[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 223 (Friday, November 19, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63190-63192]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-30055]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-167-AD; Amendment 39-11427; AD 99-24-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes 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. This amendment requires a similar 
inspection and corrective actions required by the existing AD's and 
removes certain airplanes from the applicability of the existing AD's. 
This amendment also adds a requirement to install a wire assembly 
support bracket, clamp, and spacer, or revise the wire assembly support 
bracket and clamp installation; as applicable. This amendment is 
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. The actions specified 
by this AD are intended to prevent sparks, smoke, and possible fire in 
the lower center cargo compartment.

DATES: Effective December 27, 1999.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of December 27, 1999.

ADDRESSES: 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 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: 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: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 99-08-51, 
amendment 39-11138 (64 FR 22544, April 27, 1999), and AD 99-09-51, 
amendment 39-11154 (64 FR 23179, April 30, 1999), which are applicable 
to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes, was 
published in the Federal Register on August 31, 1999 (64 FR 47438). The 
action proposed to require 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. For certain airplanes, the action proposed to require 
installation of a wire assembly support bracket, clamp, and spacer. For 
certain other airplanes, the action proposal to require revising the 
wire assembly support bracket and clamp installation.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due

[[Page 63191]]

consideration has been given to the single comment received.
    The commenter supports the proposed rule.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comment 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

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 
will be affected by this AD.
    It will take approximately 1 work hour to accomplish the 
inspection, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of the inspection required by this AD on 
U.S. operators is estimated to be $3,780, or $60 per airplane.
    It will take approximately 1 work hour to accomplish the 
modification, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. The cost 
of required parts will be nominal. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the modification required 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 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 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), amendment 39-
11427, to read as follows:

99-24-03  McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-11427. 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.

[[Page 63192]]

Incorporation by Reference

    (e) Except as provided by paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this AD, the 
actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert 
Service Bulletin MD11-24A155, dated June 1, 1999. 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 December 27, 1999.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 10, 1999.
D.L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-30055 Filed 11-18-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U