[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 78 (Thursday, April 23, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 20066-20068]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-10774]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-NM-126-AD; Amendment 39-10491; AD 98-08-11]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and MD-
11F Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment
adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 98-08-11 that was sent previously
to all known U.S. owners and operators of certain McDonnell Douglas
Model MD-11 and MD-11F series airplanes by individual notices. This AD
requires opening the circuit breaker of the pneumatic sense line heater
tape, installing an inoperative ring, and coiling and stowing the
electrical wire to the circuit breaker of the pneumatic sense line
heater tape. This AD also provides for an optional inspection, which,
if accomplished, constitutes terminating action for deactivation of the
pneumatic sense line heater tape. This action is prompted by a report
indicating that, while an airplane was on the ground, fuel was found
leaking from the fuel feed pipe of the number 2 engine due to
inadequate clearance between the fuel feed pipe and the pneumatic sense
line heater tape. The actions specified by this AD are intended to
detect and correct such inadequate clearance, which could result in a
hole in the fuel feed pipe caused by electrical arcing, and consequent
fuel leakage and possible ignition of the fuel vapors.
DATES: Effective April 28, 1998, to all persons except those persons to
whom it was made immediately effective by emergency AD 98-08-11, issued
on April 6, 1998, which contained the requirements of this amendment.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of April 28, 1998.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before June 22, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-NM-126-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
The applicable service information may be obtained from The Boeing
Company, Douglas Products Division, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long
Beach, California 90846, Attention: Technical Publications Business
Administration, Dept. 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: Roscoe Van Dyke, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification
Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712; telephone
(562) 627-5254; fax (562) 627-5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On April 6, 1998, the FAA issued emergency
AD 98-08-11, which is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-
11 and MD-11F series airplanes. That action was prompted by a report
indicating that, while a McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplane
was on the ground, fuel was found leaking from the fuel feed pipe of
the number 2 engine. Investigation revealed that electrical arcing
between a pneumatic sense line heater tape and the fuel feed pipe of
the number 2 engine caused a hole in the pipe. As a result of this
finding, the operator inspected five additional airplanes, of which one
airplane was found to have inadequate clearance between the fuel feed
pipe and the pneumatic sense line heater tape. No evidence of arcing or
chafing was detected. Such inadequate clearance, if not corrected,
could result in a hole in the fuel feed pipe caused by electrical
arcing, and consequent fuel leakage and possible ignition of the fuel
vapors.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
The FAA has reviewed and approved McDonnell Douglas Alert Service
Bulletin MD11-36A030, dated April 2, 1998. The alert service bulletin
describes procedures for opening the circuit breaker of the pneumatic
sense line heater tape, installing an inoperative ring, and coiling and
stowing the electrical wire to the circuit breaker of the pneumatic
sense line heater tape. (Accomplishment of the above actions
deactivates the pneumatic sense line heater tape.) The alert service
bulletin also describes procedures for performing an inspection to
determine if adequate clearance exists between the fuel feed pipe and
pneumatic sense lines, and repositioning of the pneumatic sense lines,
if necessary. Accomplishment of this inspection eliminates the need for
deactivation of the pneumatic sense line heater tape. Accomplishment of
the actions specified in the alert service bulletin is intended to
adequately address the identified unsafe condition.
Explanation of Requirements of the Rule
Since the unsafe condition described is likely to exist or develop
on other airplanes of the same type design, the FAA issued emergency AD
98-08-11 to detect and correct inadequate clearance between the fuel
feed pipe and the pneumatic sense line heater tape, which could result
in a hole in the fuel feed pipe caused by electrical arcing, and
consequent fuel leakage and possible ignition of the fuel vapors. The
AD requires opening the circuit breaker of the pneumatic sense line
heater tape, installing an inoperative ring, and coiling and stowing
the electrical wire to the circuit breaker of the pneumatic sense line
heater tape. This AD also provides for an optional inspection to
determine if adequate clearance exists between the fuel feed pipe and
pneumatic sense lines, and repositioning of the pneumatic sense lines,
if necessary; which, if accomplished, constitutes terminating action
for deactivation of the pneumatic sense line heater tape. The actions
are
[[Page 20067]]
required to be accomplished in accordance with the alert service
bulletin previously described.
The FAA is considering further rulemaking action to supersede this
AD to require accomplishment of the optional terminating action
currently specified in this AD. However, the proposed compliance time
for accomplishment of that action is sufficiently long so that prior
notice and time for public comment will be practicable.
Since it was found that immediate corrective action was required,
notice and opportunity for prior public comment thereon were
impracticable and contrary to the public interest, and good cause
existed to make the AD effective immediately by individual notices
issued on April 6, 1998, to all known U.S. owners and operators of
certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and MD-11F series airplanes.
These conditions still exist, and the AD is hereby published in the
Federal Register as an amendment to section 39.13 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.13) to make it effective to all
persons.
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 98-NM-126-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
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.
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 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
98-08-11 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-10491. Docket 98-NM-126-
AD.
Applicability: Model MD-11 and MD-11F series airplanes, having
manufacturer's fuselage numbers 0447 through 0552 inclusive, and
0554 through 0620 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 (c) 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 a hole in the fuel feed pipe of the number 2 engine
caused by electrical arcing, and consequent fuel leakage and
possible ignition of the fuel vapors, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 7 days after the effective date of this AD, open the
circuit breaker of the pneumatic sense line heater tape, install an
inoperative ring, and coil and stow the electrical wire to the
circuit breaker of the pneumatic sense line heater tape, in
accordance with Phase 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-36A030, dated April 2,
1998. Accomplishment of these actions deactivates the pneumatic
sense line heater tape.
Note 2: The pneumatic sense line heater tape of the number 2
engine has been deactivated. This deactivation may cause a nuisance
shutdown of the bleed air system of the number 2 engine at top of
descent.
(b) Accomplishment of the inspection to determine if adequate
clearance exists between the fuel feed pipe and pneumatic sense
lines, and repositioning of pneumatic sense lines, if necessary, in
accordance with Phase 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-36A030, dated April 2,
1998; constitutes terminating action for the deactivation of the
pneumatic sense line heater tape.
(c) 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 3: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of
[[Page 20068]]
compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Los
Angeles ACO.
(d) 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.
(e) The actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell
Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-36A030, dated April 2, 1998.
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 The Boeing Company, Douglas Products
Division, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846,
Attention: Technical Publications Business Administration, Dept. 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.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on April 28, 1998, to all
persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately
effective by emergency AD 98-08-11, issued on April 6, 1998, which
contained the requirements of this amendment.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 16, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-10774 Filed 4-22-98; 8:45 am]
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