Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14077 · McDonnell Douglas Model MD-90-30 Airplanes
McDonnell Douglas Model MD-90-30 Airplanes
This AD applies to McDonnell Douglas Model MD-90-30 airplanes, certificated in any category, as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD90-24A074, Revision 02, dated June 3, 2003.
The FAA is superseding two existing airworthiness directives (ADs); both apply to the same certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-90-30 airplanes. The superseded ADs currently require a one-time general visual inspection to detect wire chafing damage and to determine adequate clearance between the disconnect panel structure and the wires above the aft left lavatory; and corrective actions, if necessary. This new AD retains those requirements and clarifies certain requirements for recording AD compliance. This AD is prompted by the determination that the form of the existing ADs could result in confusion to operators in recording compliance with the potentially conflicting requirements. We are issuing this AD to prevent damage to certain wires due to contact between the wires and the adjacent structure, which could result in electrical arcing and consequent smoke and fire in the cabin.
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
At the applicable time specified in paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this AD: Do a one-time general visual inspection to find wire chafing damage and to determine adequate clearance between the disconnect panel structure and the wires above the aft left lavatory, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD90-24A074, Revision 02, dated June 3, 2003. If no damage is found and the clearance is adequate, no further action is required by this AD.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is: “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 ensure visual access to all 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.”
(1) For airplanes listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD90-24A074, Revision 1, dated August 8, 2001: Inspect within 12 months after April 4, 2003 (the effective date of AD 2003-04-10).
(2) For airplanes not identified in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD: Inspect within 6 months after February 22, 2005 (the effective date of AD 2005-03-05).
(g) Based on the findings of the inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD, do the applicable actions specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD before further flight in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD90-24A074, Revision 02, dated June 3, 2003.
(1) If no damage is found, but the clearance is inadequate: Secure the wires using tie-wraps to obtain 0.50-inch minimum clearance.
(2) If damage and/or inadequate clearance is found: Repair damaged wires, replace damaged wires with new wires, and/or secure the wires using tie-wraps to obtain 0.50-inch minimum clearance.
(h) An inspection and corrective actions are also acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraphs (f) and (g) of this AD, if done as specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD, as applicable.
(1) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD90-24A074, dated May 14, 2001, done before April 4, 2003.
(2) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD90-24A074, Revision 1, dated August 8, 2001, done before the effective date of this AD.
