Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-80 Series Airplanes and Model MD-88 Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-80 series airplanes and Model MD-88 airplanes. This action requires a visual inspection to determine the type of fluorescent light ballasts installed in the cabin sidewall; and installation of a protective cover, replacement, or removal/disconnection, if necessary. This action also requires removal of the dust barriers from the outboard ceiling panels, and installation of modified outboard ceiling panels. This amendment is prompted by reports of smoke, fumes, and/or electrical fire emitting from the baggage bin of the aft passenger compartment and from the dust barriers of the outboard ceiling due to the failure of the fluorescent light ballasts. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent a fire in the passenger compartment, which could result from failure of the fluorescent light ballast of the upper and lower cabin sidewall, and subsequent failure of the dust barriers of the outboard ceiling panel.