Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes. This action requires repetitive inspections to measure for free play (wear on nut assembly) of the horizontal stabilizer actuator assembly, and corrective actions, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by reports of wear of the horizontal stabilizer actuator assembly due to a jackscrew surface finish that was manufactured incorrectly. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent excessive free play and wear of the horizontal stabilizer actuator assembly, which could result in a free-floating horizontal stabilizer, and consequent loss of aircraft pitch control.