[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 145 (Thursday, July 27, 2000)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 46218-46221]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-18400]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-36-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 adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model 
MD-11 series airplanes. This proposal would require a one-time detailed 
visual inspection to detect discrepancies of all electrical wiring 
installations in various areas of the airplane; and corrective actions, 
if necessary. This action is necessary to prevent electrical arcing 
and/or heat damaged wires due to improper wire installations during 
manufacture and/or maintenance of the airplane, and consequent fire and 
smoke in various areas of the airplane. This action is intended to 
address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by September 11, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-36-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232. 
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 
[email protected]. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must 
contain ``Docket No. 2000-NM-36-AD'' in the subject line and need not 
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached 
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or 
ASCII text.
    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.
    Submit comments using the following format:
     Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a 
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the 
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
     For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed 
AD is being requested.
     Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each 
request.
    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 2000-NM-36-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. 2000-NM-36-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 several incidents of damaged wire insulation 
and chafed wires in various areas on McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 
series airplanes. Investigation revealed that the cause of such damage 
and chafing may be attributed to improper wire installations during 
manufacture and/or maintenance of the airplane. This condition, if not 
corrected, could result in electrical arcing and/or heat damaged wires, 
and consequent fire and smoke in the various areas of the airplane.
    These incidents are 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 
series airplanes, is continuing to review all

[[Page 46219]]

aspects of the service history of those airplanes to identify potential 
unsafe conditions and to take appropriate corrective actions. This 
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.
    The FAA has previously issued AD 2000-11-02, amendment 39-11750 (65 
FR 34341, May 26, 2000), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model 
DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F, and DC-10-40 series 
airplanes, and Model MD-11 and 11F series airplanes. That AD currently 
requires a determination be made of whether, and at what locations, 
metallized polyethyleneteraphthalate (MPET) insulation blankets are 
installed, and replacement of MPET insulation blankets with new 
insulation blankets. The FAA recommends that the actions required by 
this proposed AD be accomplished immediately after accomplishing the 
replacement required by AD 2000-11-02. This proposed AD would not 
affect the current requirements of AD 2000-11-02.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved the following service bulletins:
     McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-171, dated 
April 4, 2000;
     McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-170, dated 
April 12, 2000;
     McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-167, dated 
April 4, 2000;
     McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-165, dated 
April 4, 2000;
     McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-163, dated 
April 4, 2000;
     McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-188, dated 
April 28, 2000;
     McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-161, dated 
April 10, 2000; and
     McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-162, dated 
April 10, 2000.
    These service bulletins describe procedures for a one-time detailed 
visual inspection to detect discrepancies of all electrical wiring 
installations in various areas (i.e., center, aft, and forward cargo 
compartments; aft, forward, and mid cabin passenger compartment; flight 
compartment; forward drop ceiling; center accessory compartment; and 
main avionics compartment) of the airplane; and corrective actions, if 
necessary. The corrective actions include: repairing cracked, split, or 
torn wiring insulation; installing a certain size clamp; adjusting or 
replacing sta-straps; repositioning certain wires or clamps; replacing 
or repairing certain wires or terminals; and tightening sta-straps, 
clamps, terminals, and wire bundles. 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, except as discussed below.

Differences Between the Proposed AD and Relevant Service 
Information

    Paragraphs 3.B.3.K. and 3.B.3.P of the Accomplishment Instructions 
of the service bulletins described previously do NOT provide 
instructions for accomplishing corrective actions for certain 
discrepancies that are detected. Therefore, the FAA finds that the 
following corrective actions must be accomplished, if necessary, to 
address the identified unsafe condition of the proposed AD:
     If any screw terminal of the flag lug bus bar is loose, 
before further flight, retorque to 10 to 11 inch-pounds.
     If no gap between the wire bundle and blanket can be seen 
when pressure is applied to the blanket, before further flight, 
reposition wires or clamping so that a gap can been seen when pressure 
is applied to the blanket.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 182 Model MD-11 series airplanes of the 
affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 60 
airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD.
    It would take approximately 10 work hours per airplane to 
accomplish each of the six inspections specified in paragraphs (a)(1), 
(a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(4), (a)(5), and (a)(6) of this proposed AD, at an 
average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of these indicated inspections proposed by this AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $216,000, or $3,600 per airplane.
    It would take approximately 5 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the inspection specified in paragraph (a)(7) of this proposed AD, at an 
average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of this indicated inspection proposed by this AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $18,000, or $300 per airplane.
    It would take approximately 12 work hours per airplane to 
accomplish the inspection specified in paragraph (a)(8) of this 
proposed AD, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of this indicated inspection proposed by 
this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $43,200, or $720 per 
airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are 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 proposed AD were not adopted. The cost impact 
figures discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time 
necessary to perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. 
These figures typically do not include incidental costs, such as the 
time required to gain access and close up, planning time, or time 
necessitated by other administrative actions.

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.

[[Page 46220]]

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 2000-NM-36-AD.

    Applicability: Model MD-11 series airplanes, manufacturer's 
fuselage numbers 0447 through 0449 inclusive, 0451 through 0464 
inclusive, 0466 through 0489 inclusive, 0491 through 0517 inclusive, 
0519 through 0552 inclusive, 0554 through 0556 inclusive, 0557, 0558 
through 0633 inclusive, and 0635; 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 (e) 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.

    Note 2: The FAA recommends that the actions required by this 
proposed AD be accomplished immediately after accomplishing the 
replacement of metallized polyethyleneteraphthalate (MPET) 
insulation blankets, as required by AD 2000-11-02, amendment 39-
11750 (65 FR 34341, May 26, 2000).

    To prevent electrical arcing and/or heat damaged wires due to 
improper wire installations during manufacture and/or maintenance of 
the airplane, and consequent fire and smoke in various areas of the 
airplane, accomplish the following:

One-Time Detailed Visual Inspection

    (a) Within 5 years after the effective date of this AD, 
accomplish the actions specified in paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), 
(a)(3), (a)(4), (a)(5), (a)(6), (a)(7), and (a)(8) of this AD, as 
applicable.
    (1) For all airplanes: Perform a one-time detailed visual 
inspection to detect discrepancies of all electrical wiring 
installations in the center and aft cargo compartments from stations 
Y=1521.000 to Y=2007.000, in accordance with paragraph 3.B., ``Work 
Instructions,'' of the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell 
Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-171, dated April 4, 2000.

    Note 3: 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.''

    (2) For all airplanes: Perform a one-time detailed visual 
inspection to detect discrepancies of all electrical wiring 
installations in the forward cargo compartment from stations 
Y=595.000 to Y=6-73.500, in accordance with the paragraph 3.B., 
``Work Instructions,'' of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-170, dated April 12, 
2000.
    (3) For all airplanes: Perform a one-time detailed visual 
inspection to detect discrepancies of all electrical wiring 
installations in the forward passenger compartment from stations 
Y=5-11.000 to Y=2007.000, in accordance with the paragraph 3.B., 
``Work Instructions,'' of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-167, dated April 4, 2000.
    (4) For all airplanes: Perform a one-time detailed visual 
inspection to detect discrepancies of all electrical wiring 
installations in the forward passenger compartment from stations 
Y=756.000 to Y=1501.000, in accordance with the paragraph 3.B., 
``Work Instructions,'' of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-165, dated April 4, 2000.
    (5) For all airplanes: Perform a one-time detailed visual 
inspection to detect discrepancies of all electrical wiring 
installations in the forward passenger compartment from stations 
Y=465.000 to Y=755.000, in accordance with the paragraph 3.B., 
``Work Instructions,'' of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-163, dated April 4, 2000.
    (6) For all airplanes: Perform a one-time detailed visual 
inspection to detect discrepancies of all electrical wiring 
installations in the flight compartment and forward drop ceilings 
areas from stations Y=275.000 to Y=464.000, in accordance with the 
paragraph 3.B., ``Work Instructions,'' of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-188, 
dated April 28, 2000.
    (7) For airplanes having manufacturer's fuselage numbers 0447 
through 0449 inclusive, 0451 through 0464 inclusive, 0466 through 
0489 inclusive, 0491 through 0517 inclusive, 0519 through 0552 
inclusive, 0554 through 0556 inclusive, 0557, 0558 through 0633 
inclusive: Perform a one-time detailed visual inspection to detect 
discrepancies of all electrical wiring installations in the center 
accessory compartment from stations Y=6-50.000 to Y=1179.000, in 
accordance with the paragraph 3.B., ``Work Instructions,'' of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin 
MD11-24-161, dated April 10, 2000.
    (8) For airplanes having manufacturer's fuselage numbers 0447 
through 0449 inclusive, 0451 through 0464 inclusive, 0466 through 
0489 inclusive, 0491 through 0517 inclusive, 0519 through 0552 
inclusive, 0554 through 0556 inclusive, 0557, 0558 through 0633 
inclusive: Perform a one-time detailed visual inspection to detect 
discrepancies of all electrical wiring installations in the main 
avionics compartment from stations Y=275.000 to Y=464.000, in 
accordance with the paragraph 3.B., ``Work Instructions,'' of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin 
MD11-24-162, dated April 10, 2000.

Corrective Action

    (b) If any discrepancy is detected during the inspection 
required by paragraph (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(4), (a)(5), 
(a)(6), (a)(7), or (a)(8) of this AD, before further flight, 
accomplish the applicable corrective action(s) in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of the following applicable service 
bulletins, except as provided in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this AD, 
as applicable:
    (1) McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-171, dated April 
4, 2000;
    (2) McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-170, dated April 
12, 2000;
    (3) McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-167, dated April 
4, 2000;
    (4) McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-165, dated April 
4, 2000;
    (5) McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-163, dated April 
4, 2000;
    (6) McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-188, dated April 
28, 2000;
    (7) McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-161, dated April 
10, 2000; or
    (8) McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-162, dated April 
10, 2000.

    Note 4: Where there are differences between the AD and the 
referenced service bulletins, the AD prevails.

    (c) If no gap between the wire bundle and blanket can be seen 
when pressure is applied to the blanket, before further flight, 
reposition wires or clamps so that a gap can been seen when pressure 
is applied to the blanket.
    (d) If any screw terminal of the flag lug bus bar is loose, 
before further flight, retorque to 10 to 11 inch-pounds.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (e) 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 5: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of

[[Page 46221]]

compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Los 
Angeles ACO.

Special Flight Permit

    (f) 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 14, 2000.
John J. Hickey,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-18400 Filed 7-26-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U