[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 7 (Wednesday, January 10, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 691-693]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-271]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 95-NM-239-AD; Amendment 39-9448; AD 95-25-04]
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 supersedes an existing airworthiness directive
(AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series
airplanes, that currently 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. That AD was 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 that 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. This action
would expand the applicability of the existing AD to include additional
airplanes.
DATES: Effective January 25, 1996.
The incorporation by reference of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service
Bulletin MD11-24A090, Revision 1, dated November 6, 1995, as listed in
the regulations, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of January 25, 1996.
The incorporation by reference of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service
Bulletin MD11-24A090, dated July 21, 1995, as listed in the
regulations, was approved previously by the Director of the Federal
Register as of September 5, 1995 (60 FR 43364, August 21, 1995).
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before March 11, 1996.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 95-NM-239-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, 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brett Portwood, Aerospace Engineer,
Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Los Angeles
Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood,
California 90712; telephone (310) 627-5347; fax (310) 627-5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On August 11, 1995, the FAA issued AD 95-17-
11, amendment 39-9341 (60 FR 43364, August 21, 1995), applicable to
certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes, to require 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. That action was
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 required by that 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
[[Page 692]]
accessory compartment, or the aft fuselage compartment.
Since the issuance of that AD, the manufacturer has advised the FAA
that, during random sampling of the fleet, additional airplanes have
been identified on which improper installation and incorrect torquing
of the attach hardware on the ground stud occurred during manufacture.
In light of this, the FAA has determined that those additional
airplanes are subject to the same unsafe condition addressed by AD 95-
17-11.
The FAA has reviewed and approved McDonnell Douglas Alert Service
Bulletin MD11-24A090, Revision 1, dated November 6, 1995. The
inspection and other specified actions described in this revision are
identical to those described in the original issue of the alert service
bulletin (which was referenced in AD 95-17-11). Additionally, this
revision expands the effectivity listing to include additional
airplanes that are subject to the addressed unsafe condition. This
revision also contains minor editorial changes.
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other airplanes of this same type design, this AD
supersedes AD 95-17-11 to continue to require 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 AD expands the applicability of the
existing AD to include additional airplanes. The actions are required
to be accomplished in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service
Bulletin MD11-24A090.
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.
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 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-239-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 removing amendment 39-9341 (60 FR
43364, August 21, 1995), and by adding a new airworthiness directive
(AD), amendment 39-9448, to read as follows:
95-25-04 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-9448. Docket 95-NM-239-AD.
Supersedes AD 95-17-11, Amendment 39-9341.
Applicability: Model MD-11 series airplanes, as identified in
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A090, Revision 1,
dated November 6, 1995; 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 (e) 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. In no
case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair
remove any airplane from the applicability of this AD.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
Note 2: Paragraph (a) of this AD merely restates the
requirements of paragraph (a) of AD 95-17-11, amendment 39-9341. As
allowed by the phrase, ``unless accomplished previously,'' if those
requirements of AD 95-17-11 have already been accomplished, this AD
does not require that those actions be repeated.
[[Page 693]]
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) For airplanes having manufacturer's numbers 532, 544, and
559 through 588 inclusive: Within 90 days after September 5, 1995
(the effective date of AD 95-17-11), 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, or Revision 1,
dated November 6, 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, or Revision 1,
dated November 6, 1995.
(b) For airplanes other than those identified in paragraph (a)
of this AD: 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 or 2, as
applicable, of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A090,
Revision 1, dated November 6, 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, Revision 1, dated
November 6, 1995.
(c) If any discrepancy is found during the actions required by
paragraph (a) or (b) 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, or Revision 1, dated
November 6, 1995.
(d) 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.
(e) 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 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.
(f) 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.
(g) The actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell
Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A090, Revision 1, dated
November 14, 1995; or McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-
24A090, dated July 21, 1995. The incorporation by reference of
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A090, Revision 1,
dated November 6, 1995, was approved by the Director of the Federal
Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. The
incorporation by reference of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service
Bulletin MD11-24A090, dated July 21, 1995, was approved previously
by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51 as of September 5, 1995 (60 FR 43364,
August 21, 1995). 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, 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.
(h) This amendment becomes effective on January 25, 1996.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 28, 1995.
S. R. Miller,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-271 Filed 1-9-96; 8:45 am]
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