78-01-15 MCDONNELL DOUGLAS: Amendment 39-3118 as amended by Amendment 39-3198. Applies to Model DC-8 Series airplanes, certificated in all categories. \n\n\tCompliance required as indicated. \n\n\tTo prevent failure of the elevator geared tab crank arms and to provide a means of detecting jamming of the elevator surface, comply with the following: \n\n\t(a)\tWithin the next 12 months after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished, increase the elevator geared tab crank assembly clearance by modifying the elevator leading edge cutouts and covers, and modify and reidentify the elevator geared tab links, modify rod ends as required, and chamfer the horizontal stabilizer box fittings in accordance with McDonnell Douglas DC-8 Service Bulletin 27-262 dated July 15, 1977 or later FAA approved revisions. \n\n\tNOTE: Compliance with the following requirements of Service Bulletin 27-262 is optional: \n\n\t\t(i)\tThe installation of steel geared-tab links to replace the existing links. \n\n\t\t\t3802767-1 (new) for 4710541 \n\n\t\t\t3802768-1 (new) for 4710542 \n\n\t\t(ii)\tThe provision of additional clearance between the elevator hinge support fitting Part No. 3619433 and the elevator leading edge spar (view D-D, page 8 of DC-8 Service Bulletin 27-262). \n\n\t(b)\tWithin the next 18 months after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished, install an elevator position indicator system in accordance with McDonnell Douglas DC-8 Service Bulletin 27-254 dated March 5, 1975 or later FAA approved revision. \n\n\t(c)\tEquivalent modifications or operational procedures may be used when approved by the Chief, Aircraft Engineering Division, FAA Western Region. \n\n\t(d)\tSpecial flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR's 21.197 and 21.199 to authorize operation of an airplane to a base for the accomplishment of the modifications required by this AD. \n\n\t(e)\tAircraft which have been modified in accordance with Paragraph (b) may be operated with the elevatorposition indicator system inoperative provided: \n\n\t\t(i)\tPrior to each takeoff verify proper elevator operation by a ground observer, and by utilizing the elevator flight control check procedure of McDonnell Douglas DC-8 Alert Service Bulletin A27-264 dated May 14, 1977 or later FAA approved revision. \n\n\t\t(ii)\tThe aircraft is not dispatched from a station where repairs or replacements on the elevator position indicator system can be made. \n\n\t(f)\tWithin 30 days after the effective date of this AD as amended, unless already accomplished, and until Paragraph (b) of this AD is accomplished, either: \n\n\t\t(i)\tInstall the following placard in full view of both pilots \n\n\t\t\tPRIOR TO EACH TAKEOFF, PERFORM AN ELEVATOR CONTROL \n\t\t\tSYSTEM CHECK IN ACCORDANCE WITH DC-8 SERVICE \n\t\t\tBULLETIN A27-264. \n\n\t\t(ii)\tor, include an instruction in the DC-8 Operations Manual and a check list item which specifies those control checks identified in SB A27-264. \n\n\tAmendment 39-3118 became effectiveFebruary 13, 1978. \n\n\tThis Amendment 39-3198 becomes effective June 1, 1978.