[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 34 (Tuesday, February 20, 2001)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 10849-10851]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-4055]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-190-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 supersedure of an existing 
airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas 
Model MD-11 series airplanes, that currently requires a one-time 
inspection to detect riding, chafing, or damage of the wire bundles 
adjacent to the disconnect panel bracket of the observer's station. 
That AD also requires repair or replacement of damaged wires with new 
or serviceable wires; installation of anti-chafing sleeving on the wire 
bundles, if necessary; and installation of a grommet along the entire 
upper aft edge of the disconnect panel bracket. This action would 
require an identical one-time inspection, follow-on actions, and 
similar corrective actions, if necessary; but the proposed installation 
of anti-chafing sleeving would be required for all airplanes. This 
action is necessary to detect riding or chafing of the wire bundles 
adjacent to the disconnect panel bracket assembly, which could result 
in a fire in the wire bundles and smoke in the cockpit. This action is 
intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by April 6, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-190-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-190-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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brett Portwood, Aerospace Engineer, 
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:

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 action 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 action must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2000-NM-190-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-190-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    On May 5, 1997, the FAA issued AD 97-10-12, amendment 39-10024 (62 
FR 25839, May 12, 1997), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model 
MD-11 series airplanes, to require a one-time inspection to detect 
riding, chafing, or damage of the wire bundles adjacent to the 
disconnect panel bracket of the observer's station. That AD also 
requires repair or replacement of damaged wires with new or serviceable 
wires; installation of anti-chafing sleeving on the wire bundles, if 
necessary; and installation of a grommet along the entire upper aft 
edge of the disconnect panel bracket. That action was prompted by a 
report indicating that the circuit breakers tripped on a Model MD-11 
series airplane due to inflight arcing behind the avionics circuit 
breaker panel as a result of chafing of the wire bundles adjacent to 
the disconnect panel bracket assembly. The requirements of that AD are 
intended to detect and correct such chafing, which could result in a 
fire in the wire bundles and smoke in the cockpit.
    The incident that prompted AD 97-10-12 is not considered to be 
related to an accident that occurred off the coast of Nova Scotia 
involving a McDonnell

[[Page 10850]]

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 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.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

    Since the issuance of AD 97-10-12, the FAA has determined that 
installation of anti-chafing sleeving on all wire bundles in the 
subject area, regardless if the wire bundle appears to riding or 
chafing, is necessary. Riding or chafing of the wire bundles adjacent 
to the disconnect panel bracket assembly, if not detected and 
corrected, could result in a fire in the wire bundles and smoke in the 
cockpit.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin MD11-24A111, Revision 01, dated July 27, 2000. The service 
bulletin describes, for certain airplanes, procedures for a one-time 
general visual inspection to detect riding, chafing, or damage of the 
wire bundles adjacent to the disconnect panel bracket. The service 
bulletin also describes, for certain airplanes, procedures for repair 
of damaged wires; installation of anti-chafing sleeving on the wire 
bundles; and installation of a protective grommet along the edge of the 
disconnect panel bracket. Accomplishment of these 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, the 
proposed AD would supersede AD 97-10-12 to require, for certain 
airplanes, accomplishment of the additional actions specified in the 
service bulletin described previously.

Differences Between the Proposed AD and Service Bulletin

    Operators should note that the Revision Transmittal Sheet of the 
service bulletin incorrectly reads ``Additional work is required for 
airplanes previously modified by Service Bulletin MD11-24-111. 
Additional work requirement is to be accomplished as outlined under 
Group 2. An additional 0.8 man-hour is required.'' The FAA has 
consulted with the airplane manufacturer and determined that additional 
work is NOT required for Group 2 airplanes. The term ``modified,'' as 
described above and in Group 1 and Group 2 listing in the effectivity 
of the service bulletin, refers to installation of anti-chafing 
sleeving on the wire bundles. Therefore, the proposed AD affects 
McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes, as listed in McDonnell 
Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A111, Revision 01, dated July 27, 
2000; certificated in any category; except those airplanes on which 
anti-chafing sleeving was installed on the wire bundles per paragraph 
(a)(1) or (a)(2) of AD 97-10-12.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 195 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.
    The inspection and installation that are proposed in this AD action 
would take approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an 
average labor rate of $60 per work hour. The cost of required parts 
would be nominal. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the 
proposed inspection and installation of this AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to $7,200, or $120 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is 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. 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.

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 removing amendment 39-10024 (62 FR 
25839, May 12, 1997), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
to read as follows:

McDonnell Douglas: Docket 2000-NM-190-AD. Supersedes AD 97-10-12, 
Amendment 39-10024.

    Applicability: Model MD-11 series airplanes, as listed in 
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A111, Revision 01, 
dated July 27, 2000; certificated in any category; except those 
airplanes on which anti-chafing sleeving was installed on the wire 
bundles per paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of AD 97-10-12.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
otherwise 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

[[Page 10851]]

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

    To detect riding or chafing of the wire bundles adjacent to the 
disconnect panel bracket assembly, which could result in a fire in 
the wire bundles and smoke in the cockpit, accomplish the following:

General Visual Inspection and Corrective Actions, If Necessary

    (a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, perform 
a general visual inspection to detect riding, chafing, or damage of 
the wire bundles adjacent to the disconnect panel bracket, per 
paragraph 3.B.2. of the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell 
Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A111, Revision 01, dated July 
27, 2000.

    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.''

    (1) If any riding or chafing is found, and if any damage is 
found: Before further flight, repair damaged wires; install anti-
chafing sleeving on the wire bundles; and install a protective 
grommet along the entire upper aft edge of the disconnect panel 
bracket; per Condition 1 of paragraph 3.B.2 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the service bulletin.
    (2) If any riding or chafing is found, but no damage is found: 
Before further flight, install anti-chafing sleeving on the wire 
bundles, and install a protective grommet along the entire upper aft 
edge of the disconnect panel bracket, per Condition 2 of paragraph 
3.B.2. of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin.
    (3) If no riding, chafing, or damage is found: Before further 
flight, install anti-chafing sleeving on the wire bundles, and 
install a protective grommet along the entire upper aft edge of the 
disconnect panel bracket, per Condition 3 of paragraph 3.B.2. of the 
Accomplishment Instruction of the service bulletin.

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. 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 4: 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 February 12, 2001.
Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-4055 Filed 2-16-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P