[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 76 (Thursday, April 19, 2001)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 20116-20118]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-9667]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-337-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 revision of the 
Airplane Flight Manual to alert the flightcrew that both flight 
management computers (FMC) must be installed and operational. This 
action would require an inspection to verify if a certain modification 
is on the front and rear identification plates of the FMC's; and 
applicable follow-on and corrective actions. This proposal is prompted 
by the FAA's determination that further rulemaking action is necessary 
to ensure that all affected airplanes are inspected for suspected 
defective multiplexers. The actions specified by the proposed AD are 
intended to prevent loss of airspeed and altitude indications on both 
primary flight displays in the cockpit, and/or loss or degradation of 
the autopilot functionality, and consequent failure of the data busses.

DATES: Comments must be received by June 4, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-337-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. 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-337-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: Data 
and Service Management, Dept. C1-L5A (D800-0024). 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.

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 
90712-4137; 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 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-337-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-337-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    On July 10, 1998, the FAA issued AD 98-15-14, amendment 39-10665 
(63 FR 38464, July 17, 1998), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas 
Model MD-11 series airplanes, to require a revision of the Airplane 
Flight Manual (AFM) to alert the flightcrew that both flight management 
computers (FMC) must be installed and operational. That action was 
prompted by a report indicating that, due to incorrect multiplexers 
that were installed in the FMC's during production, certain data busses 
failed simultaneously during a ground test. The requirements of that AD 
are intended to prevent loss of airspeed and altitude indications on 
both primary flight displays in the cockpit, and/or loss or degradation 
of the autopilot functionality, and consequent failure of the data 
busses.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

    In the preamble of AD 98-15-14, the FAA indicated that the actions 
required by that AD were considered ``interim action'' and that further 
rulemaking action was being considered. The FAA now has determined that 
further rulemaking action is indeed necessary, and this proposed AD 
follows from that determination.

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Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved McDonnell Douglas Service 
Bulletin MD11-34-085, Revision 01, dated September 20, 1999, which 
describes procedures for an inspection to verify if modification ``AS'' 
is on the front and rear identification plates of FMC-1 and FMC-2, and 
applicable follow-on and corrective actions. The follow-on actions 
include test(s) of the FMC in the flight compartment to ensure that a 
certain modification is operational, and applicable corrective actions, 
if necessary. The corrective actions include installation of new 
software; reidentification of FMC-1 and FMC-2 as 4059050-912; and 
installation of modification ``AS.'' 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, the 
proposed AD would supersede AD 98-15-14 to continue to require a 
revision of the AFM to alert the flightcrew that both FMC's must be 
installed and operational. The proposed AD also would require 
accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletin 
described previously, which would allow the AFM revision to be removed 
from the AFM.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 174 Model MD-11 series airplanes of the 
affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 59 
airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD.
    The actions that are currently required by AD 98-15-14, and 
retained in this proposed AD, take approximately 1 work hour per 
airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the currently required 
actions on U.S. operators is estimated to be $3,540, or $60 per 
airplane.
    The new actions that are proposed in this AD action would take 
approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the proposed requirements of this AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $3,540, or $60 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are 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 39-10665 (63 FR 
38464, July 17, 1998), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), to read as follows:

McDonnell Douglas:  Docket 2000-NM-337-AD. Supersedes AD 98-15-14, 
Amendment 39-10665.

    Applicability: Model MD-11 series airplanes, manufacturer's 
fuselage numbers 0447 through 0552 inclusive, and 0554 through 0621 
inclusive; 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.
    To prevent loss of airspeed and altitude indications on both 
primary flight displays in the cockpit, and/or loss or degradation 
of the autopilot functionality, and consequent failure of the data 
busses, accomplish the following:

Restatement of Requirements of 
AD 98-15-14

Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision

    (a) Within 5 days after May 20, 1998 (the effective date of AD 
98-10-01, amendment 39-10512), revise Section 1, page 5-1, of the 
Limitations Section of the FAA-approved AFM to include the following 
statement. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD 
into the AFM.
    ``Prior to dispatch of the airplane, both Flight Management 
Computer 1 (FMC-1) and FMC-2 must be installed and operational.''

New Actions Required by This AD

Inspection

    (b) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, do an 
inspection to verify that modification ``AS'' is on the front and 
rear identification plates of flight management computer 1 (FMC-1) 
and FMC-2, per McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-34-085, 
Revision 01, dated September 20, 1999. After the inspection has been 
done, the AFM revision required by paragraph (a) of this AD may be 
removed from the AFM.

Condition 1 (Modification ``AS'' Is Installed)

    (c) If modification ``AS'' is found installed during the 
inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, before further 
flight, do the actions specified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of 
this AD, per McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-34-085, 
Revision 01, dated September 20, 1999.
    (1) Do a test of the FMC's in the flight compartment to ensure 
that modification ``AS'' is operational, and do applicable 
corrective actions, if necessary. Both FMC's must have modification 
``AS'' installed and

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pass the test before loading new software per paragraph (c)(2) of 
this AD.
    (2) Install new software and reidentify FMC-1 and FMC-2 as 
4059050-912.

    Note 2: McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-34-085, Revision 
01, dated September 20, 1999, references Honeywell Service Bulletin 
4059050-34-6020, Revision 1, dated April 30, 1999, as an additional 
source of service information for the installation and 
reidentification requirements of paragraphs (c)(2) and (d)(2) of 
this AD.

Condition 2 (Modification ``AS'' Is Not Installed)

    (d) If modification ``AS'' is NOT found installed during the 
inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, before further 
flight, do the actions specified in paragraphs (d)(1), (d)(2), and 
(d)(3) of this AD per McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-34-
085, Revision 01, dated September 20, 1999.
    (1) Remove FMC-1 and FMC-2.
    (2) Install modification ``AS'' and new software, and reidentify 
FMC-1 and FMC-2 as 4059050-912.
    (3) Install modified and reidentified FMC-1 and FMC-2.

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. 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

    (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 April 12, 2001.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-9667 Filed 4-18-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P