[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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