[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 81 (Thursday, April 28, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 21924-21927]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-8404]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-293-AD; Amendment 39-14072; AD 2005-09-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; 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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to certain 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. The existing AD currently requires repetitive inspections to 
detect cracking of the main landing gear (MLG) shock strut pistons, and 
replacement of a cracked piston with a new or serviceable part. This 
amendment removes certain airplanes but requires that the existing 
inspections, and corrective actions if necessary, be accomplished on 
additional MLG shock strut pistons. This amendment also requires 
replacing the MLG shock strut pistons with new improved parts, which 
would terminate the repetitive inspections. The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to prevent fatigue cracking of the MLG pistons, 
which could result in failure of the pistons and consequent damage to 
the airplane structure or injury to airplane occupants. This action is 
intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective June 2, 2005.
    The incorporation by reference of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
MD80-32A308, Revision 04, dated June 12, 2001, as listed in the 
regulations, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of 
June 2, 2005.
    The incorporation by reference of Boeing Service Bulletin MD80-32-
309, Revision 01, dated April 25, 2001, as listed in the regulations, 
was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of 
June 20, 2002 (67 FR 34823, May 16, 2002).
    The incorporation by reference of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin MD80-32A308, dated March 5, 1998; and McDonnell Douglas Alert 
Service Bulletin MD80-32A308, Revision 01, dated May 12, 1998; as 
listed in the regulations; was approved

[[Page 21925]]

previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of as of July 28, 
1999 (64 FR 33392, June 23, 1999).

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Long Beach Division, 3855 
Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Data and 
Service Management, Dept. C1-L5A (D800-0024). This information may be 
examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport 
Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 
3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Lee, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe 
Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 
Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137; telephone (562) 
627-5325; fax (562) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 99-13-07, 
amendment 39-11201 (64 FR 33392, June 23, 1999), which is applicable to 
certain 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, was 
published in the Federal Register on May 7, 2004 (69 FR 25507). The 
action proposed to continue to require repetitive inspections to detect 
cracking of the main landing gear (MLG) shock strut pistons, and 
replacement of a cracked piston with a new or serviceable part. The 
action proposed to remove certain airplanes but require that the 
existing inspections, and corrective actions if necessary, be 
accomplished on additional MLG shock strut pistons. The action also 
proposed to require replacing the MLG shock strut pistons with new 
improved parts, which would terminate the repetitive inspections.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comments received.

Request for Approval of Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC)

    One commenter requests that we revise the ``Alternative Methods of 
Compliance'' paragraph of the proposed AD to specify that an AMOC 
previously approved for AD 2002-10-03, amendment 39-12749 (67 FR 34823, 
May 16, 2002), is also approved as an AMOC for the proposed AD. The 
commenter notes that this AMOC addresses assigning flight cycle counts 
to MLG shock strut pistons and states that this AMOC would also be 
applicable to the proposed AD.
    We concur with the commenter's request and have revised paragraph 
(l)(2) of this AD to give credit for AMOCs approved for AD 2002-10-03.

Request To Clarify Acceptable Replacement Parts

    The same commenter requests that we revise paragraph (b) of the 
proposed AD to specify that only an MLG shock strut piston having part 
number (P/N) 5935347-517 is an acceptable replacement. The commenter 
states that paragraphs (b) and (j) of the proposed AD contradict one 
another in this regard. The commenter observes that paragraph (b) 
allows installation of a piston having P/N 5935347-511 as an approved 
replacement part (in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
MD80-32A308, Revision 04, dated June 12, 2001). However, paragraph (j) 
of the proposed AD states that an MLG shock strut piston having P/N 
5935347-1 through -509 inclusive, 5935347-511, 5935347-513, or 
SR09320081-3 through -13 inclusive, cannot be installed after the 
effective date of the AD.
    We partially agree with the commenter's request. We note that 
paragraph (b) of this AD is part of a restatement of the requirements 
of AD 99-13-07. When AD 99-13-07 was issued, a new or serviceable MLG 
shock strut piston of any approved P/N was an acceptable replacement 
part. Paragraph (j) is a new requirement of this AD, and the 
requirements of that paragraph reflect the main purpose of this new AD, 
which is to require replacing the MLG shock strut pistons with new, 
improved parts. Thus, we do not agree that paragraph (b) and (j) 
contradict each other. Rather, paragraph (j) of this AD restricts the 
P/Ns that may be installed when paragraph (b) is done after the 
effective date of this AD. However, we agree that it is acceptable to 
clarify paragraph (b) to state that only an MLG shock strut piston 
having P/N 5935347-517 may be installed after the effective date of 
this AD. We have revised paragraph (b) of this AD accordingly.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes previously 
described. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither 
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
the AD.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 1,364 airplanes of the affected design in 
the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 849 airplanes of U.S. 
registry will be affected by this AD.
    The inspections that are currently required by AD 99-13-07 take 
approximately 4 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the new 
inspections that are required by this AD take approximately 4 work 
hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $65 per 
work hour. The cost impact of these new inspections on U.S. operators 
is estimated to be $220,740, or $260 per airplane, per inspection 
cycle.
    The other costs associated with this AD are carried over from the 
existing AD which is being superseded and are not new or additional 
costs. The impact of these existing costs were covered in the 
rulemaking for that AD.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this 
AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed 
in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform 
the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures 
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to 
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other 
administrative actions. The manufacturer may cover the cost of 
replacement parts associated with this AD, subject to warranty 
conditions. Manufacturer warranty remedies may also be available for 
labor costs associated with this AD. As a result, the costs 
attributable to this AD may be less than stated above.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701,

[[Page 21926]]

``General requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA 
with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by 
prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the 
Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This 
regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses 
an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products 
identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will not have a substantial direct 
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national 
Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) will not have a 
significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial 
number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-11201 (64 FR 
33392, June 23, 1999), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), amendment 39-14072, to read as follows:

2005-09-04 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-14072. Docket 2001-NM-
293-AD. Supersedes AD 99-13-07, Amendment 39-11201.

    Applicability: 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-
32A308, Revision 04, dated June 12, 2001.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent fatigue cracking of the main landing gear (MLG) 
pistons, which could result in failure of the pistons and consequent 
damage to the airplane structure or injury to airplane occupants, 
accomplish the following:

Requirements of AD 99-13-07

Initial Inspection

    (a) For airplanes equipped with an MLG shock strut piston having 
part number (P/N) 5935347-1 through -509 inclusive, 5935347-511, or 
5935347-513: Perform fluorescent dye penetrant and fluorescent 
magnetic particle inspections to detect cracking of an MLG shock 
strut piston, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin MD80-32A308, dated March 5, 1998, or Revision 01, dated May 
12, 1998; or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80-32A308, Revision 04, 
dated June 12, 2001 (for 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). Perform the 
inspections at the later of the times specified in paragraphs (a)(1) 
and (a)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Prior to the accumulation of 10,000 total landings on an MLG 
shock strut piston, or within 6 months after July 28, 1999 (the 
effective date of AD 99-13-07, amendment 39-11201), whichever occurs 
later.
    (2) Within 2,500 landings after a major overhaul and initial 
inspection of the MLG shock strut piston accomplished prior to July 
28, 1999, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas All Operator Letter 
9-2153 (for 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).

Corrective Actions

    (b) For airplanes equipped with an MLG shock strut piston having 
P/N 5935347-1 through -509 inclusive, 5935347-511, or 5935347-513: 
Condition 1. If any cracking is detected, prior to further flight, 
replace any cracked MLG shock strut piston with a new or serviceable 
piston, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin 
MD80-32A308, dated March 5, 1998, or Revision 01, dated May 12, 
1998; or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80-32A308, Revision 04, 
dated June 12, 2001 (for 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). Thereafter, 
repeat the inspections required by paragraph (a) of this AD prior to 
the accumulation of 10,000 total landings on the MLG shock strut 
piston. After the effective date of this AD, only an MLG shock strut 
piston having P/N 5935347-517 may be installed in accordance with 
this paragraph.

Repetitive Inspections

    (c) For airplanes equipped with an MLG shock strut piston having 
P/N 5935347-1 through -509 inclusive, 5935347-511, or 5935347-513: 
Condition 2. If no cracking is detected, repeat the fluorescent dye 
penetrant and fluorescent magnetic particle inspections thereafter 
at intervals not to exceed 2,500 landings, in accordance with 
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD80-32A308, dated March 5, 
1998, or Revision 01, dated May 12, 1998; or Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin MD80-32A308, Revision 04, dated June 12, 2001 (for 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); as applicable; until the replacement required 
by paragraph (h) of this AD has been accomplished.

New Requirements of This AD

Clarification of Inspection Sequence

    (d) For inspections accomplished after the effective date of 
this AD: Where this AD requires fluorescent penetrant and magnetic 
particle inspections, accomplishment of the fluorescent penetrant 
inspection must precede accomplishment of the magnetic particle 
inspection.

Inspection of MLG Piston P/Ns SR09320081-3 through -13

    (e) For any MLG piston having P/N SR09320081-3 through -13 
inclusive: Perform fluorescent penetrant and magnetic particle 
inspections to detect fatigue cracking of the MLG pistons, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin MD80-32A308, Revision 04, dated June 12, 2001. Do 
the initial inspections at the later of the times specified in 
paragraphs (e)(1) and (e)(2) of this AD. Repeat the inspections 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,500 landings, until the 
requirements of paragraph (f) or (h) of this AD have been 
accomplished.
    (1) Prior to the accumulation of 10,000 total landings on the 
MLG piston.
    (2) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD.

Corrective Actions

    (f) For airplanes equipped with an MLG shock strut piston having 
P/N SR09320081-3 through -13 inclusive: If any cracking is detected 
during the inspections required by paragraph (e) of this AD, prior 
to further flight, replace any cracked MLG shock strut piston with a 
new or serviceable improved assembly, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80-
32A308, Revision 04, dated June 12, 2001. Such replacement 
terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (e) of 
this AD for the replaced shock strut piston only.
    (g) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80-32A308, Revision 
04, dated June 12, 2001, specifies to contact Boeing-Long Beach for 
disposition of certain repair conditions: Before further flight, 
repair per a method approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), FAA. For a repair method to be approved 
by the Manager, Los Angeles ACO, as required by

[[Page 21927]]

this paragraph, the Manager's approval letter must specifically 
refer to this AD.

Replacement of MLG Shock Strut Piston Assemblies

    (h) Replace the MLG shock strut piston assemblies, left- and 
right-hand sides, with new or serviceable improved assemblies, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service 
Bulletin MD80-32-309, Revision 01, dated April 25, 2001. Do this 
replacement at the applicable compliance time specified in paragraph 
(h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD. Such replacement terminates the 
repetitive inspections required by this AD. If the MLG shock strut 
piston is not serialized, or the number of landings on the piston 
cannot be conclusively determined, consider the total number of 
landings on the piston assembly to be equal to the total number of 
landings accumulated by the airplane with the highest total number 
of landings in the operator's fleet.
    (1) For airplanes listed in Boeing Service Bulletin MD80-32-309, 
Revision 01, dated April 25, 2001: Do the replacement before the 
accumulation of 30,000 total landings on the MLG shock strut piston 
assemblies, or within 5,000 landings after June 20, 2002 (the 
effective date of AD 2002-10-03, amendment 39-12749), whichever 
occurs later.
    (2) For airplanes other than those identified in paragraph 
(h)(1) of this AD: Do the replacement before the accumulation of 
30,000 total landings on the MLG shock strut piston assemblies, or 
within 5,000 landings after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs later.

    Note 1: Paragraph (a) of AD 2002-10-03, amendment 39-12749, 
requires the same actions as paragraph (h) of this AD.

Actions Accomplished Previously in Accordance With Other Service 
Information

    (i) Accomplishment of the replacement specified in Boeing 
Service Bulletin MD80-32-309, dated January 31, 2000, before June 
20, 2002, is considered acceptable for compliance with the 
requirement of paragraph (h) of this AD.

Parts Installation

    (j) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install 
an MLG shock strut piston having P/N 5935347-1 through -509 
inclusive, 5935347-511, 5935347-513, or SR09320081-3 through -13 
inclusive, on any airplane.

No Requirement To Submit Information

    (k) Although Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80-32A308, Revision 
04, dated June 12, 2001, specifies to submit certain inspection 
results to the manufacturer, this AD does not include such a 
requirement.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (l)(1) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Los Angeles 
ACO, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for 
this AD.
    (2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously per 
AD 99-13-07, amendment 39-11201, and AD 2002-10-03, amendment 39-
12749, are approved as alternative methods of compliance for the 
corresponding requirements of this AD.

Incorporation by Reference

    (m) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be 
done in accordance with the service bulletins listed in Table 1 of 
this AD.

          Table 1.--Service Bulletins Incorporated By Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Service bulletin            Revision level           Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin     Revision 04.......  June 12, 2001.
 MD80-32A308.
Boeing Service Bulletin MD80-32-  Revision 01.......  April 25, 2001.
 309.
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service   Original..........  March 5, 1998.
 Bulletin MD80-32A308.
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service   Revision 01.......  May 12, 1998.
 Bulletin MD80-32A308.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) The incorporation by reference of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin MD80-32A308, Revision 04, dated June 12, 2001, is approved 
by the Director of the Federal Register, in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) The incorporation by reference of Boeing Service Bulletin 
MD80-32-309, Revision 01, dated April 25, 2001, was approved 
previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of June 20, 
2002 (67 FR 34823, May 16, 2002).
    (3) The incorporation by reference of McDonnell Douglas Alert 
Service Bulletin MD80-32A308, dated March 5, 1998; and McDonnell 
Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD80-32A308, Revision 01, dated May 
12, 1998; was approved previously by the Director of the Federal 
Register as of July 28, 1999 (64 FR 33392, June 23, 1999).
    (4) To get copies of this service information, go to Boeing 
Commercial Aircraft Group, 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.

Effective Date

    (n) This amendment becomes effective on June 2, 2005.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 20, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-8404 Filed 4-27-05; 8:45 am]
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