[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 2, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 2-5]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-33336]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-194-AD; Amendment 39-12065; AD 2000-26-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series 
airplanes, that currently requires deactivation of the map light 
assemblies; or modification and reidentification of the insulation 
blankets adjacent to certain map light assemblies, if applicable, a 
general visual inspection to detect damage of the Captain, First 
Officer, and Right Observer map light assemblies, and follow-on 
actions. This amendment is prompted by the FAA's determination that 
certain airplanes equipped with reading light assemblies in the crew 
rest area are subject to the identified unsafe condition. For certain 
airplanes, this amendment requires deactivation of the reading light 
assemblies, or an inspection to detect damage of the reading light 
assemblies, and follow-on or corrective actions, as applicable. The 
actions specified in this AD are intended to detect any broken light 
bulb housing, which could expose the power contactor. An exposed power 
contactor could cause the Captain, First Officer, or Right Observer map 
light or reading light in the crew rest area to short or overheat, 
which could result in smoke or fire in the cockpit.

DATES: Effective January 17, 2001.
    The incorporation by reference of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
MD11-33A069, Revision 01, including Appendix, dated November 30, 2000, 
as listed in the regulations, is approved by the Director of the 
Federal Register as of January 17, 2001.
    The incorporation by reference of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin MD11-33A069, March 10, 2000, as listed in the regulations, was 
approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of April 
20, 2000 (65 FR 17763, April 5, 2000).
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before March 5, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-194-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-194-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 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 FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, 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, Technical Specialist, 
Systems Safety and Integration, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, 
FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount 
Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712; telephone (562) 627-5350; fax 
(562) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On March 28, 2000, the FAA issued AD 2000-
07-02, amendment 39-11656 (65 FR 17763, April 5, 2000), applicable to 
certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes, to require 
deactivation of the map light assemblies; or modification and 
reidentification of the insulation blankets adjacent to certain map 
light assemblies, if applicable, a general visual inspection to detect 
damage of the Captain, First Officer, and Right Observer map light 
assemblies, and follow-on actions. That action was prompted by 
incidents in which a broken or cracked light bulb housing of the First 
Officer map light was found. The actions required by that AD are 
intended to detect a broken light bulb housing, which could expose the 
power contactor. An exposed power contactor

[[Page 3]]

could cause the Captain, First Officer, or Right Observer map light to 
short or overheat, which could result in smoke or fire in the cockpit.
    The incidents that prompted AD 2000-07-02 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 aspects of the service 
history of those airplanes to identify potential unsafe conditions and 
to take appropriate corrective actions. This 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.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

    Since the issuance of AD 2000-07-02, an investigation revealed that 
certain affected airplanes are equipped with Skybunk reading light 
assemblies in the crew rest area. Skybunk reading light assemblies are 
identical in design to the subject map light assemblies. An exposed 
power contactor due to a broken or cracked light bulb housing could 
cause the Captain, First Officer, or Right Observer map light or 
reading light in the crew rest area to short or overheat, which could 
result in smoke or fire in the cockpit or crew rest area.

Explanation of Relevant Service Bulletin

    The FAA has review and approved Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-
33A069,
    Revision 01, including Appendix, dated November 30, 2000. The 
procedures for deactivation of the map light assemblies; modification 
and reidentification of the insulation blankets adjacent to certain map 
light assemblies; a general visual inspection to detect damage of the 
Captain, First Officer, and Right Observer map light assemblies; and 
follow-on actions in Revision 01 of the service bulletin are identical 
to those described in the original issue of the service bulletin (which 
was referenced in AD 2000-07-02 as the appropriate source of service 
information). Revision 01 of the service bulletin also describes new 
procedures for:
    1. Deactivating the reading light assemblies in the crew rest area, 
which includes disconnecting, coiling, and stowing the power wires to 
each reading light assembly; ensuring that deactivated reading lights 
do not illuminate; and installing an inop ring on the circuit breaker; 
OR
    2. Performing an inspection to detect damage (i.e., cracks, damaged 
or broken components, or chafed or damaged reading light assembly 
wires) of the reading light assemblies in the crew rest area, and 
follow-on or corrective actions, as applicable. The follow-on actions 
include ensuring that the operative reading lights illuminate, and 
performing repetitive inspections of the reading light assemblies. The 
corrective actions include replacing the reading light assembly with a 
new or serviceable light assembly, ensuring that the deactivated 
reading lights do not illuminate, and repetitive inspections of the 
reading light assemblies; or deactivating the damaged reading light 
assemblies.
    Operators should note that Revision 01 of the service bulletin 
incorrectly contains in ``Option 2 (Deactivate Damaged Reading Light 
Assemblies),'' paragraph F., page 22, of the Accomplishment 
Instructions a sentence that reads ``Perform repetitive inspections of 
reading lights for damage per Compliance paragraph.'' As indicated in 
the following sentence in that paragraph, repetitive inspections of a 
deactivated reading light are not required.

Explanation of Requirements of Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of this same type design, this AD 
supersedes AD 2000-07-02 to continue to require deactivation of the map 
light assemblies; or modification and reidentification of the 
insulation blankets adjacent to certain map light assemblies, if 
applicable, a general visual inspection to detect damage of the 
Captain, First Officer, and Right Observer map light assemblies, and 
follow-on actions. This AD also requires accomplishment of the new 
actions specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-33A069, 
Revision 01, including Appendix, dated November 30, 2000, described 
previously.

Interim Action

    This is considered to be interim action. The manufacturer has 
advised that it currently is developing a modification that will 
positively address the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. Once 
final action is identified, or once the modification is developed, 
approved, and available, the FAA may consider additional rulemaking.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this 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 under the caption ADDRESSES. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will 
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments 
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and 
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the 
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be 
needed.
    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 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 rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the 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 that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2000-NM-194-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped 
and returned to the commenter.

[[Page 4]]

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will 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 final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory 
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further 
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory 
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is 
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be 
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final 
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. 
A copy of it, if filed, 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 39-11656 (65 FR 
17763, April 5, 2000), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), amendment 39-12065, to read as follows:

2000-26-15--McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-12065. Docket 2000-NM-
194-AD. Supersedes AD 2000-07-02, Amendment 39-11656.

    Applicability: Model MD-11 series airplanes, as listed in 
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-33A069, dated March 
10, 2000, or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-33A069, Revision 01, 
dated November 30, 2000; 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 detect an exposed power contactor, which could cause the 
Captain, First Officer, or Right Observer map light or reading light 
in the crew rest area to short or overheat and consequent smoke or 
fire in the cockpit or crew rest area, accomplish the following:

Restatement of Requirements of AD 2000-07-02

    (a) For airplanes listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin MD11-33A069, March 10, 2000: Within 30 days after April 20, 
2000 (the effective date of AD 2000-07-02, amendment 39-11656), do 
the actions specified in either paragraph (a)(1), or (a)(2) or 
(a)(3) of this AD, as applicable, per McDonnell Douglas Alert 
Service Bulletin MD11-33A069, March 10, 2000, or Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin MD11-33A069, Revision 01, dated November 30, 2000. 
As of the effective date of this AD, only Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin MD11-33A069, Revision 01, including Appendix, dated 
November 30, 2000, shall be used.

Option 1 (Deactivate Map Light Assemblies)

    (1) For Groups 1 and 2 airplanes identified in McDonnell Douglas 
Alert Service Bulletin MD11-33A069, March 10, 2000: Disconnect, 
coil, and stow power wires to each Captain, First Officer, and Right 
Observer map light assembly, until the requirements of paragraph 
(a)(2) or (a)(3) of this AD, as applicable, have been accomplished.

    Note 2: Repetitive inspections of the deactivated map light 
assemblies are not required.

Option 2 (Inspect/Replace/Deactivate Map Light Assemblies)

    (2) For Group 1 airplanes identified in McDonnell Douglas Alert 
Service Bulletin MD11-33A069, March 10, 2000: Modify and reidentify 
the insulation blankets adjacent to the Captain and First Officer 
map light assemblies; and do a general visual inspection to detect 
damage of the Captain, First Officer, and Right Observer map light 
assemblies.

    Note 3: 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.''

    (i) Condition 1 (No Damage Found). If no damage is detected, 
repeat the general visual inspection of the map light assemblies and 
adjacent insulation blankets required by paragraph (a)(2) of this AD 
thereafter every 700 flight hours.
    (ii) Condition 2 (Damage Found). If any damage is detected, 
before further flight, do the actions specified in either paragraph 
(a)(2)(ii)(A) or (a)(2)(ii)(B) of this AD per the service bulletin.
    (A) Option 1 (Replace Damaged Map Light Assemblies). Replace the 
map light assembly with a new or serviceable light assembly. Repeat 
the general visual inspection of the map light assemblies and 
adjacent insulation blankets required by paragraph (a)(2) of this AD 
thereafter every 700 flight hours.
    (B) Option 2 (Deactivate Damaged Map Light Assemblies). 
Disconnect, coil, and stow power wires to each damaged Captain, 
First Officer, and Right Observer map light assembly, until the 
requirements of paragraph (a)(2)(ii)(A) of this AD have been done.
    (3) For Group 2 airplanes identified in McDonnell Douglas Alert 
Service Bulletin MD11-33A069, March 10, 2000: Do a general visual 
inspection to detect damage of the Captain, First Officer, and Right 
Observer map light assemblies, and do the actions specified in 
either paragraph (a)(2)(i) or (a)(2)(ii) of this AD, as applicable, 
at the time(s) indicated in that paragraph.

    Note 4: For Group 2 airplanes identified in McDonnell Douglas 
Alert Service Bulletin MD11-33A069, dated March 10, 2000: 
Modification and reidentification of the insulation blankets are not 
required. Prior to delivery of Group 2 airplanes, the insulation 
blankets were modified.

New Actions Required by This AD

    (b) For Groups 3 and 4 airplanes, equipped with Skybunks, 
identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-33A069, Revision 
01, dated November 30, 2000: Within 60 days after the effective date 
of this AD, do the actions specified in either paragraph (b)(1) or 
(b)(2), per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-33A069, Revision 01, 
including Appendix, dated November 30, 2000.

Option 1 (Deactivate Reading Light Assemblies)

    (1) Disconnect, coil, and stow power wires to each reading light 
assembly, ensure that deactivated reading lights do not illuminate, 
and install an inop ring on the circuit breaker.

    Note 5: Repetitive inspections of the deactivated reading light 
assemblies are not required.

Option 2 (Inspect/Replace/Deactivate Reading Light Assemblies-Skybunk)

    (2) Do a general visual inspection to detect damage (i.e., 
cracks, damaged or broken

[[Page 5]]

components, or chafed or damaged reading light assembly wires) of 
the reading light assemblies.

    Note 6: Where there are differences between the referenced 
service bulletin and the AD, the AD prevails.

    (i) Condition 1 (No Damage Found). If no damage is detected, 
ensure that reading lights do illuminate, and repeat the general 
visual inspection of the reading light assemblies required by 
paragraph (b)(2) of this AD thereafter every 700 flight hours.
    (ii) Condition 2 (Damage Found). If any damage is detected, 
before further flight, do the actions specified in either paragraph 
(b)(2)(ii)(A) or (b)(2)(ii)(B) of this AD in accordance with the 
service bulletin.
    (A) Option 1 (Replace Damaged Reading Light Assemblies). Replace 
the reading light assembly with a new or serviceable light assembly, 
and ensure that the operative reading lights illuminate. Repeat the 
general visual inspection of the reading light assemblies required 
by paragraph (b)(2) of this AD thereafter every 700 flight hours.
    (B) Option 2 (Deactivate Damaged Reading Light Assemblies). 
Disconnect, coil, and stow power wires to any damaged reading light 
assembly, and ensure that the deactivated reading lights do not 
illuminiate, until the requirements of paragraph (b)(2)(i)(A) have 
been done.

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. 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 7: 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.

Incorporation by Reference

    (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell 
Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-33A069, March 10, 2000, or 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-33A069, Revision 01, including 
Appendix, dated November 30, 2000; as applicable.
    (1) The incorporation by reference of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin
    MD11-33A069, Revision 01, including Appendix, dated November 30, 
2000, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) The incorporation by reference of McDonnell Douglas Alert 
Service Bulletin MD11-33A069, March 10, 2000, was approved 
previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of April 20, 
2000 (65 FR 17763, April 5, 2000).
    (3) 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, 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.

Effective Date

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on January 17, 2001.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 22, 2000.
John J. Hickey,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-33336 Filed 12-29-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P