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

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-80 series airplanes and Model MD-88 airplanes, that requires repetitive inspections to detect fatigue cracking of certain fuselage skin panels, and repair, if necessary. For certain airplanes, this amendment also provides for an optional preventative modification, which, if accomplished, would terminate the repetitive inspections. This amendment is prompted by reports of fatigue cracking of certain fuselage skin panels. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent such fatigue cracking, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane, and consequent loss of pressurization.