanes; and Model MD-88 Airplanes
Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), and DC-9-87 (MD-87) airplanes; and Model MD-88 airplanes; as listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD80-24A105, Revision 02, dated January 24, 2000; certificated in any category.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), and DC-9-87 (MD-87) airplanes; and Model MD- 88 airplanes. This amendment requires a general visual inspection for chafing of the power feeder cables of the auxiliary power unit (APU), and repair if necessary. This amendment also requires replacement of a support bracket located on the left side of the lower cargo compartment with a new "U" shaped bracket. This action is necessary to prevent chafing of the power feeder cables of the APU, which could result in electrical arcing to adjacent structure and consequent fire in the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
To prevent chafing of the power feeder cables of the auxiliary power unit (APU), which could result in electrical arcing to adjacent structure and consequent fire in the airplane; accomplish the following:
(a) Although the alert service bulletin referenced in this AD specifies to submit information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include such a requirement.
(b) Within 1 year after the effective date of this AD, perform a general visual inspection for chafing of the power feeder cables of the auxiliary power unit, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD80-24A105, Revision 02, dated January 24, 2000.
(1) If no chafing is detected, no further action is required by this paragraph.
(2) If any chafing is detected, before further flight, repair the cable(s) per the alert service bulletin.
Note 1: 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 from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight 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.”
(c) Within 1 year after the effective date of this AD, replace the support bracket for the power feeder cable located on the left side of the lower cargo compartment between fuselage stations Y=218.000 and Y=237.000 with a new “U” shaped bracket, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD80-24A105, Revision 02, dated January 24, 2000.
(d) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.
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.
