Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model 717-200 Airplanes

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain McDonnell Douglas Model 717-200 airplanes. This AD requires installing a certain junction(s) and changing the wiring of the first officer's pitot static heater system. This AD results from a report of temporary loss of the auto-flight function with displays of suspect or erratic airspeed indications. We are issuing this AD to prevent display of suspect or erratic airspeed indications during heavy rain conditions, which could reduce the ability of the flightcrew to maintain the safe flight and landing of the airplane.