[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 134 (Wednesday, July 14, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 37911-37913]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-17863]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-381-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9, DC-9-80, 
and C-9 (Military) Series Airplanes, and Model MD-88 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model 
DC-9, DC-9-80, and C-9 (military) series airplanes, and Model MD-88 
airplanes. This proposal would require a one-time inspection to 
determine the type of engine ignition switch installed in the hinged 
forward overhead switch panel, and replacement of certain rotary 
ignition switches with new design rotary ignition switches. This 
proposal is prompted by reports of smoke in the flight compartment 
during engine ignition selection. The actions specified by the proposed 
AD are intended to prevent an internal electrical short in the engine 
ignition switch, which could result in smoke in the flight compartment.

DATES: Comments must be received by August 30, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-NM-381-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 Boeing Commercial Aircraft Group, Long Beach Division, 
3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: 
Technical Publications Business Administration,

[[Page 37912]]

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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Baitoo, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140L, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Los 
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, 
Lakewood, California 90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5245; fax (562) 
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 98-NM-381-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-114, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 98-NM-381-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The FAA has received reports of smoke in the flight compartment 
during engine ignition selection on certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-
9 series airplanes. Investigation has determined the probable cause to 
be moisture precipitated within the rotary ignition switch, which 
caused an internal electrical short in the switch. This condition, if 
not corrected, could result in smoke in the flight compartment.
    The subject area on certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-80 series 
airplanes, Model MD-88 airplanes, and C-9 (military) series airplanes 
is identical to that on the affected Model DC-9 series airplanes. 
Therefore, all of these airplanes may be subject to the same unsafe 
condition.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved McDonnell Douglas Service 
Bulletin DC9-74-001, dated May 23, 1997, and McDonnell Douglas Alert 
Service Bulletin DC9-74A001, Revision 01, dated October 26, 1998, which 
describe procedures for a one-time inspection to determine the type of 
engine ignition switch (rotary or toggle) installed in the hinged 
forward overhead switch panel, and replacement of certain rotary 
ignition switches with new design rotary ignition switches. 
Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletins is 
intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition.

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 require accomplishment of the actions specified in 
the service bulletins described previously.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 2,000 airplanes of the affected design in 
the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 1,000 airplanes of U.S. 
registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take 
approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the proposed 
inspection, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based 
on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators 
is estimated to be $60,000, or $60 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no operator has yet accomplished any of the 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 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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

McDonnell Douglas: Docket 98-NM-381-AD.

    Applicability: Model DC-9-10, -20, -30, -40, and -50 series 
airplanes; Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), 
and DC-9-87 (MD-87) series airplanes; Model MD-88 airplanes; and C-9 
(military) series airplanes; as listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert 
Service Bulletin DC9-74A001, Revision 01, dated October 26, 1998; 
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

[[Page 37913]]

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 an internal electrical short in the engine ignition 
switch, which could result in smoke in the flight compartment, 
accomplish the following:

Inspection and Corrective Action

    (a) Within 8 months after the effective date of this AD, 
visually inspect the engine ignition switch to determine what type 
of switch (rotary or toggle) is installed in the hinged forward 
overhead switch panel, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service 
Bulletin DC9-74-001, dated May 23, 1997, or McDonnell Douglas Alert 
Service Bulletin DC9-74A001, Revision 01, dated October 26, 1998.
    (1) If the switch is a toggle type, no further action is 
required by this AD.
    (2) If the switch is a rotary type, prior to further flight, 
determine the switch part number in accordance with the service 
bulletin.
    (i) If the switch has part number 79-2318 (5D0423-2) or 79-2355, 
no further action is required by this AD.
    (ii) If the switch has any part number other than that 
identified in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this AD, prior to further 
flight, replace the engine ignition switch with a new design 
ignition switch in accordance with the service bulletin.

Spares Affected

    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
a five position rotary ignition type switch, part number 79-2055 
(5D0423-1), 69-1967, 53306-033, or 3600-3076, on any airplane.

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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 6, 1999.
D.L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-17863 Filed 7-13-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U