[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 226 (Tuesday, November 24, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 64846-64848]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-31171]
[[Page 64846]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 97-NM-14-AD; Amendment 39-10902; AD 98-24-17]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, -30,
and -40 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 DC-10-10, -30, and -40
series airplanes, that requires replacement of certain taper-lok
attachments and forward trunnion bolts with new components that attach
the left and right main landing gear (MLG) to each wing. This amendment
is prompted by a report indicating that, due to overstrength of the
forward trunnion bolt, an MLG broke away and ruptured a wing fuel tank
while an airplane was being operated off the runway. The actions
specified by this AD are intended to ensure that the MLG separates from
the wing when it is subjected to unpredictable overloads during
abnormal operations, and to prevent consequent primary structural
damage to the airplane.
DATES: Effective December 29, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of December 29, 1998.
ADDRESSES: 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 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: Ronald Atmur, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification
Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712; telephone
(562) 627-5224; fax (562) 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
DC-10-10, -30, and -40 series airplanes was published in the Federal
Register on January 22, 1998 (63 FR 3267). That action proposed to
require replacement of certain taper-lok attachments and forward
trunnion bolts with new components that attach the left and right main
landing gear (MLG) to each wing.
Comments Received
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the comments received.
Support for the Proposal
Several commenters support the proposed rule.
Request to Extend Compliance Time
One commenter requests that the compliance time for accomplishing
the proposed replacement of certain taper-lok attachments and forward
trunnion bolts be extended from the proposed 5 years to 6 years. The
commenter states that such an extension will allow the replacement to
be accomplished during a regularly scheduled heavy maintenance visit,
and thereby eliminate any additional expenses that would be associated
with special scheduling. The FAA does not concur. In developing an
appropriate compliance time for this action, the FAA considered not
only the degree of urgency associated with addressing the unsafe
condition, the availability of required parts, normal maintenance
schedules, and the significant amount of time that is necessary to
perform the replacement. In consideration of all of these factors, the
FAA has determined that further delay of this replacement is not
appropriate. However, under the provision of paragraph (g) of the final
rule, the FAA may approve requests for adjustments to the compliance
time if sufficient data are submitted to substantiate that such an
adjustment would provide an acceptable level of safety.
Request That Credit Be Given for Previous Replacements
One commenter recommends that the FAA revise the proposed rule to
specify that operators will be given ``credit'' for having previously
accomplished the actions specified in the proposed rule. The FAA does
not consider that a change to the final rule is necessary. Operators
are given credit for work previously performed by means of the phrase
in the ``Compliance'' section of the AD that states, ``Required as
indicated, unless accomplished previously.'' Therefore, in the case of
this AD, if the required replacement has been accomplished prior to the
effective date of this AD, this AD does not require that it be
repeated.
Request That the Forward Trunnion Bolt Be Inspected
One commenter requests that the FAA ensure that the ``forward''
trunnion bolt is replaced, not the ``aft'' trunnion bolt. The FAA finds
that the forward trunnion bolt was addressed correctly in the proposed
rule. No change to the final rule is necessary.
Request To Ensure That Other AD's Do Not Conflict With This AD
One commenter requests that the FAA ensure that requirements of AD
96-16-01, amendment 39-9701 (61 FR 39312, July 29, 1996), and AD 96-03-
05, amendment 39-9502 (61 FR 5281, February 12, 1996), do not conflict
with the requirements of the proposed AD. The commenter states that
these two AD's already require installation and modification of the
trunnion bolts in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletins
DC10-57-78 and DC10-57-82. The commenter also states that these AD's
have introduced a new trunnion bolt part number for Model DC-10-30
series airplanes (reference McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC10-32-
239, Revision 1) that is not included in Service Bulletin DC10-57-82.
The FAA finds that clarification is necessary. Both AD 96-16-01 and
AD 96-03-05 require either removing the chrome plating on the trunnion
bolt, replacing the plating, and reinstalling the reworked bolt; or
replacing the trunnion bolt with a serviceable bolt. Replacement of the
subject trunnion bolts in accordance with either of these AD's
constitutes terminating action for the requirement to replace the
trunnion bolts, as required by paragraphs (a)(2), (c)(1), and (c)(2) of
this AD. The FAA has revised the final rule by including new paragraphs
(e) and (f) to clarify this point. Paragraph (d) of this AD also
addresses a similar point for Model DC-10-30 and DC-10-40 series
airplanes.
Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, including the comments
noted above, the FAA has determined that air
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safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule with
the changes previously described. The FAA has determined that these
changes will neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor
increase the scope of the AD.
Cost Impact
For McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10 Series Airplanes
There are approximately 119 Model DC-10-10 series airplanes of the
affected design in the worldwide fleet, and 108 airplanes of U.S.
registry that will be affected by the requirements for replacement of
taper-lok attachments and forward trunnion bolts. The FAA estimates
that it will take approximately 462 work hours per airplane to
accomplish these required actions, and that the average labor rate is
$60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $47,000 per
airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of these required
actions on U.S. operators is estimated to be $8,069,760, or $74,720 per
airplane.
There are approximately 111 Model DC-10-10 series airplanes of the
affected design in the worldwide fleet, and 82 airplanes of U.S.
registry that will be affected by the requirements for replacement of
larger attach bolts and installation of bolt retainers. The FAA
estimates that it will take approximately 500 work hours per airplane
to accomplish these required actions, and that the average labor rate
is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $11,734
per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of these required
actions on U.S. operators is estimated to be $3,422,188, or $41,734 per
airplane.
For McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-30 and DC-10-40 Series
Airplanes
There are approximately 168 Model DC-10-30 and DC-10-40 series
airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet, and 82
airplanes of U.S. registry that are identified as Groups I and II
airplanes in the relevant service bulletins and that will be affected
by the requirements for replacement of larger attach bolts,
installation of bolt retainers, and replacement of forward trunnion
bolts. The FAA estimates that it will take approximately 576 work hours
per airplane to accomplish these required actions, and that the average
labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately
$20,000 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of these
required actions on U.S. operators is estimated to be $4,473,920, or
$54,560 per airplane.
There are approximately 20 Model DC-10-30 and DC-10-40 series
airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet, and 6
airplanes of U.S. registry that are identified as Group III airplanes
in the relevant service bulletins and that will be affected by the
requirements for replacement of forward trunnion bolts. The FAA
estimates that it will take approximately 76 work hours per airplane to
accomplish this required action, and that the average labor rate is $60
per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $15,800 per
airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this required
action on U.S. operators is estimated to be $122,160, or $20,360 per
airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above 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.
However, the FAA has been advised that the following actions have
been accomplished on Model DC-10-10 series airplanes in accordance with
the requirements of this AD:
Taper-lok attachments and forward trunnion bolts have been
replaced on 77 U.S.-registered airplanes. Therefore, the future
economic cost impact of those actions on U.S. operators is now only
$2,316,320.
Larger attach bolts have been replaced and bolt retainers
have been installed on 77 U.S.-registered airplanes. Therefore, the
future economic cost impact of those actions on U.S. operators is now
only $208,670.
The FAA also has been advised that the following actions have been
accomplished on Model DC-10-30 and DC-10-40 series airplanes in
accordance with the requirements of this AD:
Forward trunnion bolts and larger attach bolts have been
replaced and bolt retainers have been installed on 40 U.S.-registered
airplanes identified as Groups I and II airplanes in the relevant
service bulletins. Therefore, the future economic cost impact of those
actions on U.S. operators is now only $2,291,520.
Forward trunnion bolts have been replaced on 3 U.S.-
registered airplanes identified as Group III airplanes in the relevant
service bulletins. Therefore, the future economic cost impact of this
action on U.S. operators is now only $61,080.
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:
98-24-17 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-10902. Docket 97-NM-14-AD.
Applicability: Model DC-10-10, DC-10-30, and DC-10-40 series
airplanes, certificated in any category; as listed in the following
McDonnell Douglas service bulletins:
McDonnell Douglas DC-10 Service Bulletin 57-78,
Revision 1, dated August 26, 1986;
McDonnell Douglas DC-10 Service Bulletin 57-79,
Revision 1, dated September 21, 1979, as revised by McDonnell
Douglas DC-10 Service Bulletin Change Notification 57-79, dated
January 23, 1980; and
McDonnell Douglas DC-10 Service Bulletin 57-82, dated
February 19, 1980.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability
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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 (g) 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 ensure that the main landing gear (MLG) separates from the
wing when it is subjected to unpredictable overloads during abnormal
operations, and to prevent consequent primary structural damage to
the airplane, accomplish the following:
(a) For Model DC-10-10 series airplanes, as listed in McDonnell
Douglas DC-10 Service Bulletin 57-78, Revision 1, dated August 26,
1986: Within 5 years after the effective date of this AD, accomplish
the requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD, in
accordance with the service bulletin.
(1) Replace 24 TL taper-lok attachments that attach the left and
right MLG attach fitting assemblies on each wing with heat-treat TLH
taper-lok attachments in accordance with the service bulletin. And
(2) Replace each forward trunnion bolt on the left and right MLG
of each wing with a ``zero margin'' trunnion bolt in accordance with
the service bulletin.
Note 2: Replacement of taper-lok attachments and forward
trunnion bolts accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD
in accordance with McDonnell Douglas DC-10 Service Bulletin 57-78,
dated February 19, 1980, is considered acceptable for compliance
with the requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD.
(b) For Model DC-10-10 series airplanes, as listed in McDonnell
Douglas DC-10 Service Bulletin 57-79, Revision 1, dated September
21, 1979, as revised by McDonnell Douglas DC-10 Service Bulletin
Change Notification 57-79, dated January 23, 1980: Within 5 years
after the effective date of this AD, replace each 1\1/2\-inch-
diameter bolt and bushing that attach the left and right MLG attach
fitting and rear spar of each wing with a 1\1/4\-inch-diameter bolt,
and install bolt retainers, in accordance with the service bulletin
and service bulletin change notification.
Note 3: Replacement of 1\1/2\-inch-diameter bolts and
installation of bolt retainers prior to the effective date of this
AD in accordance with McDonnell Douglas DC-10 Service Bulletin 57-
79, dated June 5, 1979, are considered acceptable for compliance
with the requirements of paragraph (b) of this AD.
(c) For Model DC-10-30 and DC-10-40 series airplanes: Except as
provided by paragraph (d) of this AD, within 5 years after the
effective date of this AD, accomplish the requirements of paragraph
(c)(1) or (c)(2) of this AD, as applicable, in accordance with
McDonnell Douglas DC-10 Service Bulletin 57-82, dated February 19,
1980.
(1) For airplanes identified as Groups I and II in the service
bulletin: Replace each forward trunnion bolt on the left and right
MLG of each wing with a ``zero margin'' forward trunnion bolt;
replace each 1\1/2\-inch-diameter bolt and bushing that attach the
left and right MLG attach fitting and rear spar of each wing with a
1\1/4\-inch-diameter bolt, and install bolt retainers, in accordance
with the service bulletin.
(2) For airplanes identified as Group III in the service
bulletin: Replace each forward trunnion bolt on the left and right
MLG of each wing with a ``zero margin'' trunnion bolt in accordance
with the service bulletin.
(d) For Model DC-10-30 and DC-10-40 series airplanes:
Installation of a trunnion bolt having part number (P/N) ARG7558-501
or P/N ARG7558-507 on the MLG, in accordance with AD 96-03-05,
amendment 39-9502, constitutes terminating action for the
requirement to replace the trunnion bolts for that landing gear, as
required in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
(e) For Model DC-10-30 and DC-10-40 series airplanes:
Replacement of the trunnion bolts with a serviceable part in
accordance with paragraph (c)(1)(ii)(B) of AD 96-03-05, amendment
39-9502, constitutes terminating action for the requirement to
replace the trunnion bolts, as required in paragraphs (c)(1) and
(c)(2) of this AD.
(f) For Model DC-10-10 series airplanes: Replacement of the
trunnion bolts with a serviceable part in accordance with paragraph
(a)(1)(ii)(B) of AD 96-16-01, amendment 39-9701, constitutes
terminating action for the requirement to replace the trunnion
bolts, as required in paragraph (a)(2) of this AD.
(g) 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 4: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Los Angeles ACO.
(h) 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.
(i) The actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell
Douglas DC-10 Service Bulletin 57-78, Revision 1, dated August 26,
1986; McDonnell Douglas DC-10 Service Bulletin 57-79, Revision 1,
dated September 21, 1979, as revised by McDonnell Douglas DC-10
Service Bulletin Change Notification 57-79, dated January 23, 1980;
and McDonnell Douglas DC-10 Service Bulletin 57-82, dated February
19, 1980. 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.
(j) This amendment becomes effective on December 29, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 16, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-31171 Filed 11-23-98; 8:45 am]
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