Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-13902 · McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-14, DC-9-15, and DC-9-15F Airplanes; DC-9-20, DC-9-30, DC-9-40, DC-9-50 Series Airplanes; 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-9-14, DC-9-15, and DC-9-15F Airplanes; DC-9-20, DC-9-30, DC-9-40, DC-9-50 Series Airplanes; 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-9-14, DC-9-15, DC-9-15F, DC-9-21, DC-9-31, DC-9-32, DC-9-32 (VC-9C), DC-9-32F, DC-9-33F, DC-9-34, DC-9-34F, DC-9-32F (C-9A, C-9B), DC-9-41, DC-9-51, 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 Boeing Service Bulletin DC9-57-222, dated September 18, 2002; certificated in any category.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas airplane models, that requires an inspection of the retract cylinder support fitting and the cylinder bore of the support fitting of both main landing gear (MLG) for corrosion, and corrective action if necessary. This action also requires replacing cadmium-plated retract cylinder support bushings and bearings of both MLG. This action is necessary to detect and correct corrosion to the retract cylinder support fitting of the MLG and the cylinder bore in the support fitting, which could result in compromised integrity of the retract cylinder support fitting of the MLG and possible damage to the hydraulic system. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
To detect and correct corrosion to the retract cylinder support fitting of the main landing gear (MLG) and the cylinder bore in the support fitting, which could result in compromised integrity of the retract cylinder support fitting of the MLG and possible damage to the hydraulic system, accomplish the following:
(a) Prior to the accumulation of 30,000 total flight hours, or within 15,000 flight hours after the effective date of the AD, whichever is later, do the actions in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin DC9-57-222, dated September 18, 2002.
(1) Do the inspection specified in paragraph (a)(1)(i) or (a)(1)(ii) of this AD, as applicable. Before further flight following the inspection, accomplish all applicable corrective actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin DC9-57-222, dated September 18, 2002. Do the actions in accordance with the service bulletin.
(i) For Group 1 airplanes specified in paragraph 1.A.1. of the service bulletin, do a general visual inspection of the retract cylinder support fitting and the cylinder bore of the support fitting of both MLG for corrosion.
(ii) For Group 2 airplanes specified in paragraph 1.A.1. of the service bulletin, do a general visual inspection of the retract cylinder support fitting of both MLG for corrosion.
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.”
(2) Replace cadmium-plated retract cylinder support bushings and bearings of the MLG with bushings and bearings that do not have cadmium plating in the bore.
(b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install a retract cylinder support fitting for the MLG, part number (P/N) 3935860-1, 3912891-1, or 3912891-501 on any airplane, unless it has been found to have no corrosion during the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, or unless it has been modified in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin DC9-57-222, dated September 18, 2002.
(c) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 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.
