[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 190 (Monday, September 30, 1996)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 51058-51060]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-24891]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-NM-160-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the supersedure of an existing 
airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas 
Model MD-11 series airplanes, that currently requires either the 
application of a vapor sealant on the back of the receptacle of the 
auxiliary power unit (APU) power feeder cable; or a one-time visual 
inspection for gold-plating and evidence of damage of the connector 
contacts of the power feeder cable of the APU generator, and various 
follow-on actions. This action would add a requirement for replacement 
of certain connector contacts (pins/sockets) with gold-plated contacts. 
This proposal is prompted by reports of burning and arcing of the 
connector contacts of the power feeder cable of the APU generator. The 
actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to reduce the 
potential for a fire hazard as a result of such burning or arcing.

DATES: Comments must be received by November 8, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-NM-

[[Page 51059]]

160-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: Brett Portwood, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment 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:

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 96-NM-160-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. 96-NM-160-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    On May 30, 1996, the FAA issued AD 96-12-10, amendment 39-9652 (61 
FR 28736, June 6, 1996), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model 
MD-11 series airplanes, to require either the application of a vapor 
sealant on the back of the receptacle of the auxiliary power unit (APU) 
power feeder cable; or a visual inspection for gold-plating and 
evidence of damage of the connector contacts (pins/sockets) of the 
power feeder cable of the APU generator, and various follow-on actions. 
That action was prompted by reports of burning and arcing of these 
connector contacts. The requirements of that AD are intended to reduce 
the potential for a fire hazard as a result of such burning or arcing.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

    In the preamble to AD 96-12-10, the FAA indicated that it intended 
to require operators that install the vapor sealant to eventually 
accomplish the one-time visual inspection (and follow-on actions) and 
the replacement of nickel-plated or copper (brass) pins and sockets 
with gold-plated parts. This action proposes such requirements.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA previously reviewed and approved McDonnell Douglas Alert 
Service Bulletin MD11-24A104, dated May 7, 1996, which describes 
procedures for application of a vapor sealant on the back of the 
receptacle of the APU power feeder cable. Applying the vapor sealant 
will reduce the possibility of fire or burning until the remainder of 
the actions specified in the alert service bulletin can be 
accomplished.
    The alert service bulletin also describes procedures for a one-time 
visual inspection for color (gold plating) and evidence of damage of 
the connector contacts of the power feeder cable of the APU generator 
located in the upper left corner of the APU compartment in the forward 
bulkhead. It also describes procedures for replacement of damaged pins 
and sockets with gold-plated pins and sockets, or deactivation of the 
electrical operation of the APU until such replacement is accomplished. 
The alert service bulletin specifies that the visual inspection and 
replacement or deactivation (if necessary) actions eliminate the need 
for applying a vapor sealant.
    Additionally, the alert service bulletin describes procedures for 
eventual replacement of undamaged pins and sockets that are nickel-
plated or made of copper (brass) with gold-plated pins and sockets.

Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule

    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 supersede AD 96-12-10 to continue to require a one-
time visual inspection for gold-plating and evidence of damage of the 
connector contacts of the power feeder cable of the APU generator, and 
various follow-on actions. The proposed AD would add a requirement for 
replacement of certain connector contacts with gold-plated contacts. 
The actions would be required to be accomplished in accordance with the 
alert service bulletin described previously.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 149 McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series 
airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA 
estimates that 45 airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by this 
proposed AD.
    The actions that are currently required by AD 96-12-10 take 
approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact on U.S. operators of the actions currently required is estimated 
to be $5,400, or $120 per airplane.
    The new action (replacement) that is proposed in this AD action 
would take approximately 9 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an 
average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost 
approximately $909 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact on U.S. operators of the proposed requirements of this AD is 
estimated to be $65,205, or $1,449 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the current or proposed 
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 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

[[Page 51060]]

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 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13   [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-9652 (61 FR 
28736, June 6, 1996), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
to read as follows:

McDonnell Douglas: Docket 96-NM-160-AD. Supersedes AD 96-12-10, 
Amendment 39-9652.

    Applicability: Model MD-11 series airplanes; as listed in 
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A104, dated May 7, 
1996, 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 (d) 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.

    Note 2: Paragraph (a) of this AD merely restates the 
requirements of paragraph (a) of AD 96-12-10. As allowed by the 
phrase, ``unless accomplished previously,'' if those requirements of 
AD 96-12-10 have been accomplished previously, this AD does not 
require that they be repeated.

    To reduce the potential for a fire hazard as a result of burning 
and arcing of the connector contacts of the power feeder cable of 
the auxiliary power unit (APU) generator, accomplish the following:

Restatement of Requirements of AD 96-12-10

    (a) Within 60 days after June 21, 1996 (the effective date of AD 
96-12-10, amendment 39-9652), accomplish the actions specified in 
either paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD in accordance with 
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A104, dated May 7, 
1996.
    (1) Apply a vapor sealant on the back of the APU power feeder 
cable receptacle.

      Or

    (2) Accomplish the actions specified in both paragraphs 
(a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Perform a one-time visual inspection for color (gold-
plating) and evidence of damage of the connector contacts (pins/
sockets) of the power feeder cable of the APU generator located in 
the upper left corner of the APU compartment in the forward 
bulkhead. And
    (ii) Replace any damaged pin or socket with a gold-plated pin or 
socket, or deactivate the electrical operation of the APU until the 
replacement required by paragraph (c) of this AD is accomplished.

New Requirements of This AD

    (b) For airplanes on which the requirements of paragraph (a)(2) 
of this AD have not been accomplished previously: Within 60 days 
after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the requirements of 
paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this AD in accordance with McDonnell 
Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A104, dated May 7, 1996.
    (1) Perform a one-time visual inspection for color (gold-
plating) and evidence of damage of the connector contacts (pins/
sockets) of the power feeder cable of the APU generator located in 
the upper left corner of the APU compartment in the forward 
bulkhead. And
    (2) Replace any damaged pin or socket with a gold-plated pin or 
socket, or deactivate the electrical operation of the APU until the 
replacement required by paragraph (c) of this AD is accomplished.
    (c) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, 
replace any pin or socket that is nickel-plated or copper (brass) 
with a pin or socket that is a gold-plated. Accomplish the 
replacement in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin MD11-24A104, dated May 7, 1996.
    (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, 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.

    (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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 23, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-24891 Filed 9-27-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U