# Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9, DC-9-80 and C-9 (Military) Series Airplanes, and Model MD-88 Airplanes
> **Rule** · Final rule. · Published 1997-01-28 · Effective 1997-03-04 · 62 FR 3985
## Document
- **Document number:** 97-1437
- **Category:** airworthiness
- **Type:** Rule
- **Action:** Final rule.
- **Citation:** 62 FR 3985
- **Publication date:** 1997-01-28
- **Effective date:** 1997-03-04
- **FAA docket:** Docket No. 96-NM-99-AD
## Abstract

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9, DC-9-80 and C-9 (military) series airplanes, and Model MD-88 airplanes It requires either the installation of external protective doublers between the outboard flight spoiler actuators and the aft spar webs of the wings, or replacement of the pistons of the outboard flight spoiler actuators with improved pistons. This amendment is prompted by reports of failure of the piston of the outboard flight spoiler actuator due to fatigue at the clevis end of the upper lug mounting hole of the piston. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent such failure of the piston and the consequent puncturing of the aft spar web, which could result in fuel leakage and reduced structural integrity of the wings.

## Source
- [Federal Register document](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/1997/01/28/97-1437/airworthiness-directives-mcdonnell-douglas-model-dc-9-dc-9-80-and-c-9-military-series-airplanes-and)
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