89-14-02 McDONNELL DOUGLAS: Amendment 39-6245. \n\n\tApplicability: Model DC-8, DC-9 and C-9 (Military) series airplanes, including Model DC-9-80 series airplanes and Model MD-88 airplanes. \n\n\tCompliance: Required as indicated, unless previously accomplished. \n\n\tTo prevent failure of the rudder pedal bracket assembly, which could result in the loss of rudder and braking control at either the captain's or first officer's positions, accomplish the following: \n\n\tA.\tPrior to the accumulation of 40,000 landings or within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, perform either a visual or dye penetrant inspection for cracks of the captain's and first officer's rudder pedal bracket, part numbers (P/N) 5616067 and 5616068, respectively, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletins A27-273 (for Model DC-8 series) or A27-307 (for Model DC-9 and DC-9-80 series and Model MD-88), as applicable, both dated May 16, 1989. \n\n\tNOTE: McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletins A27-273 (DC-8) and A27-307, both dated May 16, 1989, are hereinafter referred to as ASB A27-273 and ASB A27-307, respectively. \n\n\t\t1.\tIf an initial visual inspection is accomplished, and no cracks are found, perform a dye penetrant inspection of the rudder pedal bracket assembly within 180 days after the visual inspection, and thereafter accomplish dye penetrant inspections at intervals not to exceed 12 months or 2,500 landings, whichever occurs earlier. \n\n\t\t2.\tIf an initial dye penetrant inspection is accomplished, and no cracks are found, accomplish repetitive dye penetrant inspections at intervals not to exceed 12 months or 2,500 landings, whichever occurs earlier. \n\n\tB.\tIf cracks are detected, prior to further flight, remove and replace the rudder pedal bracket assembly in accordance with ASB A27-273 or A27-307, as applicable. Prior to the accumulation of 40,000 landings after replacement with the new part, resume the repetitive inspections in accordance with paragraph A., above. \n\n\tC.\tAn alternate means of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time, which provides an acceptable level of safety, may be used when approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Northwest Mountain Region. \n\n\tNOTE: The request should be forwarded through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector (PMI), who will either concur or comment and then send it to the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office. \n\n\tD.\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 initial inspection 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 McDonnell Douglas Corporation, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Director of Publications, C1-LOO (54-60). These documents may be examined at the FAA, Northwest Mountain Region, Transport Airplane Directorate, 17900 Pacific Highway South, Seattle, Washington, or at the Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3229 East Spring Street, Long Beach, California. \n\n\tThis amendment (39-6245, AD 89-14-02) becomes effective on July 5, 1989.