[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 113 (Tuesday, June 14, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 34411-34416]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-11710]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NM-105-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-20, DC-9-
30, DC-9-40, and DC-9-50 Series Airplanes; Model DC-9-14, DC-9-15, and 
DC-9-15F Airplanes; Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 
(MD-83), and DC-9-87 (MD-87) Airplanes; Model MD-88 Airplanes; and 
Model MD-90-30 Airplanes

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

ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking; reopening of 
comment period.

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SUMMARY: This document revises an earlier proposed airworthiness 
directive (AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas transport 
category airplanes, that would have required an inspection

[[Page 34412]]

of the upper lock link assembly of the nose landing gear (NLG) to 
determine the manufacturer, repetitive eddy current inspections for 
cracking, and modification or replacement if necessary. That proposal 
also would have provided for optional terminating action for the 
repetitive inspections. This new action revises the proposed rule by 
adding new airplanes to the applicability and adding related concurrent 
actions. The actions specified by this new proposed AD are intended to 
prevent fracture of the upper lock link assembly of the NLG, which 
could result in failure of the NLG to extend following a gear-down 
selection, and consequent gear-up landing, structural damage, and 
possible injury to passengers and crew. This action is intended to 
address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by July 11, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NM-105-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232. 
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 
[email protected]. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must 
contain ``Docket No. 2002-NM-105-AD'' in the subject line and need not 
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached 
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 or 2000 or 
ASCII text.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule 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 FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as 
they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number 
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this action may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Submit comments using the following format:
     Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a 
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the 
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
     For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed 
AD is being requested.
     Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each 
request.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All 
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing 
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested 
persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2002-NM-105-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped 
and returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 2002-NM-105-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR part 39) to add an airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to 
certain McDonnell Douglas transport category airplanes, was published 
as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register on 
August 27, 2003 (68 FR 51518). That NPRM would have required an 
inspection of the upper lock link assembly of the nose landing gear 
(NLG) to determine the manufacturer, repetitive eddy current 
inspections for cracking, and modification or replacement if necessary. 
That NPRM also would have provided for optional terminating action for 
the repetitive inspections. That NPRM was prompted by a report 
indicating that the flightcrew was unable to extend the nose landing 
gear (NLG) during landing due to a fractured upper lock link assembly 
of the NLG. That condition, if not corrected, could result in failure 
of the NLG to extend following a gear-down selection, and consequent 
gear-up landing, structural damage, and possible injury to passengers 
and crew.

Related AD

    On February 11, 2002, we issued AD 2002-04-01, amendment 39-12658 
(67 FR 7949, February 21, 2002), which is applicable to certain 
McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9, DC-9-80, and C-9 series airplanes; Model 
MD-88 airplanes; and Model MD-90 airplanes. Since the issuance of that 
AD, we have redesignated the applicability of certain airplanes to 
reflect the model designations as published in the most recent type 
certificate data sheets. That AD requires a visual check to determine 
the part and serial numbers of the upper lock link assembly of the NLG; 
repetitive inspections of certain upper lock link assemblies to detect 
fatigue cracking; and modification of the NLG. That AD also provides 
for terminating action for the repetitive inspections. McDonnell 
Douglas Service Bulletin DC9-32-315, dated March 11, 1999; Boeing 
Service Bulletin DC9-32-315, Revision 01, dated October 24, 2000; 
McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD90-32-033, dated March 11, 1999; 
and Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-32-033, Revision 01, dated October 24, 
2000; are referenced as appropriate sources of service information for 
accomplishing certain required actions.

Comments

    Due consideration has been given to the comments received in 
response to the original NPRM.

Support for Original NPRM

    Two commenters generally agree with the original NPRM.

Request to Reference Revision 01 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC9-
32A340

    Several commenters state that Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC9-
32A340, Revision 01, dated April 29, 2003, has been issued. One 
commenter requests that Revision 01 of the service bulletin

[[Page 34413]]

be referenced instead of the original issue of the service bulletin, 
dated November 14, 2001. Another commenter requests that doing the 
proposed actions in accordance with Revision 01 of the service bulletin 
be considered an alternative method of compliance.
    We agree with the commenters' request to reference Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin DC9-32A340, Revision 01, dated April 29, 2003, as the 
appropriate source of service information for doing certain actions 
specified in the supplemental NPRM. The procedures in Revision 01 of 
the service bulletin are essentially the same as those in the original 
issue of the service bulletin. However, this supplemental NPRM has been 
changed from the original NPRM because of the following reasons:
     Revision 01 adds two airplanes to the applicability. We 
have revised the applicability statement of this supplemental NPRM to 
refer to Revision 01. We have also revised the Cost Impact section of 
the supplemental NPRM accordingly.
     We have added text to paragraph (a) of the supplemental 
NPRM to clarify that although the Accomplishment Instructions of the 
referenced service bulletins describe procedures for submitting certain 
information to the manufacturer, this supplemental NPRM would not 
require those actions. We do not need this information from operators.
     The original issue of the service bulletin refers to a 
``modification.'' However, for the same actions, Revision 01 of the 
service bulletin refers to ``refinishing'' an uncracked upper lock link 
assembly, related investigative actions, and corrective action if 
necessary. The related investigative actions include doing high 
frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections for cracking of the upper 
lock link assembly, measuring link height for a 1.045-inches minimum, 
and doing a fluorescent dye penetrant inspection of the upper lock link 
assembly for cracking. The corrective action consists of replacing the 
upper lock link assembly with a serviceable upper lock link assembly. 
We have changed the language accordingly in paragraph (e) of the 
supplemental NPRM (specified as paragraph (d) of the original NPRM).
     Revision 01 of the service bulletin specifies that Boeing 
Service Bulletin MD90-32-033 is a concurrent requirement. McDonnell 
Douglas Service Bulletin MD90-32-033, dated March 11, 1999; and Boeing 
Service Bulletin MD90-32-033, Revision 01, dated October 34, 2000; are 
referenced as appropriate sources of service information for 
accomplishing the actions required by AD 2002-04-01 for McDonnell 
Douglas MD-90 airplanes. We have added these concurrent requirements to 
paragraph (f) of the supplemental NPRM.
     We have added a new paragraph (g) to the supplemental NPRM 
to state that actions accomplished according to the original issue of 
the service bulletin are acceptable for compliance with certain 
proposed requirements of this supplemental NPRM.
     We have added a new paragraph (h) to the supplemental NPRM 
to specify that certain parts must not be installed as of the effective 
date of this AD.

Request To Include Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-32A054

    One commenter states that Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-32A054, 
Revision 01, dated April 29, 2003 (for Model MD-90-30 airplanes), was 
not included in the original NPRM. The commenter states the service 
bulletin covers the same topic as Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC9-
32A340, dated November 14, 2001 (which was cited as an appropriate 
source of service information for the actions proposed in the original 
NPRM for certain other models), and believes service bulletin MD90-
32A054 may have been overlooked or may be part of future rulemaking.
    We concur that Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD90-32A054, Revision 
01, dated April 29, 2003 (for Model MD-90-30 airplanes), addresses the 
same identified unsafe condition addressed by Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin DC9-32A340, Revision 01, dated April 29, 2003 (for Model DC-9-
20, DC-9-30, DC-9-40, and DC-9-50 series airplanes; Model DC-9-14, DC-
9-15, and DC-9-15F airplanes; Model 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); which is cited as an appropriate source of service 
information for doing certain actions proposed by the supplemental NPRM 
for the applicable models. We have included Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin MD90-32A054, Revision 01, dated April 29, 2003, in the 
supplemental NPRM as an appropriate source of service information for 
doing certain actions proposed by the supplemental NPRM for Model MD-
90-30 airplanes.
    We have also added Model MD-90-30 airplanes to the applicability of 
the supplemental NPRM, and we have revised the Cost Impact section of 
the supplemental NPRM accordingly. There are approximately 115 Model 
MD-90-30 airplanes in the worldwide fleet and 22 Model MD-90-30 
airplanes of U.S. registry that would be affected by the actions in 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD90-32A054.

Request To Change Applicability

    Two commenters request that the applicability in the original NPRM 
be changed from Model ``DC-10-40'' and ``DC-10-50'' to ``DC-9-40'' and 
DC-9-50.'' The commenters contend these are typographical errors.
    We agree with the commenters that there are two typographical 
errors in the original NPRM. While the applicability statement of the 
original NPRM is correct, the preamble should have listed Models DC-9-
40 and DC-9-50 instead of Models DC-10-40 and DC-10-50. We have 
corrected the models specified in the preamble of the supplemental NPRM 
accordingly.

Request To Remove Reference to an ``F'' Suffix

    Several commenters request that the reference to an ``F'' suffix in 
paragraph (a) of the original NPRM be removed. The commenters state 
that parts identified with an ``F'' suffix are not manufactured by 
Ready Machine and Manufacturing Company. Two commenters point out that 
the Note in section 3.B.2. of Boeing Service Bulletin DC9-32A340, dated 
November 14, 2001, states that ``upper lock link assemblies 
manufactured by Ready Machine and Manufacturing Company can be 
identified by the letter ``RM'' adjacent to the serial numbers'' and 
that the ``inspection also applies to existing parts identified with an 
``F'' suffix per Service Bulletin DC9-32-315,'' which one commenter 
notes is already required by AD 2002-04-01.
    We agree with the commenters and have removed the reference to 
``F'' suffix from paragraph (b) of the supplemental NPRM (specified as 
paragraph (a) in the original NPRM). Only parts identified by the 
letters ``RM'' adjacent to the serial numbers are manufactured by Ready 
Machine and Manufacturing Company.

Request To Revise Wording in Paragraphs (b)(2) and (c)(2)

    One commenter requests that the wording be revised in paragraphs 
(b)(2) and (c)(2) of the original NPRM by removing the phrase ``modify 
or.''
    We agree with the commenter's request. If cracking is found, the 
upper lock link assembly cannot be modified, only replaced with a new 
or serviceable upper lock link assembly. We have consolidated the 
proposed requirements of paragraphs (b)(2) and (c)(2) of the original 
NPRM into paragraph (d) of the supplemental NPRM and revised

[[Page 34414]]

paragraph (d) of the supplemental NPRM accordingly.

Request To Allow Records Review

    One commenter requests that a records review be allowed as an 
alternative to the visual inspection specified in paragraph (a) of the 
original NPRM. The commenter states that it tracks the upper lock link 
assembly by part number and serial number and would be able to 
determine if the part was manufactured by Ready Machine and 
Manufacturing Company.
    We agree with the commenter that instead of the inspection 
specified in paragraph (b) of the supplemental NPRM (specified as 
paragraph (a) of the original NPRM), a review of airplane maintenance 
records is acceptable if the manufacturer of the upper lock link 
assembly can be positively determined from that review. We have revised 
paragraph (b) of the supplemental NPRM accordingly.

Request for Reason for Visual Inspection

    One commenter requests that a reason be provided as to why the 
visual inspection, which has a compliance time of within 2,500 flight 
cycles, was included in the original NPRM. The commenter states that 
the service bulletin indicates that the HFEC inspection should be done 
within 2,500 flight cycles for Ready Machine and Manufacturing Company 
parts and within 3,500 flight cycles for parts that are not Ready 
Machine and Manufacturing Company parts. Therefore, the commenter 
states if it is known through a serial number data system that parts 
are not Ready Machine and Manufacturing Company parts, then the HFEC 
should be done within 3,500 flight cycles instead of within 2,500 
flight cycles as required by the original NPRM.
    We agree that clarification is needed. We added the inspection 
specified in paragraph (b) of the supplemental NPRM (specified as 
paragraph (a) of the original NPRM) in order to ensure the HFEC 
inspections specified in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of the 
supplemental NPRM (specified as paragraphs (b) and (c) in the original 
NPRM) are done at the appropriate time. The service bulletin specifies 
different compliance times for the HFEC inspections based on the type 
of part. In order to address the identified unsafe condition at the 
appropriate time, it is necessary to first determine the type of part. 
As stated in the response to a previous comment, we have also added a 
records review as an option to doing the general visual inspection 
specified in paragraph (b) of the supplemental NPRM.

Request To Extend Compliance Time

    One commenter requests that the compliance time of the initial 
visual inspection and the HFEC inspection specified in paragraphs (a) 
and (b) of the original NPRM be extended from 2,500 flight cycles to 
5,000 flight cycles. The commenter states that the new compliance time 
would align with the compliance time in AD 2002-04-01. The commenter 
notes that its request is based on no findings of a cracked upper lock 
link after inspections of 76 link assemblies.
    We do not agree to extend the compliance times specified in 
paragraphs (b) and (b)(1) of the supplemental NPRM (specified as 
paragraphs (a) and (b) in the original NPRM). In developing an 
appropriate compliance time, we considered the urgency associated with 
the subject unsafe condition, the manufacturer's recommendation of 
inspecting Ready Machine and Manufacturing Company parts within 2,500 
flight cycles, the availability of required parts, and the practical 
aspect of accomplishing the required inspections within a period of 
time that corresponds to the normal scheduled maintenance for most 
affected operators. In addition, the commenter did not provide 
sufficient data to substantiate that extending the compliance time 
would provide an acceptable level of safety. However, according to the 
provisions of paragraph (h) of the supplemental NPRM, we may approve 
requests to adjust the compliance time if the request includes data 
that prove that the new compliance time would provide an acceptable 
level of safety. No change to the supplemental NPRM is necessary in 
this regard.

Conclusion

    Since certain changes expand the scope of the originally proposed 
rule, the FAA has determined that it is necessary to reopen the comment 
period to provide additional opportunity for public comment.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 2,021 airplanes of the affected design in 
the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 1,212 airplanes of U.S. 
registry would be affected by this proposed AD.
    It would take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish 
the proposed general visual inspection, at an average labor rate of $65 
per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed 
general visual inspection on U.S. operators is estimated to be $78,780, 
or $65 per airplane.
    It would take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish 
the proposed HFEC inspection, at an average labor rate of $65 per work 
hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed HFEC 
inspection on U.S. operators is estimated to be $78,780, or $65 per 
airplane, per inspection cycle.
    It would take approximately 8 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the proposed replacement, if done, at an average labor rate of $65 per 
work hour. Required parts would cost approximately $6,346 for a new 
part. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed 
replacement on U.S. operators is estimated to be $6,866 per airplane.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    The FAA's authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is 
found in Title 49 of the United States Code. 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.
    This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``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 proposed herein would 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 proposal would not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under 
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 
and (3) if promulgated, will not have a significant economic impact, 
positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under 
the criteria of the Regulatory

[[Page 34415]]

Flexibility Act. A copy of the draft regulatory evaluation prepared for 
this action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be 
obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under 
the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    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]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

McDonnell Douglas: Docket 2002-NM-105-AD.

    Applicability: This AD applies to airplanes, certificated in any 
category, as identified in Table 1 of this AD.

                                             Table 1.--Applicability
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Model--                                             As Identified in--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DC-9-14, DC-9-15, DC-9-15F, DC-9-21, DC-9-31, DC-9-32, DC-9-32   Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC9-32A340,
 (VC-9C), DC-9-32F, DC-9-33F, DC-9-34, DC-9-34F, DC-9-32F (C-     Revision 01, dated April 29, 2003.
 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 MD-88
 airplanes.
MD-90-30 airplanes.............................................  Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD90-32A054,
                                                                  Revision 01, dated April 29, 2003.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent fracture of the upper lock link assembly of the nose 
landing gear (NLG), which could result in failure of the NLG to 
extend following a gear-down selection, and consequent gear-up 
landing, structural damage, and possible injury to passengers and 
crew; accomplish the following:

Service Bulletin References

    (a) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin specified in 
paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, as applicable. Although the 
service bulletins referenced in this AD specify to submit 
information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include such a 
requirement.
    (1) For 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 MD-88 
airplanes: Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC9-32A340, Revision 01, 
excluding Appendix A, dated April 29, 2003; and
    (2) For Model MD-90-30 airplanes: Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
MD90-32A054, Revision 01, excluding Appendix A, dated April 29, 
2003.

Inspections

    (b) Within 2,500 flight cycles after the effective date of this 
AD: Do a general visual inspection to determine if the upper lock 
link assembly of the NLG was manufactured by Ready Machine and 
Manufacturing Company (this can be identified by the letters ``RM'' 
adjacent to the serial number), in accordance with the service 
bulletin. Instead of the inspection, a review of airplane 
maintenance records is acceptable if the manufacturer of the upper 
lock link assembly can be positively determined from that review.

    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 normal available lighting 
conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight or drop-
light 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) If the upper lock link assembly of the NLG was manufactured 
by Ready Machine and Manufacturing Company: Within 2,500 flight 
cycles after the effective date of this AD, do a high frequency eddy 
current (HFEC) inspection of the assembly for cracking, in 
accordance with Condition 1 of the service bulletin.
    (2) If the upper lock link assembly was not manufactured by 
Ready Machine and Manufacturing Company: Within 3,500 flight cycles 
after the effective date of this AD, do a HFEC inspection of the 
assembly for cracking, in accordance with Condition 2 of the service 
bulletin.

No Cracking Found

    (c) If no cracking is found during any HFEC inspection required 
by paragraph (b) of this AD, repeat the HFEC inspection specified in 
paragraph (b) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 4,000 flight 
cycles until accomplishment of either paragraph (e)(1) or (e)(2) of 
this AD.

Cracking Found

    (d) If any cracking is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (b) or (c) of this AD, before further flight, do the 
replacement of the upper lock link assembly specified in either 
paragraph (e)(1) or (e)(2) of this AD. Accomplishment of this action 
constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this AD.

Optional Terminating Action

    (e) Doing the actions specified in either paragraph (e)(1) or 
(e)(2) of this AD constitutes terminating action for the 
requirements of this AD.
    (1) Replace the upper lock link assembly of the NLG with an 
upper lock link assembly modified in accordance with the service 
bulletin. The modification includes refinishing an uncracked upper 
lock link assembly, and doing related investigative and corrective 
actions, in accordance with the service bulletin.
    (2) Replace the cracked upper lock link assembly of the NLG with 
a new or serviceable upper lock link assembly in accordance with the 
service bulletin.

Prior or Concurrent Actions Required to Be Done With Paragraph (b) of 
This AD

    (f) Before or concurrent with the actions required by paragraph 
(b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD, as applicable, do the actions specified 
in Table 2 of this AD.


[[Page 34416]]



                                      Table 2.--Prior or Concurrent Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Do These Actions--                  Required by--                       In Accordance with--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace the lock link with a new   AD 2002-04-01, amendment 39-    McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC9-32-
 upper lock link, a reidentified    12658.                          315, dated March 11, 1999, or Boeing Service
 upper lock link, or a new upper                                    Bulletin DC9-32-315, Revision 01, dated
 lock link assembly, and do any                                     October 24, 2000; or McDonnell Douglas
 applicable inspections.                                            Service Bulletin MD90-32-033, dated March
                                                                    11, 1999, or Boeing Service MD90-32-033,
                                                                    Revision 01, dated October 24, 2000; as
                                                                    applicable.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Actions Accomplished In Accordance with Previous Issues of Service 
Bulletins

    (g) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC9-32A340; and Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin MD90-32A054; both excluding Appendix A, both 
dated November 14, 2001; are considered acceptable for compliance 
with the corresponding actions specified in this AD.

Parts Installation

    (h) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, 
on any airplane, any part specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) 
of this AD, unless it has been modified according to the service 
bulletin.
    (1) Any upper lock link assembly, part number 5965065-1, 
5965065-501, 5965065-503, or 5965065-507.
    (2) Any upper lock link, part number 3914464-1, 3914464-501, 
3914464-503, or 3914464-507.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (i) 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.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 27, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-11710 Filed 6-13-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P