[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 86 (Tuesday, May 5, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24742-24744]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-11808]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-NM-131-AD; Amendment 39-10512; AD 98-10-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series
airplanes. This action requires a revision of the Airplane Flight
Manual to alert the flightcrew that both flight management computers
(FMC's) must be installed and operational. This AD also requires an
inspection to determine the serial number of the FMCs, and follow-on
corrective actions, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by a
report indicating that, due to incorrect multiplexers that were
installed in the flight management computer system (FMC'S) during
production, certain data busses failed simultaneously during a ground
test. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent loss of
airspeed and altitude indications on both primary flight displays in
the cockpit, and/or loss or degradation of the autopilot functionality
due to installation of incorrect multiplexers, and consequent failure
of the data busses.
DATES: Effective May 20, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the
[[Page 24743]]
regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of
May 20, 1998.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before July 6, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-NM-131-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
The service information referenced in this AD 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: Brett Portwood, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount
Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5350;
fax (562) 627-5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA received a report indicating that,
during a routine ground test on an Airbus Model A310 series airplane,
which included a power-down test of the Honeywell Flight Management
Computer System (FMCS), multiple ARINC 429 data busses failed
simultaneously. Investigation revealed that a batch of incorrect
multiplexers were installed in the FMCS during production, which can
cause loading of the ARINC 429 data busses when the flight management
computer (FMC) is de-energized. This condition, if not corrected, could
result in loss of airspeed and altitude indications on both primary
flight displays in the cockpit and/or loss or degradation of the
autopilot functionality.
Similar Airplanes
The FMCS of Airbus Model A310 series airplanes is similar in design
to that of McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes. Therefore,
the FAA has determined that Model MD-11 series airplanes may be subject
to the same unsafe condition. The FAA has been advised that the
Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the
airworthiness authority for France, may consider issuing a parallel
French airworthiness directive to correct the identified unsafe
condition on Airbus Model A310 series airplanes.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
The FAA has reviewed and approved McDonnell Douglas Alert Service
Bulletin MD11-34A083, dated April 6, 1998, which describes procedures
for a visual inspection to determine the serial number of the FMC's,
and follow-on corrective actions, if necessary. The follow-on
corrective actions include, for any airplane on which an affected
serial number is found, a visual inspection to determine the part
number of the multiplexer, and modification of certain multiplexers. In
addition, the alert service bulletin describes procedures for a
functional test of the FMC in the flight compartment to determine if an
incorrect multiplexer is installed, and corrective actions, if
necessary.
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-34A083, dated April
6, 1998, references Honeywell Service Bulletin 4059050-34-0011, dated
March 12, 1998, as an additional source of service information.
Explanation of the Requirements of the Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design, this AD is
being issued to prevent loss of airspeed and altitude indications on
both primary flight displays in the cockpit, and/or loss or degradation
of the autopilot functionality as a result of incorrect multiplexers
installed in the FMCS. This AD requires revising the Limitations
Section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to alert the
flightcrew that, prior to dispatch, both FMC's must be installed and
operational.
This AD also requires accomplishment of the actions specified in
the alert service bulletin described previously, except as discussed
below.
Differences Between Rule and Alert Service Bulletin
Operators should note that, although the alert service bulletin
describes procedures for a functional test, this AD does not require
that functional test. The FAA has determined that the functional test
does not positively indicate that an incorrect multiplexer is
installed.
Interim Action
This is considered to be interim action. The FAA is considering
further rulemaking action to supersede this AD to require modification
of any FMC that does not have an affected serial number (i.e.,
Condition 2 of the Work Instructions in the referenced alert service
bulletin). However, the planned compliance time for these actions is
sufficiently long so that notice and opportunity for prior public
comment will be practicable.
Determination of Rule's Effective Date
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 98-NM-131-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
[[Page 24744]]
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:
98-10-01 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-10512. Docket 98-NM-131-
AD.
Applicability: Model MD-11 series airplanes, manufacturer's
fuselage numbers 0447 through 0552 inclusive, and 0554 through 0621
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 loss of airspeed and altitude indications on both
primary flight displays in the cockpit and/or loss or degradation of
the autopilot functionality, due to installation of incorrect
multiplexers in the flight management computer system (FMCS),
accomplish the following:
(a) Within 5 days after the effective date of this AD, revise
Section 1, page 5-1 of the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved
Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to include the following statement.
This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD into the
AFM.
``Prior to dispatch of the airplane, both Flight Management
Computer 1 (FMC-1) and FMC-2 must be installed and operational.''
(b) Within 45 days after the effective date of this AD, perform
a visual inspection to determine the serial number of the flight
management computers (FMC), in accordance with McDonnell Douglas
Alert Service Bulletin MD11-34A083, dated April 6, 1998. After this
inspection is accomplished, the AFM revision required by paragraph
(a) of this AD may be removed from the AFM.
(1) If no affected serial number is found, no further action is
required by this paragraph.
(2) If any affected serial number is found, prior to further
flight, perform a visual inspection to determine the part number (P/
N) of the multiplexer, in accordance with the alert service
bulletin. If any affected P/N is found, prior to further flight,
modify the multiplexer in accordance with the alert service
bulletin.
Note 2: McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-34A083,
dated April 6, 1998, references Honeywell Service Bulletin 4059050-
34-0011, dated March 12, 1998, as an additional source of service
information.
(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 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) Except as provided for in paragraph (a) of this AD, the
actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert
Service Bulletin MD11-34A083, dated April 6, 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 May 20, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 28, 1998.
John J. Hickey,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-11808 Filed 5-4-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U