[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 77 (Thursday, April 22, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19691-19693]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-9734]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-42-AD; Amendment 39-11133; AD 99-09-01]
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 visual inspection to verify that the 
channel flanges of the bracket installations are facing forward and to 
detect chafing or damage of the wire bundles of the center accessory 
compartment (CAC), and corrective actions, if necessary. This amendment 
also requires that operators submit a report of the inspection results 
to the FAA. This amendment is prompted by an incident in which sparks 
and smoke came out of the CAC during a functional test due to a wire 
bundle that had chafed against a support bracket installation, which 
was installed improperly during production of the airplane. The actions 
specified in this AD are intended to ensure that such bracket 
installations are installed properly. Improper installation of the 
brackets of the CAC could cause chafing of the wire bundles, which 
could result in sparks, smoke, and possible fire in the CAC.

DATES: Effective May 7, 1999.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of May 7, 1999.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before June 21, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-42-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
Boeing Commercial Aircraft Group, Long Beach 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, 
ANM-130L, FAA, Transport Airplane

[[Page 19692]]

Directorate, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount 
Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712; telephone (562) 627-5350; fax 
(562) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: As part of its practice of re-examining all 
aspects of the service experience of a particular aircraft whenever an 
accident occurs, the FAA has become aware of an incident of sparks and 
smoke coming out of the right side of the center accessory compartment 
(CAC). This incident occurred on a McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series 
airplane during a modification functional test.
    Investigation revealed the source of the sparks and smoke to be a 
wire bundle that had chafed against a support bracket installation. A 
similar condition was noted on the left side of the CAC. The cause of 
such chafing has been attributed to improper installation (i.e., flange 
facing aft) of the brackets during production of the airplane. (This 
incident is not considered to be related to an accident that occurred 
off the coast of Nova Scotia involving a McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 
series airplane. The cause of that accident is still under 
investigation.)
    Improper installation of the brackets of the CAC could cause 
chafing of the wire bundles, which could result in sparks, smoke, and 
possible fire in the CAC.

Other Related Rulemaking

    The FAA, in conjunction with Boeing and operators of Model MD-11 
series airplanes, is continuing to review all aspects of the service 
history of those airplanes to identify potential unsafe conditions and 
to take appropriate corrective actions. This airworthiness directive 
(AD) is one of a series of actions identified during that process. The 
process is continuing and the FAA may consider additional rulemaking 
actions as further results of the review become available.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin MD11-24A139, dated November 23, 1998. The alert service 
bulletin describes procedures for a visual inspection to verify that 
the channel flanges of the bracket installations are facing forward and 
to detect chafing or damage of the wire bundles on the left and right 
sides of the center accessory compartment, and corrective actions, if 
necessary. The corrective actions include removing bracket 
installations that are facing aft; retaining bracket attaching hardware 
and wire clamps; reinstalling the bracket with flanges facing forward; 
reinstalling clamps; and repairing chafed or damaged wire bundles. 
Accomplishment of the actions specified in the alert service bulletin 
is intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition.

Explanation of the Requirements of the Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series 
airplanes of the same type design, this AD is being issued to ensure 
that the support bracket installations are installed properly. Improper 
installation of the brackets of the CAC could cause chafing of the wire 
bundles, which result in sparks, smoke, and possible fire in the CAC. 
This AD requires a visual inspection to verify that the channel flanges 
of the bracket installations are facing forward and to detect chafing 
or damage of the wire bundles on the left and right sides of the center 
accessory compartment, and corrective actions, if necessary. The 
actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with the alert 
service bulletin described previously. This AD also requires that 
operators submit a report of the inspection results to the FAA.

Differences Between the AD and the Referenced Alert Service 
Bulletin

    Operators should note that, although the alert service bulletin 
recommends accomplishing the visual inspection within 6 months (after 
the release of the service bulletin), the FAA has determined that an 
interval of 6 months would not address the identified unsafe condition 
in a timely manner. In developing an appropriate compliance time for 
this AD, the FAA considered not only the manufacturer's recommendation, 
but the degree of urgency associated with addressing the subject unsafe 
condition, the average utilization of the affected fleet, and the time 
necessary to perform the inspection (two work hours). In light of all 
of these factors, the FAA finds a 60-day compliance time for initiating 
the required actions to be warranted, in that it represents an 
appropriate interval of time allowable for affected airplanes to 
continue to operate without compromising safety.

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 99-NM-42-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

[[Page 19693]]

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:

99-09-01  McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-11133. Docket 99-NM-42-AD.

    Applicability: Model MD-11 series airplanes, manufacturer's 
fuselage numbers 0447 through 0464 inclusive, 0466 through 0552 
inclusive, and 0554 through 0618 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 ensure that the support bracket installations of the center 
accessory compartment (CAC) are installed properly, accomplish the 
following:

Visual Inspection

    (a) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, perform 
a visual inspection to verify that the channel flanges of the 
bracket installations are facing forward and to detect chafing or 
damage of the wire bundles on the left and right sides of the CAC, 
in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-
24A139, dated November 23, 1998.

Condition 1

    (1) If all bracket installations are facing forward, and if no 
chafing or damage is detected, no further action is required by this 
AD.

Condition 2

    (2) If any bracket installation is facing aft, prior to further 
flight, remove and retain bracket attaching hardware and wire 
clamps, reinstall the bracket with flanges facing forward, and 
reinstall clamps, in accordance with the alert service bulletin.
    (3) If any chafing or damage is detected, prior to further 
flight, repair in accordance with the alert service bulletin.

Reporting Requirement

    (b) Within 10 days after accomplishing the inspection required 
by paragraph (a) of this AD, submit a report of the inspection 
results (both positive and negative findings) to the Manager, Los 
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-
4137; fax (562) 627-5210. Information collection requirements 
contained in this regulation have been approved by the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been 
assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (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 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Los Angeles ACO.

Special Flight Permits

    (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.

Incorporation by Reference

    (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell 
Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A139, dated November 23, 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 Boeing Commercial Aircraft Group, 
Long Beach 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 7, 1999.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 13, 1999.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-9734 Filed 4-21-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P