BOEING DC-10 AIRLINER MANDATED BY FAA TO CHECK FOR FRAME CRACKS

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, MD-10-10F, and MD-10-30F airplanes. This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating that the forward cargo compartment frames are subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). This AD requires an inspection of the attachment holes at the forward cargo compartment frames and the cargo liner for cracking, and repair if necessary. This AD would also require installing new oversized fasteners in the forward cargo compartment frames. We are issuing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking of the forward cargo compartment frames, which could result in loss of the fail-safe structural integrity of the airplane.

Prior to the accumulation of 30,000 total flight cycles, or within 72 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Do a high frequency eddy current inspection for cracking of the attachment holes at the forward cargo compartment frames and the cargo liner, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin DC10-53-182, dated June 28, 2013. If any crack is found, before further flight, repair using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.

For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, MC D800-0019, Long Beach, CA 90846-0001; telephone 206-544-5000, extension 2; fax 206-766-5683

Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

BOEING HAS RESPONDED TO THIS RULE PROPOSAL, AND HAS AGREED:

• The Series 10 model was designed for service on routes of up to 4,000 statute miles (6,436 km) and is powered by General Electric CF6-6 engines, each rated at 40,000 pounds (17,144 kg) takeoff thrust. The first flight was made on Aug. 29, 1970. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification was received for airline service on July 29, 1971. First deliveries were made jointly to American Airlines and to United Airlines. Scheduled commercial flights began Aug. 5, 1971.
• The intercontinental range Series 40, powered by Pratt & Whitney JT9D turbofan engines, with nonstop range up to approximately 5,800 miles (9,322 km), was introduced to service in 1972.
• The Series 30, an intercontinental model with a range of approximately 5,900 miles (9,493 km), also introduced in 1972, is equipped with General Electric CF6-50 fanjets.
• The DC-10 Convertible Freighter, first delivered in 1973, can be arranged to carry all passengers or all cargo and is available in the basic Series 10, Series 30 or Series 40. All versions have available cargo space of more than 16,000 cubic feet (453 cu m), as much capacity as four 40-foot (12.19-m) railroad freight cars, or up to 380 passengers.
• The Series 15, launched in 1979, combines the basic smaller airframe of the Series 10 with a version of the more powerful engines used on the longer-range Series 30s. The combination gives the Series 15 outstanding performance with full loads from high-altitude airports in hot climates.
• The DC-10 Series 30F, an all-freighter model, was ordered by Federal Express in May 1984. First delivery was made Jan. 24, 1986. This pure freighter version will carry palletized payloads of up to 175,000 pounds (79,380 kg) more than 3,800 miles (6,115 km).