92-23-02 MCDONNELL DOUGLAS: Amendment 39-8402. Docket No. 92-NM-92-AD. \n\n\tApplicability: Model MD-11 series airplanes; operating in an all-passenger configuration, or in any combination of passenger and main deck cargo configurations; certificated in any category. \n\n\tCompliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. \n\n\tNOTE: Model MD-11 series airplanes that are operated as freighters may continue to use the unmodified slides at door number 1. However, should any of these airplanes be converted to an all-passenger configuration, or any combination of passenger and main deck cargo configurations, the requirements of this AD must be accomplished. \n\n\tTo prevent buckling of the evacuation slides/rafts and poor visibility during night lighting conditions, which could delay or impede the evacuation of passengers during an emergency, accomplish the following: \n\n\t(a)\tFor Model MD-11 series airplanes with interior passenger seating configurations not exceeding306, and the number of passenger seats in the zone between doors 3 and 4 not exceeding 165: Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, replace existing evacuation slides/rafts with modified slides/rafts, part numbers 60289-115 or -117; 60290-115; 60291-115; and 60291-116; in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin 25-87, dated January 23, 1992; and McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin 25-116, Revision 1, dated May 15, 1992. \n\n\t(b)\tFor Model MD-11 series airplanes with interior passenger seating configurations from 307 to 381, inclusive, and the number of passenger seats in the zone between doors 3 and 4 not exceeding 165: Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, replace existing evacuation slides/rafts with modified slides/rafts, part numbers 60289-115 or -117; 60290-115; 60291-115; and 60291-116; in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin 25-116, Revision 1, dated May 15, 1992. \n\n\t(c)\tFor Model MD-11 series airplanes with interior passenger seating configurations not exceeding 381, and more than 165 passenger seats in the zone between doors 3 and 4: Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, replace existing evacuation slides/rafts with modified slides/rafts, part numbers 60289-115 or -117; 60290-115; 60291-115; and 60291-116; in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin 25-87, dated January 23, 1992; and McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin 25-116, Revision 1, dated May 15, 1992. \n\n\t(d)\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.NOTE: 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(e)\tSpecial flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. \n\n\t(f)\tThe replacement shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin 25-87, dated January 23, 1992; and McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin 25-116, Revision 1, dated May 15, 1992. 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, P.O. Box 1771, Long Beach, California 90846-0001, Attention: Business Unit Manager, Technical Publications - Technical Administrative Support, C1-L5B. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 3229 East Spring Street, Long Beach, California; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. \n\n\t(g)\tThis amendment becomes effective on November 25, 1992.