Applicability: Part Number (P/N) 021929-000 (McDonnell Douglas P/N 43BO34LB02) and P/N 021904-000 (McDonnell Douglas P/N 43BO34LB03) Nickel Cadmium Batteries manufactured prior to December 1997.

Effective date: December 3, 1998

Compliance: Required as indicated in FAA AD 98-20-17.

98-20-17 SAFT AMERICA INC.: Amendment 39-10784; Docket No. 97-CE-116-AD.
Applicability: Part Number (P/N) 021929-000 (McDonnell Douglas P/N 43BO34LB02) and P/N 021904-000 (McDonnell Douglas P/N 43BO34LB03) Nickel Cadmium Batteries manufactured prior to December 1997 that are installed on, but not limited to, McDonnell Douglas DC-9 and MD-80 aircraft, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.

NOTE 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision that incorporates one of the affected batteries, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For aircraft that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Compliance: Required at the next scheduled battery maintenance that occurs 3 calendar months after the effective date of this AD or within the next 15 calendar months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, unless already accomplished.

To prevent the battery from shorting out or exploding if the heads of fasteners become sheared off, which could result in loss of emergency power to electrical flight components or other emergency power systems required in the event of loss of the aircraft primary power source, accomplish the following:

(a) Replace all battery terminal screws, verify that the battery contains design specification cells, and replace the cells if the battery contains non-design specification cells. Accomplish these actions in accordance with the INSTRUCTIONS section of SAFT Aviation Batteries Service Bulletin Document No. A00027, Rev G, dated July 14, 1998.

(1) A plastic label indicating compliance with the AD may be obtained from Saft America Inc. at the address specified in paragraph (e) of this AD.

(2) This label shall not cover the original part number of the battery.

(3) SAFT Aviation Batteries Service Bulletin

Document No. A00027, Rev G, dated July 14, 1998, provides the option of purchasing this label from Saft or manufacturing your own label.

(4) This label must be installed on the battery as depicted in Figures 3 and 4 on page 8 of SAFT Aviation Batteries Service Bulletin Document No. A00027, Rev G, dated July 14, 1998.

(b) If the actions required by this AD have been previously accomplished in accordance with SAFT Aviation Batteries Service Bulletin Document No. A00027, Rev F, dated January 15, 1998, then the only action required by this AD would be to install a compliance label on the battery as specified in SAFT Aviation Batteries Service Bulletin Document No. A00027, Rev G, dated July 14, 1998.

(c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the aircraft to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349. The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office.

NOTE 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office.

(e) The replacements required by this AD shall be done in accordance with SAFT Aviation Batteries Service Bulletin Document No. A00027, Rev G, dated July 14, 1998. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from SAFT America Inc., 711 Industrial Boulevard, Valdosta, Georgia 31601. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12^th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC.

(f) This amendment becomes effective on November 2, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Mr. Hector Hernandez, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone: (770) 703-6069; facsimile: (770) 703 6097.