Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14696 · McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), and MD-88 Airplanes
McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), and MD-88 Airplanes
Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), and MD-88 airplanes; certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80-29A070, Revision 1, dated July 28, 2005.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas airplane models, that requires a one-time inspection for chafing or signs of arcing of the wire bundle for the auxiliary hydraulic pump, and other specified and corrective actions, as applicable. This AD also requires that, for certain airplanes, installation of additional protective sleeving on the upper portion of the auxiliary hydraulic pump wire assembly. This AD results from reports of shorted wires and evidence of arcing on the power cables of the auxiliary hydraulic pump, as well a fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent shorted wires or arcing at the auxiliary hydraulic pump, which could result in loss of auxiliary hydraulic power, or a fire in the wheel well of the airplane. The actions specified by this AD are also intended to reduce the potential of an ignition source adjacent to the fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.
To prevent shorted wires or arcing at the auxiliary hydraulic pump, which could result in loss of auxiliary hydraulic power, or a fire in the wheel well of the airplane; and to reduce the potential of an ignition source adjacent to the fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane; accomplish the following:
(a) For airplanes in Configurations 1 through 4, as defined in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80-29A070, Revision 1, dated July 28, 2005: Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, do a one-time general visual inspection for chafing or signs of arcing of the wire bundle for the auxiliary hydraulic pump, and do all applicable corrective and other specified actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. Accomplish all applicable corrective actions before further flight after the inspection.
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.”
(b) For airplanes in Configuration 4, as defined in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80-29A070, Revision 1, dated July 28, 2005: Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, install additional protective sleeving on the upper portion of the auxiliary hydraulic pump wire assembly in accordance with the procedures under Configuration 4 in the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin.
(c) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80-29A070, dated August 3, 2004, are acceptable for compliance with paragraph (a) of this AD, except that the additional requirements of paragraph (b) of this AD must be done on airplanes in Configuration 4, as defined in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80-29A070, Revision 1, dated July 28, 2005.
(d)(1) 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.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with § 39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding District Office.
(e) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions must be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80-29A070, Revision 1, dated July 28, 2005. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To get copies of this service information, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Long Beach Division, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Data and Service Management, Dept. C1-L5A (D800-0024). To inspect copies of this service information, go to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; to the FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California; or to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
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.
