[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 146 (Monday, July 29, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 39314-39315]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-19011]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-NM-211-AD; Amendment 39-9702; AD 96-16-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes, 
that requires either replacement or modification of the inboard and 
outboard flap actuators. This amendment is prompted by a report of 
failure of the piston rod of the inboard flap actuator due to a 
manufacturing process error. The actions specified by this AD are 
intended to prevent failure of the piston rod, which could result in 
uncommanded flap extension and could lead to an asymmetric flap 
configuration, which could reduce controllability of the airplane.

DATES: Effective September 3, 1996.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of September 3, 1996.

ADDRESSES: 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport 
Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 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: Andrew Gfrerer, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft 
Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 
90712; telephone (310) 627-5338; fax (310) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model 
MD-11 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on April 
19, 1996 (61 FR 17259). That action proposed to require either the 
replacement or modification of the inboard and outboard flap actuators.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the single comment received.
    The commenter supports the proposed rule.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comment 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 143 McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series 
airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA 
estimates that 52 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this 
AD.
    To accomplish the required actions associated with Option 1 
(replacement of flap actuators) will take approximately 9 work hours 
per airplane, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required 
parts will be supplied by the manufacturer at no cost to the operators. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of Option 1 required by this AD 
on U.S. operators is estimated to be $540 per airplane.
    To accomplish the required actions associated with Option 2 
(modification

[[Page 39315]]

and reidentification of the inboard and outboard flap actuators) will 
take approximately 25 work hours per airplane, at an average labor rate 
of $60 per work hour. Required parts will be supplied by the 
manufacturer at no cost to the operators. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of Option 2 required by this AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $1,500 per airplane.
    To accomplish the required actions associated with Option 3 
(modification and reidentification of the inboard flap inboard 
actuator, the inboard flap outboard actuator, and the outboard flap 
actuators) will take approximately 27 work hours per airplane, at an 
average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will be 
supplied by the manufacturer at no cost to the operators. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of Option 3 required by this AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $1,620 per airplane.
    Based in the figures discussed above, the cost impact of this AD 
action on U.S. operators is estimated to be between $28,080 and $82,240 
for the affected fleet. These cost impact figures are based on 
assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the 
requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish 
those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted.

Regulatory Impact

    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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) 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 final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it 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 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

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

96-16-02  McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-9702. Docket 95-NM-211-AD.

    Applicability: Model MD-11 series airplanes, manufacturer's 
fuselage numbers 0447 through 0589 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 request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) 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 failure of the piston rod, which could result in 
uncommanded flap extension and resultant asymmetric flap 
configuration, which could reduce controllability of the airplane, 
accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, 
accomplish either paragraph (a)(1), (a)(2), or (a)(3) of this AD, in 
accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-
27A057, dated August 31, 1995. -
    (1) Accomplish the actions specified as Option 1 (replacement of 
the inboard and outboard flap actuators) in the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the alert service bulletin; or
    (2) Accomplish the actions specified as Option 2 (modification 
and reidentification of the inboard and outboard flap actuators) in 
the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin; or
    (3) Accomplish the actions specified as Option 3 (modification 
and reidentification of the inboard flap inboard actuator, inboard 
flap outboard actuator, and outboard flap actuators) in the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin.
    (b) 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.

    (c) 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.
    (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell 
Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-27A057, dated August 31, 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, 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.
    (e) This amendment becomes effective on September 3, 1996.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 22, 1996.
S.R. Miller,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-19011 Filed 7-26-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P