2009-13-08: Stabilizers

2009-13-08 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-15947. Docket No. FAA- 2009-0160; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-176-AD. \n\nEffective Date \n\n\t(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 3, 2009. \n\nAffected ADs \n\n\t(b) None. \n\nApplicability \n\n\t(c) This AD applies to all McDonnell Douglas Model MD-90-30 airplanes, certificated in any category. \n\nSubject \n\n\t(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 55: Stabilizers. \n\nUnsafe Condition \n\n\t(e) This AD results from a report of cracks found in the right upper aft skin panel of the horizontal stabilizer at the aft inboard corner. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the fail-safe structure that may not be able to sustain limit load, which could result in the loss of overall structural integrity of the horizontal stabilizer. \n\nCompliance \n\n\t(f) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. \n\nInspections \n\n\t(g) Except as required by paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: At the times specified in paragraph 1.E., "Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD90-55A012, dated September 23, 2008, do an eddy current inspection for cracks of the upper aft skin panels on the left and right sides of the horizontal stabilizer, and do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. \n\nExceptions to Service Bulletin Specifications \n\n\t(h) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD90-55A012, dated September 23, 2008, specifies a compliance time after the date on the service bulletin, this AD requires compliance within the specified compliance time after the effective date of this AD. \n\t(i) If any crack is found during any inspection required by this AD, and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD90-55A012, dated September 23, 2008, specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate action: Before further flight, repair using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (k) of this AD. \n\nInspections Done According to Multiple Operator Message \n\n\t(j) Inspections and corrective actions done before the effective date of this AD are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding requirements of this AD, if done in accordance with Boeing Multiple Operator Message 1-669017091-1, dated November 9, 2007. \n\nAlternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\t(k)(1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, ATTN: Roger Durbin, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM- 120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137; telephone (562) 627- 5233; fax (562) 627-5210; has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. \n\t(2) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane towhich the AMOC applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a principal inspector, your local FSDO. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. \n\t(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair required by this AD, if it is approved by an Authorized Representative for the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Delegation Option Authorization Organization who has been authorized by the Manager, Los Angeles ACO, to make those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis of the airplane and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. \n\nMaterial Incorporated by Reference \n\n\t(l) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD90-55A012, dated September 23, 2008, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. \n\t(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. \n\t(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, MC D800-0019, Long Beach, California 90846- 0001; telephone 206-544-5000, extension 2; fax 206-766-5683; e-mail [email protected]; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. \n\t(3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221 or 425-227-1152. \n\t(4) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http:// www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ ibr_locations.html.