Applicability: Airplanes equipped with Day-Ray Products, Inc., cabin sidewall fluorescent light ballasts having part numbers listed in Table 1 of this AD; including, but not limited to, McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9, DC-10, and C-9 (military) series airplanes; and Boeing Model 707, 727, and 737 series airplanes; certificated in any category.

Effective date: April 22, 1999

Compliance: Required as indicated in FAA AD 99-04-10.

99-04-10 TRANSPORT CATEGORY AIRPLANES: Amendment 39-11034. Docket 96-NM-163-AD.

Applicability: Airplanes equipped with Day-Ray Products, Inc., cabin sidewall fluorescent light ballasts having part numbers listed in Table 1 of this AD; including, but not limited to, McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9, DC-10, and C-9 (military) series airplanes; and Boeing Model 707, 727, and 737 series airplanes; certificated in any category.

NOTE 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes 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 (c) 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 as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent fire in the passenger compartment resulting from failure of the fluorescent light ballast of the cabin sidewall, accomplish the following:

(a) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time visual inspection to determine the type of fluorescent light ballasts installed in the upper and lower cabin sidewall. If any ballast installed has a part number that is listed in Table 1 of this AD, prior to further flight, remove the Day-Ray light ballast and replace it with a light ballast manufactured by Bruce Industries, in accordance with the applicable service bulletin(s) listed in Table 2 of this AD.

NOTE 2: Replacement of light ballasts on McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-30, -40, and -50 series airplanes; in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC9-33-103, dated May 30, 1996; is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD, provided that no protective covers are installed on the light ballasts.

(b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install in the upper or lower cabin sidewall of any airplane a Day-Ray fluorescent light ballast having a part number listed in Table 1 of this AD.

(c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Los Angeles ACO.

NOTE 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Los Angeles ACO.

(d) 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 airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(e) The replacement shall be done in accordance with the following McDonnell Douglas and Heath Tecna service bulletins, as applicable, which contain the specified list of effective pages:

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 Day-Ray Products, Inc., 1133 Mission Street, South Pasadena, California 91031; or Hexcel Corporation, Heath Tecna Interiors, 3225 Woburn Street, Bellingham, Washington 98226; or The Boeing Company, Douglas Products Division, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Technical Publications Business Administration, Department C1-L51 (2-60); or Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

(f) This amendment becomes effective on March 18, 1999.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
J. Kirk Baker, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712; telephone (310) 627-5345; fax (310) 627-5210.