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

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-80 series airplanes and Model MD-88 airplanes, that currently requires an inspection to determine the type of fluorescent light ballasts installed in the cabin sidewall; and installation of a protective cover on the ballast, replacement, or removal/disconnection of the ballast, if necessary. That action also requires, for some airplanes, removal of the dust barriers from the outboard ceiling panels, and installation of modified outboard ceiling panels. This amendment would add a requirement to replace certain ballasts on which a protective cover is installed with other ballasts, or removal/disconnection of the ballast. This amendment is prompted by additional reports of heavy smoke and fumes emitting from the ceiling panels in the forward passenger cabin 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 consequent failure of the dust barriers of the outboard ceiling panel.