[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 112 (Monday, June 11, 2001)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 31194-31196]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-14534]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-145-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: This document proposes to revise an existing airworthiness 
directive (AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 
series airplanes, that currently requires a one-time inspection to 
identify the part numbers of two dimmer controls for the overhead 
instrument panel light and circuit breaker lightplate located in the 
flight compartment. For airplanes on which a dimmer control having an 
incorrect part number is installed, that AD also requires replacing the 
dimmer control with a new part; modifying and reinstalling the existing 
dimmer control; or reinstalling a dimmer control following modification 
of the part by the part manufacturer. That AD was prompted by reports 
of smoke emitting from the overhead panels in the cockpit area. The 
actions specified by that AD are intended to prevent an electrical 
failure in the overhead dimmer control due to overheating of a printed 
circuit board capacitor in the dimmer control, which could result in 
rupture of the capacitor and smoke in the flight compartment. This 
action would revise the term ``serial numbers'' in the applicability 
statement to ``fuselage numbers.''

DATES: Comments must be received by July 26, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NM-145-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. 2001-NM-145-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

[[Page 31195]]

submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2001-NM-145-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. 2001-NM-145-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    On November 9, 1998, the FAA issued AD 98-24-02, amendment 39-10889 
(63 FR 63402, November 13, 1998), applicable to certain McDonnell 
Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes, to require a one-time inspection 
to identify the part numbers of two dimmer controls for the overhead 
instrument panel light and circuit breaker lightplate located in the 
flight compartment. For airplanes on which a dimmer control having an 
incorrect part number is installed, that AD also requires replacing the 
dimmer control with a new part; modifying and reinstalling the existing 
dimmer control; or reinstalling a dimmer control following modification 
of the part by the part manufacturer. That action was prompted by 
reports of smoke emitting from the overhead panels in the cockpit area. 
The requirements of that AD are intended to prevent an electrical 
failure in the overhead dimmer control due to overheating of a printed 
circuit board capacitor in the dimmer control, which could result in 
rupture of the capacitor and smoke in the flight compartment.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

    Since the issuance of AD 98-24-02, the FAA has recognized that it 
inadvertently used the term ``serial numbers'' in the applicability 
statement of that AD rather than ``fuselage numbers,'' as identified in 
the effectivity of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-33-045, 
dated June 14, 1995 (which was referenced in AD 98-24-02 as the 
appropriate source of service information).

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 revise AD 98-24-02 to reference the term ``fuselage 
numbers'' in the applicability statement, rather than serial numbers.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 174 Model MD-11 series airplanes of the 
affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 65 
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 inspection, 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 $3,900, 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. 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 39-10889 (63 FR 
63402, November 13, 1998), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), to read as follows:

McDonnell Douglas: Docket 2001-NM-145-AD. Revises AD 98-24-02, 
Amendment 39-10889.

    Applicability: Model MD-11 series airplanes, fuselage numbers 
447 through 597 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 (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 prevent an electrical failure in the dimmer control for the 
overhead instrument panel light and circuit breaker lightplate due 
to overheating of a printed circuit board (PCB) capacitor in the 
dimmer control, which could result in rupture of the capacitor and 
smoke in the flight compartment, accomplish the following:

Inspection and Corrective Action, If Necessary

    (a) Within 30 days after November 30, 1998 (the effective date 
of AD 98-24-02, amendment 39-10889), perform a one-time visual 
inspection of the two dimmer controls for the overhead instrument 
panel light and circuit breaker lightplate located in the flight 
compartment to identify the part numbers of the dimmer controls.
    (1) If all dimmer controls are identified as part number (P/N) 
263-2, no further action is required by this AD.
    (2) If any dimmer control is identified as P/N 263-1, within 30 
days after accomplishing the inspection specified by paragraph (a) 
of this AD, accomplish the actions required by paragraph (a)(2)(i), 
(a)(2)(ii), or (a)(2)(iii) of this AD, in accordance with McDonnell 
Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-33-045, dated June 14, 1995.
    (i) Replace any dimmer control, P/N 263-1, with a new dimmer 
control, P/N 263-2. Or

[[Page 31196]]

    (ii) Modify any dimmer control, P/N 263-1, and reinstall the 
modified and reidentified dimmer control in the flight compartment. 
Or
    (iii) Remove any dimmer control, P/N 263-1; return it for 
modification and reidentification to Olin Aerospace Company, 11441 
Willows Road NE, Redmond, Washington, 98073-9745; and reinstall the 
modified and reidentified dimmer control in the flight compartment.

Spares

    (b) As of November 30, 1998, no person shall install on any 
McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplane, a dimmer control, P/N 
263-1, unless that dimmer control has been modified and reidentified 
to P/N 263-2 in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin 
MD11-33-045, dated June 14, 1995.

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 2: 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 4, 2001.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-14534 Filed 6-8-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U