[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 53 (Monday, March 18, 1996)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 10907-10908]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-6389]



=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-NM-254-AD]


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10 and MD-11 
Series Airplanes, and KC-10A (Military) Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model 
DC-10 and MD-11 series airplanes, and KC-10A (military) airplanes. This 
proposal would require identifying and replacing certain lock link 
bolts in the nose landing gear (NLG). This proposal is prompted by a 
report indicating that certain bolts were improperly heat-treated 
during manufacturing, which makes them prone to failure. The actions 
specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent failure of the 
lock link bolts in the NLG, which could result in the collapse of the 
NLG.

DATES: Comments must be received by May 13, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 95-NM-254-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wahib Mina, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712; telephone 
(310) 627-5324; fax (310) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed 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 above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 95-NM-254-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 95-NM-254-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The FAA has received a report indicating that certain lock link 
bolts, which may be installed in the nose landing gear (NLG) of certain 
McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10 and MD-11 series airplanes and KC-10A 
(military) airplanes, were improperly heat-treated during their 
manufacture. Investigation revealed that the suspect bolts were 
fabricated using a heat-treat process that was lacking the latest 
updated process instructions. The improper heat-treatment of these 
bolts makes them prone to failure. If an installed bolt were to fail, 
it could cause the NLG to collapse.

[[Page 10908]]

    The FAA has reviewed and approved McDonnell Douglas Service 
Bulletin DC10-32-242 (for Model DC-10 series airplanes), dated November 
1, 1995; and McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-32-060 (for Model 
MD-11 series airplanes), dated November 6, 1995. These service 
bulletins describe procedures for conducting a visual inspection to 
identify the serial number of suspect lock link bolts, and the 
replacement of those bolts with new bolts having different serial 
numbers. Replacing a suspect bolt will minimize the possibility of a 
bolt failure and subsequent NLG collapse.
    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other products of this same type design, the 
proposed AD would require a one-time visual inspection to identify the 
suspect lock link bolts, and the replacement of those bolts with new 
serviceable bolts. The actions would be required to be accomplished in 
accordance with the service bulletin described previously.
    There are approximately 565 Model DC-10 and MD-11 series airplanes 
and KC-10A (military airplanes) of the affected design in the worldwide 
fleet. The FAA estimates that 334 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD.
    It would take approximately .5 work hour per airplane to accomplish 
the proposed one-time inspection, at an average labor rate of $60 per 
work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD 
on U.S. operators is estimated to be $10,020, or $30 per airplane.
    If a suspect lock link bolt is found to be installed on an 
airplane, its removal and replacement would take approximately 3 work 
hours to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. 
Replacement parts would be supplied by the manufacture at no charge to 
operators. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the replacement 
action on U.S. operators is estimated to be $180 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements 
of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions 
in the future if this AD were not adopted.
    The regulations proposed herein would 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 
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under 
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 
and (3) if promulgated, will not have a significant economic impact, 
positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under 
the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. A copy of the draft 
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules 
Docket at the location provided under the caption ``ADDRESSES.''

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
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), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

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

McDonnell Douglas: Docket 95-NM-254-AD.

    Applicability: Model DC-10-10, -15, -30, and -40 series 
airplanes, and KC-10A airplanes, as listed in McDonnell Douglas 
Service Bulletin DC10-32-242, dated November 1, 1995; and Model MD-
11 series airplanes as listed in McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin 
MD11-32-060, 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 request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) 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 collapse of the nose landing gear as a result 
of failure of the lock link bolt, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, 
perform a visual inspection to determine the serial number of the 
lock link bolt, part number (P/N) ACG7079-1, installed in the nose 
landing gear (NLG), in accordance with procedures specified in 
McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC10-32-242, dated November 1, 
1995, for Model DC-10 series airplanes; or McDonnell Douglas Service 
Bulletin MD11-32-060, dated November 6, 1995, for Model MD-11 series 
airplanes.
    (b) If the serial number of the lock link bolt is not AP001 
through AP036 inclusive, or AP200 through AP344 inclusive: No 
further action is required by this AD.
    (c) If the serial number of the lock link bolt is AP001 through 
AP036 inclusive, or AP200 through AP344 inclusive: Prior to further 
flight, replace the lock link bolt with a new bolt, P/N ACG7079-1, 
that does not have one of those serial numbers.
    (d) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
a lock link bolt, part number (P/N) ACG7079-1, having a serial 
number of AP001 through AP036 inclusive, or AP200 through AP344 
inclusive, on any airplane.
    (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 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 2: 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 12, 1996.
James V. Devany,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-6389 Filed 3-15-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U