96-844. Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9 and Model DC-9-80 Series Airplanes; Model MD-88 Airplanes; and C-9 (Military) Series Airplanes  

  • [Federal Register Volume 61, Number 37 (Friday, February 23, 1996)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 6922-6924]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 96-844]
    
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    14 CFR Part 39
    
    [Docket No. 95-NM-20-AD; Amendment 39-9493; AD 96-02-05]
    
    
    Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9 and Model 
    DC-9-80 Series Airplanes; Model MD-88 Airplanes; and C-9 (Military) 
    Series Airplanes
    
    AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, 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 and Model DC-
    9-80 series airplanes; Model MD-88 airplanes; and C-9 (military) series 
    
    
    [[Page 6923]]
    airplanes, that currently requires visual and eddy current inspections 
    to detect cracking of the rudder pedals adjuster hub assembly, and 
    replacement of the assembly, if necessary. That amendment was prompted 
    by several occurrences of failure of the rudder pedals adjuster hub 
    assembly due to broken detent lugs. This amendment provides an optional 
    terminating action for the required inspections, and expands the 
    applicability of the existing AD to include additional airplanes. The 
    actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent loss of rudder 
    pedals control and reduction of braking capability.
    
    DATES: Effective March 25, 1996.
        The incorporation by reference of certain publications, as listed 
    in the regulations, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register 
    as of March 25, 1996.
        The incorporation by reference of McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Alert 
    Service Bulletin A27-325, Revision 1, dated February 3, 1992, as listed 
    in the regulations, was approved previously by the Director of the 
    Federal Register as of January 22, 1993 (57 FR 60116, December 18, 
    1992).
    
    ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
    obtained from McDonnell Douglas Corporation, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, 
    Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Technical Publications 
    Business Administration, Department C1-L51 (2-60). 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, 
    Transport Airplane Directorate, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, 
    California; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol 
    Street NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Augusto Coo, Aerospace Engineer, 
    Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Los 
    Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, 
    Lakewood, California 90712; telephone (310) 627-5225; fax (310) 627-
    5210.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
    Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 92-27-07, 
    amendment 39-8441 (57 FR 60116, December 18, 1992), which is applicable 
    to certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9 and Model DC-9-80 series 
    airplanes; Model MD-88 airplanes; and C-9 (military) series airplanes, 
    was published in the Federal Register on April 6, 1995 (60 FR 17489). 
    The action proposed to continue to require visual and eddy current 
    inspections to detect cracking of the rudder pedals adjuster hub 
    assembly, and replacement of the assembly, if necessary. The action 
    also proposed to expand the applicability of the existing AD to include 
    additional airplanes.
        Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
    in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
    the comments received.
        Two commenters support the proposed rule.
        Two other commenters also support the proposed rule, but request 
    that the FAA allow the replacement of the magnesium casting rudder 
    pedal adjuster hub assembly with an aluminum assembly, as described in 
    McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Service Bulletin 27-325, as terminating action 
    for the requirements of this AD.
        The FAA concurs. The FAA has reviewed and approved McDonnell 
    Douglas DC-9 Service Bulletin 27-325, Revision 1, dated November 30, 
    1994, which describes procedures for replacement of the rudder pedal 
    adjustment hub assembly in the rudder pedal mechanism. The FAA has 
    determined that replacement of the existing magnesium casting with a 
    new aluminum part, as specified in the service bulletin, provides 
    optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by 
    this AD. Accordingly, the FAA has revised the final rule to add a new 
    paragraph (c) to specify this optional terminating action.
        McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin number ``A27-325,'' 
    Revision 1, was inadvertently omitted in paragraph (a) of the proposed 
    rule and a typographical error in the date of that alert service 
    bulletin also appeared in paragraph (a) of the proposed rule. 
    Additionally, McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Alert Service Bulletin number 
    ``A27-325,'' Revision 2, dated January 27, 1995, was inadvertently 
    omitted in paragraph (b) of the proposed rule. The FAA has revised the 
    final rule to correct these typographical errors.
        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.
        There are approximately 909 Model DC-9 and Model DC-9-80 series 
    airplanes; Model MD-88 airplanes; and C-9 (military) series airplanes 
    of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 
    561 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it 
    would take approximately 3 work hours per airplane to accomplish the 
    required actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. 
    Based on these figures the cost impact of this AD on U.S. operators is 
    estimated to be $180 per airplane.
        The actions specified in this AD previously were required by AD 92-
    27-07, which was applicable to approximately 373 airplanes. Based on 
    the figures discussed above, the cost impact of the current 
    requirements of that AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $67,140. 
    In consideration of the compliance time and effective date of AD 92-27-
    07, the FAA assumes that operators of the 373 airplanes subject to that 
    AD have already initiated the required actions. This AD action adds no 
    new costs associated with those airplanes.
        This AD action is applicable to approximately 188 additional 
    airplanes. Based on the figures discussed above, the new costs to U.S. 
    operators that are imposed by this AD are estimated to be $33,840. This 
    figure is based on assumptions that no operator of these additional 
    airplanes 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 regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
    effects 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, in 
    accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
    rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
    preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
        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.
    
    [[Page 6924]]
    
    
    List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
    
        Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
    reference, Safety.
    
    Adoption of the Amendment
    
        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
    
        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 removing amendment 39-8441 (57 FR 
    60116, December 18, 1992), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
    (AD), amendment 39-9493, to read as follows:
    
    96-02-05 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-9493. Docket 95-NM-20-AD. 
    Supersedes AD 92-27-07, Amendment 39-8441.
    
        Applicability: Model DC-9-10, -20, -30, -40, and -50 series 
    airplanes; Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), -82 (MD-82) -83 (MD-83), and -87 
    (MD-87) series airplanes; Model MD-88 airplanes; and Model C-9 
    (military) series airplanes; as listed in McDonnell Douglas DC-9 
    Alert Service Bulletin A27-325, Revision 2, dated January 27, 1995; 
    certificated in any category.
    
        Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
    preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
    modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
    requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
    altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
    this AD is affected, the owner/operator must use the authority 
    provided in paragraph (d) of this AD to request approval from the 
    FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current 
    configuration eliminates the unsafe condition; or different actions 
    necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such 
    a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed 
    configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no 
    case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair 
    remove any airplane from the applicability of this AD.
    
        Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
    previously. To prevent loss of rudder pedals control and reduction 
    of braking capability, accomplish the following:
        (a) For airplanes listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
    Bulletin A27-325, Revision 1, dated February 3, 1992: Prior to the 
    accumulation of 15,000 landings or within 270 days after January 22, 
    1993 (the effective date of AD 92-27-07, amendment 39-8441), 
    whichever occurs later, conduct a visual and eddy current inspection 
    to detect cracks of the rudder pedals adjuster hub assembly, part 
    number 4616066, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Alert 
    Service Bulletin A27-325, Revision 1, dated February 3, 1992, or 
    Revision 2, dated January 27, 1995.
        (1) If no cracks are detected as a result of the inspections 
    required by this paragraph, repeat the inspections at intervals not 
    to exceed 3,500 landings.
        (2) If cracks are detected as a result of the inspections 
    required by this paragraph, prior to further flight, replace the 
    rudder pedals adjuster hub assembly, part number 4616066, with a new 
    assembly having the same part number, in accordance with McDonnell 
    Douglas DC-9 Alert Service Bulletin A27-325, Revision 2, dated 
    January 27, 1995. Thereafter, conduct visual and eddy current 
    inspections of the replacement rudder pedals adjuster hub assembly 
    in accordance with this paragraph.
        (b) For airplanes listed in McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Alert Service 
    Bulletin A27-325, Revision 2, dated January 27, 1995, and not 
    subject to paragraph (a) of this AD: Prior to the accumulation of 
    15,000 landings or within 270 days after the effective date of this 
    AD, whichever occurs later, conduct a visual and eddy current 
    inspection to detect cracks of the rudder pedals adjuster hub 
    assembly, part number 4616066, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas 
    DC-9 Alert Service Bulletin A27-325, Revision 1, dated February 3, 
    1992, or Revision 2, dated January 27, 1995.
        (1) If no cracks are detected as a result of the inspections 
    required by this paragraph, repeat the inspections at intervals not 
    to exceed 3,500 landings.
        (2) If cracks are detected as a result of the inspections 
    required by this paragraph, prior to further flight, replace the 
    rudder pedals adjuster hub assembly, part number 4616066, with a new 
    assembly having the same part number, in accordance with McDonnell 
    Douglas DC-9 Alert Service Bulletin A27-325, Revision 2, dated 
    January 27, 1995. Thereafter, conduct visual and eddy current 
    inspections of the replacement rudder pedals adjuster hub assembly 
    in accordance with this paragraph.
        (c) Installation of the aluminum rudder pedal adjustment hub 
    assembly in the rudder pedal mechanism between stations X=69 and 
    X=120.000 in the flight compartment, in accordance with McDonnell 
    Douglas DC-9 Service Bulletin 27-325, Revision 1, dated November 30, 
    1994, constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this 
    AD.
        (d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
    compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
    used if approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
    Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall 
    submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal 
    Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
    Manager, Los Angeles ACO.
    
        Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
    alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
    obtained from the Los Angeles ACO. Alternative methods of compliance 
    previously granted for AD 92-27-07, Amendment 39-8441, continue to 
    be considered as acceptable alternative methods of compliance with 
    this amendment.
    
        (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
    sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
    CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
    the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
        (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell 
    Douglas DC-9 Alert Service Bulletin A27-325, Revision 2, dated 
    January 27, 1995; McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Service Bulletin 27-325, 
    Revision 1, dated November 30, 1994; and McDonnell Douglas DC-9 
    Alert Service Bulletin A27-325, Revision 1, dated February 3, 1992. 
    Revision 2 of McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Alert Service Bulletin A27-325 
    contains the following list of effective pages:
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Revision                            
                                          level                             
                 Page No.               shown on      Date shown on page    
                                          page                              
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1-22..............................         2  Jan. 27, 1995.            
    23-30.............................         1  Feb. 3, 1992.             
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        Revision 1 of McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Service Bulletin 27-325 
    contains the following list of effective pages:
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      Revision level                        
               Page No.               shown on page      Date shown on page 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1-22..........................  1................  Nov. 30, 1994.       
    23-28.........................  Original.........  Sept. 13, 1993.      
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        The incorporation by reference of McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Alert 
    Service Bulletin A27-325, Revision 1, dated February 3, 1992, was 
    approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register in 
    accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51 as of January 22, 
    1993 (57 FR 60116, December 18, 1992). The incorporation by 
    reference of the remainder of service documents is approved by the 
    Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) 
    and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from McDonnell Douglas 
    Corporation, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, 
    Attention: Technical Publications Business Administration, 
    Department C1-L51 (2-60). Copies may be inspected at the FAA, 
    Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
    Washington; or at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Los 
    Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, 
    Lakewood, California; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 
    North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
        (g) This amendment becomes effective on March 25, 1996.
    
        Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 17, 1996.
    Darrell M. Pederson,
    Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
    Service.
    [FR Doc. 96-844 Filed 2-22-96; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
3/25/1996
Published:
02/23/1996
Department:
Transportation Department
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
96-844
Dates:
Effective March 25, 1996.
Pages:
6922-6924 (3 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 95-NM-20-AD, Amendment 39-9493, AD 96-02-05
PDF File:
96-844.pdf
CFR: (1)
14 CFR 39.13