Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9, Model MD-90-30, Model 717-200, and Model MD-88 Airplanes

This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2000-NM-58-AD that was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9, Model MD-90-30, Model 717-200, and Model MD-88 airplanes by individual telegrams. This AD requires inspecting the general condition of the jackscrew assembly and the area around the jackscrew assembly to detect the presence of metal shavings and flakes. This action is prompted by a report from an operator that indicated two instances of metallic shavings in the vicinity of the jackscrew assembly and gimbal nut of the horizontal stabilizer. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent loss of pitch trim capability due to excessive wear of the jackscrew assembly of the horizontal stabilizer, which could result in loss of vertical control of the airplane.