Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14538 · McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), MD-88, and MD-90-30 Airplanes
McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), MD-88, and MD-90-30 Airplanes
This AD applies to all McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), MD-88, and MD-90-30 airplanes, certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all McDonnell Douglas airplanes identified above. This AD requires a one- time inspection of the aft attach fitting assembly of the spoiler link to determine the part number, and further investigative action and replacement of the assembly with a new or serviceable assembly, if necessary. This AD results from a determination that the holes of certain aft attach fitting assemblies of the spoiler link were not cold-worked during production. We are issuing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking of the aft attach fitting of the spoiler link and consequent failure of the fitting. Failure of the fitting could result in an asymmetrical lift condition and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
Prior to the accumulation of 10,000 total flight hours on the aft attach fitting assembly of the spoiler link, or within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever is later: Inspect the aft attach fitting assembly of the spoiler link to determine the part number, in accordance with Item 1.a). of Section 1.D., “Description,” of Aerotech Manufacturing Service Bulletin DC9-27-01-AMI5139, Revision “A,” dated June 19, 2003. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the part number of the assembly can be conclusively determined from that review.
(1) If the part number is not AMI3954558-1 or AMI3954558-501: No further action is required by this AD, but the provisions of paragraph (h) of this AD continue to apply.
(2) If the part number is AMI3954558-1 or AMI3954558-501, or if the part number cannot be conclusively determined: Before further flight, inspect the aft attach fitting assembly of the spoiler link to determine the lot number, then determine if the lot number is identified in the “Lot Number” column of the table in Section 1.A.1. of the service bulletin. If the lot number is not identified in the service bulletin, no further action is required by this AD, but the provisions of paragraph (h) of this AD continue to apply. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the lot number of the assembly can be conclusively determined from that review.
If the part number of the aft attach fitting assembly of the spoiler link is AMI3954558-1 or AMI3954558-501, and the lot number is identified in the “Lot Number” column of the table in Section 1.A.1. of Aerotech Manufacturing Service Bulletin DC9-27-01-AMI5139, Revision “A,” dated June 19, 2003, or if the part number and/or lot number cannot be conclusively determined: Before further flight, replace the assembly with a new or serviceable assembly having a lot number that is not identified in the “Lot Number” column of the table in Section 1.A.1. of the service bulletin, in accordance with Item 1.b). of Section 1.D., “Description,” of the service bulletin.
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on any airplane, an aft attach fitting assembly of the spoiler link having part number AMI3954558-1 or AMI3954558-501, and having a lot number identified in the “Lot Number” column of the table in Section 1.A.1. of Aerotech Manufacturing Service Bulletin DC9-27-01-AMI5139, Revision “A,” dated June 19, 2003.
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.
