[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 161 (Monday, August 21, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43363-43366]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-20370]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-NM-134-AD; Amendment 39-9341; AD 95-17-11]


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series 
airplanes. This action requires an inspection and other specified 
actions to ensure that the ground stud assemblies at three locations of 
the airplane are installed properly and torqued to certain 
specifications, to verify the integrity of the components of the ground 
stud assemblies, and to detect heat damage in adjacent areas; and 
correction of any discrepancy. This amendment is prompted by reports 
indicating that arcing occurred across the pins in the galley external 
power receptacle due to loose attach hardware on the ground stud. The 
actions specified in this AD are intended to ensure that the ground 
stud assemblies are attached correctly so that arcing will not occur. 
Such arcing, if not corrected, could result in heat damage to adjacent 
structure and a fire in the forward cargo compartment, the center 
accessory compartment, or the aft fuselage compartment.

DATES: Effective September 5, 1995.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of October 20, 1995.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before September 5, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 95-NM-134-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
McDonnell Douglas Corporation, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, 
California 90846, Attention: Technical Publications Business 
Administration, Department C1-L51 (2-60). This information may be 
examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, 
SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft 
Certification Office, Transport Airplane Directorate, 3960 Paramount 
Boulevard, Lakewood, California; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas Phan, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft 
Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 
90712; telephone (310) 627-5342; fax (310) 627-5310.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA recently received reports indicating 
that arcing occurred across the pins in the galley external power 
receptacle when ground power was applied during turnaround operations 
on a McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplane. The ground crew 
also observed smoke and indicated that there was a burning smell. 
Results of a subsequent investigation revealed that both attach points 
on the ground wire of the main external and galley power receptacle 
were damaged extensively. In addition, burn damage was found on a large 
area of the insulation blankets outboard and aft of the receptacle 
area. Adjacent power cables also were found damaged by heat. The cause 
of the arcing has been attributed to improper installation and 
incorrect torquing of the attach hardware on the ground stud during 
manufacture. Such arcing, if not corrected, could result in heat damage 
to adjacent structure and a fire in the forward cargo compartment, the 
center accessory compartment, or the aft fuselage compartment.
    The FAA has reviewed and approved McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin MD11-24A090, dated July 21, 1995. This alert service bulletin 
describes procedures for a one-time inspection to ensure that the 
ground stud assemblies of seven ground studs at three locations of the 
airplane are installed properly and torqued as specified in the alert 
service bulletin, to verify the integrity of the components of the 
ground stud assemblies, and to detect heat damage to areas adjacent to 
the ground stud assemblies; and correction of any discrepancy. The 
alert service bulletin also specifies procedures for the accomplishment 
of other actions, which include assembling the ground stud assemblies 
using new lockwashers having certain part numbers and tightening the 
nuts to specified torque values. The ground studs to be inspected are 
located in the forward cargo compartment, the center accessory 
compartment, and the aft fuselage compartment of the airplane.
    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series 
airplanes of the same type design, this AD is being issued to ensure 
that the ground stud assemblies in three locations of the airplane are 
attached correctly so that arcing, subsequent heat damage to adjacent 
structure, and a fire at those locations will not occur. This AD 
requires a one-time inspection and other specified actions to ensure 
that the ground stud assemblies of seven ground studs at three 
locations of the airplane are installed and torqued to certain 
specifications, to verify the integrity of the components of the ground 
stud assemblies, and to detect heat damage to areas adjacent to the 
ground stud assemblies; and correction of any discrepancy. The actions 
are required to be accomplished in accordance with the alert service 
bulletin described previously.
    This AD also requires that operators report inspection results, 
positive or negative, to the FAA.
    This is considered to be interim action until final action is 
identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking.
    As a result of recent communications with the Air Transport 
Association (ATA) of America, the FAA has learned that, in general, 
some operators may misunderstand the legal effect of AD's on airplanes 
that are identified in the applicability provision of the AD, but that 
have been altered or repaired in the area addressed by the AD. The FAA 
points out that all airplanes identified in the applicability provision 
of an AD are legally subject to the AD. If an airplane has been altered 
or repaired in the affected area in such a way as to affect compliance 
with the AD, the owner or operator is required to obtain FAA approval 
for an alternative method of compliance with the AD, in accordance with 
the paragraph of each AD that provides for such approvals. A note has 
been included in this rule to clarify this long-standing requirement.
    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons 

[[Page 43365]]
are invited to comment on this rule by submitting such written data, 
views, or arguments as they may desire. Communications shall identify 
the Rules Docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address 
specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All communications received on 
or before the closing date for comments will be considered, and this 
rule may be amended in light of the comments received. Factual 
information that supports the commenter's ideas and suggestions is 
extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and 
determining whether additional rulemaking action would be needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be 
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the 
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 95-NM-134-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.
    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects on the States, on the relationship between the national 
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory 
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further 
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory 
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is 
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be 
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final 
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. 
A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the 
location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 USC 106(g), 40101, 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

95-17-11  McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-9341. Docket 95-NM-134-AD. 
In no case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or 
repair remove any airplane from the applicability of this AD.

    Applicability: Model MD-11 series airplanes; manufacturer's 
numbers 532, 544, and 559 through 588 inclusive; 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 use the authority 
provided in paragraph (d) of this AD to request approval from the 
FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current 
configuration eliminates the unsafe condition; or different actions 
necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such 
a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed 
configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent arcing in the ground stud assemblies of the airplane, 
which could result in heat damage to adjacent structure and a fire 
in the forward cargo compartment, the center accessory compartment, 
or the aft fuselage compartment, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, perform 
a one-time inspection and other specified actions to ensure that the 
ground stud assemblies in the forward cargo compartment, the center 
accessory compartment, and the aft fuselage compartment are 
installed properly and torqued as specified in Figure 1 of McDonnell 
Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A090, dated July 21, 1995; to 
verify the integrity of the components of the ground stud 
assemblies; and to detect heat damage to areas adjacent to the 
ground stud assemblies. Perform the inspection and other specified 
actions in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin 
MD11-24A090, dated July 21, 1995.
    (b) If any discrepancy is found during the actions required by 
paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, correct the 
discrepancy in accordance with paragraph 3.A.3. of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin MD11-24A090, dated July 21, 1995.
    (c) Within 10 days after accomplishing the inspection required 
by this AD, report inspection results, positive or negative, to the 
Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, 
California 90712; fax (310) 627-5210. Information collection 
requirements contained in this regulation have been approved by the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have 
been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
    (d) 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 ACO. 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 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Los Angeles ACO.

    (e) 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.
    (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell 
Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A090, dated July 21, 1995. 
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 McDonnell Douglas Corporation, 3855 
Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: 
Technical Publications Business Administration, Department C1-L51 
(2-60). Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the 
FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California; or at 
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., 
suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (g) This amendment becomes effective on September 5, 1995.


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    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 11, 1995.
S.R. Miller,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 95-20370 Filed 8-18-95; 8:45 am]
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