91-10-11 McDONNELL DOUGLAS: Amendment 39-6996. Docket No. 90-NM-288-AD. Supersedes AD 90-20-09. \n\n\tApplicability: Model DC-9-80 (MD-80) series airplanes and Model MD-88 airplanes, serial numbers as listed in McDonnell Douglas MD-80 Service Bulletin A27-313, dated August 3, 1990, certificated in any category. \n\n\tCompliance: Required as indicated, unless previously accomplished. To prevent degradation of airplane flight handling qualities, accomplish the following: \n\n\tA.\tWithin 14 days after October 5, 1990 (the effective date of Amendment 39-6746, AD 90-20-09), and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 60 days, inspect the four bolts of the flight controls which attach the elevator variable load feel torque tube to the elevator variable load feel mechanism for loose or missing bolts and nuts, in accordance with Phase 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin A27-313, dated August 3, 1990. \n\n\tB.\tAny discrepancies found during the inspections required by paragraph A. of this AD must be corrected prior to further flight, in accordance with Phase 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin A27-313, dated August 3, 1990. \n\n\tC.\tWithin 6 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the flight controls elevator variable load feel torque tube attachment to the elevator variable load feel mechanism by replacing the three self-locking bolts/nuts and one non-locking bolt with three castellated nut/bolts and one bolt with a drilled head for safety wire, in accordance with Phase 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin A27-313, dated August 3, 1990. Such installation constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by paragraph A. of this AD. \n\n\tD.\tAn alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time, which provides an acceptable level of safety, may be used when approved by the Manager, Los AngelesAircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. \n\n\tNOTE: The request should be forwarded through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then send it to the Manager, Los Angeles ACO. \n\n\tE.\tSpecial flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate airplanes to a base in order to comply with the requirements of this AD. \n\n\tAll persons affected by this directive who have not already received the appropriate service documents from the manufacturer may obtain copies upon request to Douglas Aircraft Company, P.O. Box 1771, Long Beach, California 90801, ATTN: Business Unit Manager, Technical Services, Mail Code 73-30. These documents may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue S.W., Renton, Washington; or the Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3229 East Spring Street, Long Beach, California. \n\n\tThis amendment supersedes Amendment 39-6746, AD 90-20-09.This amendment (39-6996, AD 91-10-11) becomes effective on June 18, 1991.