97-22-05: Emergency Internal Release System Of Tailcone

97-22-05 MCDONNELL DOUGLAS: Amendment 39-10176. Docket 96-NM-95-AD. \n\n\tApplicability: Model DC-9-10, -20, -30, -40, and -50 series airplanes and C-9 (military) series airplanes; as listed in McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Service Bulletin 53-257, Revision 1, dated February 9, 1996, and McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Service Bulletin 25-331, dated December 10, 1993; operating in a passenger or passenger/cargo configuration; certificated in any category. \n\n\tNOTE 1: The requirements of this AD become applicable at the time an airplane operating in an all-cargo configuration is converted to a passenger or passenger/cargo configuration. \n\n\tNOTE 2: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise 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 request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it. \n\n\tCompliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. \n\n\tTo ensure that the emergency internal release system of the tailcone performs its intended function in the event of an emergency evacuation, accomplish the following: \n\n\t(a)\tFor airplanes listed in McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Service Bulletin 53-257, Revision 1, dated February 9, 1996: Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the emergency internal release system of the tailcone in accordance with the service bulletin. \n\n\t(b)\tFor airplanes listed in McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Service Bulletin 25-331, dated December 10, 1993: Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the accessory compartment in accordance with the service bulletin. \n\n\t(c)\tAn 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. \n\n\tNOTE 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Los Angeles ACO. \n\n\t(d)\tSpecial 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. \n\n\t(e)\tThe actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Service Bulletin 53-257, Revision 1, dated February 9, 1996, and McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Service Bulletin 25-331, dated December 10, 1993. This incorporation by reference was 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. \n\n\t(f)\tThis amendment becomes effective on December 2, 1997.