[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 17 (Wednesday, January 26, 2000)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 4190-4192]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-1773]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-211-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, -15, 
-30, -30F, and -40 Series Airplanes, and KC-10A (Military) 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-10-10, -15, -30, -30F, and -40 series airplanes, and KC-10A 
(military) airplanes. This proposal would require a one-time inspection 
of the wiring and wire bundles of the aft main avionics rack (MAR) to 
determine if the wires are damaged, or riding or chafing on structure, 
clamps, braces, standoffs, or clips, and to detect damaged or out of 
alignment rubber cushions inserts of the wiring clamps; and corrective 
actions, if necessary. This proposal is prompted by an incident in 
which the automatic and manual cargo door test in the cockpit was 
inoperative during dispatch of the airplane, due to wiring of the main 
avionics rack chafing against clamps as a result of the wire bundles 
being installed improperly during production of the airplane. The 
actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to ensure that the 
wires that route from the main wire bundles to the MAR and associated 
brackets, clamps, braces, standoffs, and clips are installed properly. 
Improper installation of such wiring and structure could cause chafing 
of the wires/wire bundles, which could result in electrical arcing, 
smoke, and possible fire in the MAR.

DATES:  Comments must be received by March 13, 2000.

ADDRESSES:  Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-211-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:  Natalie Phan-Tran, 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) 
627-5343; 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-211-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-211-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    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 in which the automatic and manual 
cargo door test in the cockpit was inoperative. This incident occurred 
on a McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplane during dispatch.
    Investigation revealed the insulation of a wire located on the aft 
main avionics rack (MAR) was worn through, and that the wire shorted to 
a coax clamp. The wires that route from the main wire bundles to the 
MAR also were found contacting clamps at other locations of the MAR. 
The cause of such chafing has been attributed to improper

[[Page 4191]]

installation of the wire bundles in the MAR during production of the 
airplane.
    Improper installation of the wires that route from the main wire 
bundles to the MAR or improper installation of the associated brackets, 
clamps, braces, standoffs, or clips could cause chafing of the wires/
wire bundles, which could result in electrical arcing, smoke, and 
possible fire in the MAR.
    The subject MAR on Model DC-10 series airplanes are similar to 
those on the affected McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes. 
Therefore, both of these airplanes may be subject to the same unsafe 
condition.

Other Related Rulemaking

    The FAA, in conjunction with Boeing and operators of Model DC-10 
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.
    On April 13, 1999, the FAA issued AD 99-09-03, amendment 39-11135 
(64 FR 19689, April 22, 1999), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas 
MD-11 series airplanes, to require one-time inspection of the wiring 
and wire bundles of the aft MAR to determine if the wires are damaged, 
or riding or chafing on structure, clamps, braces, standoffs, or clips, 
and to detect damaged or out of alignment rubber cushion inserts of the 
wiring clamps; and corrective actions, if necessary. However, this 
proposed AD would not affect the current requirements of that 
previously issued AD.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin DC10-24A165, dated April 14, 1999, which describes procedures 
for a one-time general visual inspection to determine if the wires are 
damaged, or riding or chafing on structure, clamps, braces, standoffs, 
or clips, and to detect damaged or out of alignment rubber cushion 
inserts of the wiring clamps; and corrective actions, if necessary. The 
corrective actions include repairing damaged wiring; routing and tying 
all wires/wire bundles so that they are not in contact with adjacent 
wire bundles, clamps, or structure; installing silicone rubber coated 
glass cloth wrapping on wiring; and a general visual inspection of all 
brackets, clamps, braces, standoffs, and clips to make sure they are 
not bent or twisted and come in contact with wires/wire bundles. 
Accomplishment of the actions specified in the alert 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 require accomplishment of the actions specified in 
the alert service bulletin described previously, except as discussed 
below.

Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Referenced Alert 
Service Bulletin

    The alert service bulletin specifies the following corrective 
actions for certain conditions: realigning the rubber cushion and 
replacing the clamp. However, the alert service bulletin does not 
provide any instructions for accomplishment of those procedures or 
reference other service information. The FAA has verified with the 
manufacturer that the appropriate source of service information for 
accomplishment of those procedures is McDonnell Douglas Process 
Engineering Order DPS 1.834-7, Revision CF, dated June 29, 1999. 
Therefore, this AD requires that those actions be accomplished in 
accordance with the process engineering order.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 412 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 300 airplanes of U.S. registry 
would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 
3 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed inspection of the 
wiring and wire bundles, and that the average labor rate is $60 per 
work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this inspection 
proposed by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $54,000, or 
$180 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 a substantial direct 
effect 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, it 
is determined that this proposal would not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132.
    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 ADDRESSESS.

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 99-NM-211-AD.

    Applicability: Model DC-10-10, -15, -30, -30F, and -40 series 
airplanes and KC-10A (military) airplanes, as listed in McDonnell 
Douglas Alert Service Bulletin DC10-24A165, dated April 14, 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 (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.

[[Page 4192]]

    To ensure that the wires that route from the main wire bundles to 
the main avionics rack (MAR) and associated brackets, clamps, braces, 
standoffs, and clips are installed properly, accomplish the following:

One-Time General Visual Inspection

    (a) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, perform 
a one-time general visual inspection of the wiring and wire bundles 
of the aft MAR to determine if the wires are damaged, or riding or 
chafing on structure, clamps, braces, standoffs, or clips, and to 
detect damaged or out of alignment rubber cushion inserts of the 
wiring clamps; in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin DC10-24A165, dated April 14, 1999.


    Note 2:  For the purposes of this AD, a general visual 
inspection is defined as ``A visual examination of an interior or 
exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, 
failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made under 
normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar 
lighting, flashlight, or drop-light, and may require removal or 
opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may 
be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.''


    Note 3:  Where there are differences between this AD and the 
referenced alert service bulletin, the AD prevails.


    Note 4:  The wording ``main avionics rack'' in this AD and the 
wording ``main radio rack'' in the alert service are used 
interchangeably.

Corrective Actions

    (b) If any damaged wring is detected during the inspection 
required by paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, 
repair in accordance with the alert service bulletin.
    (c) If any wire/wire bundle is detected to be riding or chafing 
on the subject areas during the inspection required by paragraph (a) 
of this AD, prior to further flight, accomplish paragraphs (c)(1), 
(c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD.
    (1) Route and tie all wires/wire bundles so they are not in 
contact with adjacent wire bundles, clamps or structure, and install 
silicon rubber coated glass cloth wrapping on wiring, if necessary, 
in accordance with the alert service bulletin.
    (2) Perform a general visual inspection of all brackets, clamps, 
braces, standoffs, and clips to make sure they are not bent or 
twisted and do not come in contact with wires/wire bundles, in 
accordance with the alert service bulletin. If any of these parts is 
bent or twisted or is in contact with wires/wire bundles, prior to 
further flight, reposition in accordance with the alert service 
bulletin.
    (3) Perform a general visual inspection of the clamps for proper 
alignment or for damage of the rubber cushion, in accordance with 
the alert service bulletin. If any clamp is not aligned properly, 
prior to further flight, realign the clamp in accordance with the 
alert service bulletin. If any rubber cushion is damaged, prior to 
further flight, replace the clamp in accordance with the alert 
service bulletin.
    (d) If any damaged rubber cushion insert is detected during the 
inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further 
flight, replace the clamp with a new or serviceable clamp in 
accordance with McDonnell Douglas Process Engineering Order DPS 
1.834-7, Revision CF, dated June 29, 1999.
    (e) If any rubber cushion insert is out of alignment, prior to 
further flight, visually realign the cushion.

Reporting Requirement

    (f) 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

    (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 ACO. 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 5:
     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

    (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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 20, 2000.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-1773 Filed 1-25-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U