84-21-03: Fitting Assembly (Rod End) Inspection

84-21-03 McDONNELL DOUGLAS: Amendment 39-4939. Applies to McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9, and C-9 (Military) series airplanes, certificated in all categories. Compliance required as indicated unless previously accomplished. To prevent jamming of the elevator controls by a detached forward rod end, accomplish the following: \n\n\tA.\tWithin the next 650 hours time in service or 90 calendar days, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD, visually inspect the fitting assembly (rod end) part number (P/N) 3938704-1 and pushrod P/N 3938705-501, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Alert Service Bulletin A27-266, dated March 12, 1984, hereinafter referred to as ASB27-266, or later FAA approved revisions. \n\n\tB.\tIf results of visual inspection are satisfactory, accomplish paragraph 4 of Part 2, Accomplishment Instructions, of ASB27-266. \n\n\tC.\tIf results of visual inspection are unsatisfactory, proceed in accordance with paragraph 5, Accomplishment Instructions of ASB27-266. \n\n\tNOTE: If rod end P/N SM4-6T3 (exclude DC-9-80 series) is required and not available, P/N SM4-6T may be substituted. The latter has only one grease fitting which must be oriented to allow access for scheduled lubrication. \n\n\tD.\tAlternative inspections, modifications, or other actions which provide an equivalent level of safety may be used when approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Northwest Mountain Region. \n\n\tAll persons affected by this directive who have not already received these documents from the manufacturer may obtain copies upon request to McDonnell Douglas Corporation, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Director, Publications and Training, C1-750 (54-60). These documents also may be examined at the FAA, Northwest Mountain Region, 17900 Pacific Highway South, Seattle, Washington, or the Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 4344 Donald Douglas Drive, Long Beach, California. \n\n\tThis amendment becomes effective November 26, 1984.