AD NUMBER: 2009-26-17

MANUFACTURER: McDonnell Douglas Corporation Model DC- 10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, DC-10-40F, MD-10-10F, and MD-10-30F Airplanes
SUBJECT: Airworthiness Directive 2009-26-17

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to certain Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC- 10-30, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, and DC-10-40F airplanes. That AD currently requires installing or replacing with improved parts, as applicable, the bonding straps between the metallic frame of the fillet and the wing leading edge ribs, on both the left and right sides of the airplane. This new AD revises the applicability by adding and removing certain airplanes. This new AD requires, for certain airplanes, repositioning or replacing two bonding straps, and doing a bonding-resistance check and an inspection to determine correct installation of certain bonding straps, and applicable corrective actions. This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks in the event of a severe lightning strike, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.

FMI: http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAD.nsf/0/49A0D7C2A6AE82618625769D00565F87?OpenDocument