[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 1, 2000)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 4788-4790]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-2007]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-267-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and MD-
11F Series 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 
MD-11 and MD-11F series airplanes. This proposal would require a one-
time detailed visual inspection of the generator power feeder wires to 
detect chafed or damage wires; repair, if necessary; and a modification 
of the generator power feeder wire installation. This proposal is 
prompted by reports of generator power feeder wire chafing on the 
closeout rib of the wing leading edge at a certain station due to 
insufficient clearance between the generator power feeder wires and the 
closeout rib. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to 
prevent chafed and burnt generator power feeder wires, which could 
result in arcing damage to a certain closeout rib of the wing leading 
edge and fire damage to the wing structure, and consequent reduced 
structural integrity of the wing.

DATES:  Comments must be received by March 17, 2000.

ADDRESSES:  Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-267-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-267-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-267-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

[[Page 4789]]

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 instances of the generator power feeder wires 
chafing on the closeout rib of the wing leading edge at station Xcw=130 
on McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and MD-11F series airplanes. In one 
case, the wire was found burnt with burn residue on the leading edge 
closeout rib. In this instance, the opposite side of the wire 
installation was inspected and was also found to be chafing on the 
closeout rib. Investigation revealed that there is insufficient 
clearance between the power feeder wires and the closeout rib. This 
condition, if not corrected, could result in arcing damage to the 
closeout rib of the wing leading edge at station Xcw=130 and fire 
damage to the wing structure, and consequent reduced structural 
integrity of the wing.
    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.

Other Related Rulemaking

    The FAA, in conjunction with Boeing and operators of Model MD-11 
and MD-11F 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 
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 MD11-24A172, dated September 8, 1999, which describes 
procedures for a one-time detailed visual inspection of the generator 
power feeder wire installation to detect chafed or damage wires; 
repair, if necessary; and modification of the power feeder wire 
installation. The modification involves removal of existing power 
feeder clamps from the mounting bracket at station Xcw =130.6409 and 
reinstallation of clamps using a new spacer and attaching parts. 
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, this 
proposed AD would require accomplishment of the actions specified in 
the service bulletin described previously.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 189 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 66 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 actions 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 
$3,960, 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 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 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 99-NM-267-AD.

    Applicability: Model MD-11 and MD-11F series airplanes, as 
listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A172, 
dated September 8, 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 (b) 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 chafed and burnt generator power feeder wires, which 
could result in arcing damage to a certain closeout rib of the wing 
leading edge and fire damage to the wing structure, and consequent 
reduced structural integrity of the wing, accomplish the following:

Inspection; Repair, If Necessary; and Modification

    (a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, perform 
a detailed visual inspection of the generator power feeder wires to 
detect chafed or damaged wires, and modify the generator power 
feeder wire installation in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert 
Service Bulletin MD11-24A172, dated September 8, 1999. If any chafed 
or damaged wire is found, prior to further flight, repair in 
accordance with the service bulletin.


    Note 2:  For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual 
inspection is defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a 
specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to 
detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is 
normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at 
intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such 
as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning 
and elaborate access procedures may be required.''



[[Page 4790]]



Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (b) 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

    (c) 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 21, 2000.
Vi L. Lipski,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-2007 Filed 1-31-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U