[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 168 (Tuesday, August 31, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 47438-47440]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-22530]


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 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 168 / Tuesday, August 31, 1999 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 47438]]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-167-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the supersedure of two existing 
airworthiness directives (AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas 
Model MD-11 series airplanes, that currently require inspections in the 
lower center cargo compartment at frame 1681 to verify that a certain 
bracket and a certain open face nylon clamp were installed to a 
specific wire bundle support and to detect damage of the subject wire 
bundle; and corrective actions, if necessary. Those AD's were prompted 
by an incident in which the insulation blanket in the lower center 
cargo compartment was found to be burnt due to a missing wiring harness 
support bracket/clamp on a wire bundle. This action would require a 
similar inspection and corrective actions required by the existing AD's 
and would remove certain airplanes from the applicability of the 
existing AD's. This action also would add a requirement to install a 
wire assembly support bracket, clamp, and spacer, or revise the wire 
assembly support bracket and clamp installation; as applicable. The 
actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent sparks, 
smoke, and possible fire in the lower center cargo compartment.

DATES: Comments must be received by October 15, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-167-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, 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: 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:

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 99-NM-167-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. 99-NM-167-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    On April 15, 1999, the FAA issued AD 99-08-51, amendment 39-11138 
(64 FR 22544, April 27, 1999), which is applicable to certain McDonnell 
Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes. (These airplanes are equipped 
with a 72-inch cargo door and use the light-weight cargo handling 
system.) That AD requires visual inspections under the floorboards in 
the lower center cargo compartment at frame 1681 to verify that a 
certain bracket and a certain open face nylon clamp are installed to a 
specific support wire bundle and to detect damage of the subject wire 
bundle; repair of damaged wiring; and installation of certain silicone 
rubber coated with a glass cloth protective wrap around the wire 
bundle, if necessary. That action was prompted by an incident in which 
the insulation blanket between frames 1661 and 1681 in the lower center 
cargo compartment was found to be burnt due to a missing wiring harness 
support bracket/clamp on the wire bundle at frame 1681. The 
requirements of that AD are intended to ensure that such a wire harness 
support bracket/clamp is installed; a missing bracket/clamp could cause 
the wire bundle to chafe against the frame, which could result in 
sparks, smoke, and possible fire in the lower center cargo compartment.
    After issuance of AD 99-08-51, the FAA determined that the wire 
routing on McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes that are 
equipped with a 72-inch cargo door and use any cargo handling system 
must also be inspected. Therefore, on April 23, 1999, the FAA issued a 
similar action [i.e., AD 99-09-51, amendment 39-11154 (64 FR 23179, 
April 30, 1999)], to address these

[[Page 47439]]

additional airplanes that were not included in the applicability of AD 
99-08-51.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

    Since the issuance of AD 99-08-51 and AD 99-09-51, the FAA has 
determined that inspecting the wire assembly, structure, and blankets 
for evidence of arcing and chafing damage; and installing a support, 
clamp, and spacer, or revising the existing support installation to add 
a spacer; will further minimize the possibility of wire chafing.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin MD11-24A155, dated June 1, 1999. The service bulletin 
describes procedures for an inspection of the wire assembly, structure, 
and blankets for evidence of arcing burns and chafing damage under the 
center cargo compartment floor; installation of protective sleeving on 
the wire assembly in the area of the frame; and corrective actions, if 
necessary. The corrective actions involve repairing damaged wire and 
structure; and repairing or replacing the damaged blanket with a new 
blanket. For certain airplanes, the service bulletin also describes 
procedures for installation of a wire assembly support bracket, clamp, 
and spacer. For certain other airplanes, the service bulletin also 
describes procedures for revising the wire assembly support bracket and 
clamp installation. In addition, the service bulletin describes 
procedures for submitting a report of the inspection results to Boeing. 
Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletin 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 supersede AD 99-08-51 and AD 99-09-51 to require 
accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletin 
described previously, except as discussed below.

Differences Between the Proposed AD and Relevant Service 
Information

    McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A155, dated June 1, 
1999, specifies that certain corrective actions required by this 
proposed AD may be accomplished in accordance with ``operator's shop 
practice.'' However, this proposed AD requires that the actions be 
accomplished in accordance with the procedures specified in ``Chapter 
25 of the Aircraft Maintenance Manual.'' An ``operator's shop 
practice'' may be used only if approved as an alternative method of 
compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD.
    Operators should note that although the referenced service bulletin 
recommends that operators submit a report of the inspection results to 
Boeing, this proposed AD does not require such reporting. As a result 
of the reporting requirements in AD's 99-08-51 and 99-09-51, the FAA 
has received an adequate amount of inspection reports from operators to 
identify the affected aircraft configurations and determine the proper 
corrective action.

Explanation of Changes to the Applicability

    Operators also should note that the applicability of the proposed 
AD differs from the applicability of AD's 99-08-51 and 99-09-51. 
Subsequent to issuance of AD 99-08-51, one of the affected airplanes 
was involved in a hull loss accident. Subsequent to issuance of AD 99-
09-51, investigation revealed that twelve early production aircraft had 
adequate wire routing such that the potential for wire assembly chafing 
was adequately minimized. Therefore, these airplanes have been removed 
from the applicability of this proposed AD.

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 proposed 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.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 183 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 63 airplanes of U.S. registry 
would be affected by this proposed AD.
    It would take approximately 1 work hour to accomplish the proposed 
inspection, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of the inspection proposed by this AD on 
U.S. operators is estimated to be $3,780, or $60 per airplane.
    It would take approximately 1 work hour to accomplish the proposed 
modification, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. The cost 
of required parts would be nominal. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the modification proposed by this AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $3,780, or $60 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the current or proposed 
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 manufacturer warranty remedies are available 
for some labor costs associated with accomplishing the proposed 
actions. Therefore, the future economic cost impact of this rule on 
U.S. operators may be less than the cost impact figures indicated 
above.

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:

[[Page 47440]]

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 removing amendment 39-11138 (64 FR 
22544, April 27, 1999) and amendment 39-11154 (64 FR 23179, April 30, 
1999), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), to read as 
follows:

McDonnell Douglas: Docket 99-NM-167-AD. Supersedes AD 99-08-51, 
amendment 39-11138; and AD 99-09-51, amendment 39-11154.

    Applicability: Model MD-11 series airplanes, as listed in 
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A155, dated June 1, 
1999; 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 sparks, smoke and possible fire in the lower center 
cargo compartment, accomplish the following:

Phase 1: Inspection and Corrective Actions

    (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform 
an inspection of the wire assembly, structure, and blankets for 
evidence of arcing burns and chafing damage under the center cargo 
compartment floor, in accordance with Phase 1 of the Work 
Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-
24A155, dated June 1, 1999.
    (1) Condition 1. If no arcing or chafing damage is detected, 
prior to further flight, install protective sleeving on the wire 
assembly in the area of the frame in accordance with the service 
bulletin.
    (2) Condition 2. If any damaged wire, structure, or blanket is 
detected, prior to further flight, accomplish the actions specified 
in paragraphs (a)(2)(i), (a)(2)(ii), and (a)(2)(iii) of this AD.
    (i) Repair damaged wire and structure in accordance with the 
service bulletin.
    (ii) Repair or replace any damaged blanket with a new blanket, 
in accordance with Chapter 25 of the Aircraft Maintenance Manual; 
however, insulation blankets made of metallized 
polyethyleneteraphthalate (MPET) may not be used.
    (iii) Install protective sleeving on the wire assembly in the 
area of the frame in accordance with the service bulletin.

    Note 2: Accomplishment of the actions required by AD 99-08-51, 
amendment 39-11138, and AD 99-09-51, amendment 39-11154, prior to 
the effective date of this AD is considered acceptable for 
compliance with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD.

Phase 2: Modification

    (b) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, 
accomplish the actions specified in paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of 
this AD, as applicable, in accordance with Phase 2 of the Work 
Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-
24A155, dated June 1, 1999.
    (1) For airplanes identified as Group 1 in the service bulletin: 
Install the wire assembly support bracket, clamp, and spacer.
    (2) For airplanes identified as Group 2 in the service bulletin: 
Revise the wire assembly support bracket and clamp installation.

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 3: 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 August 24, 1999.
Vi L. Lipski,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-22530 Filed 8-30-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P