Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, and DC-10-40F Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas airplanes, that requires inspections of the linear variable differential transducers (LVDTs) of the autopilot for discrepancies, and follow-on actions if necessary. This amendment is prompted by information from the manufacturer advising that certain LVDTs were delivered with an undersize nylok element on the threaded extension. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the LVDTs, which could result in an automatic pitch trim malfunction or an autopilot disconnect, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.