[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 134 (Thursday, July 12, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 36441-36443]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-17120]



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  Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 134 / Thursday, July 12, 2001 / Rules 
and Regulations  

[[Page 36441]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-269-AD; Amendment 39-12319; AD 2001-14-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10 Series 
Airplanes, Model MD-10 Series Airplanes, and Model MD-11 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10 series airplanes, 
Model MD-10 series airplanes, and Model MD-11 series airplanes, that 
requires repetitive inspections of the number 1 and 2 electric motors 
of the auxiliary hydraulic pump for electrical resistance, continuity, 
mechanical rotation, and associated wiring resistance/voltage; and 
corrective actions, if necessary. This amendment is necessary to 
prevent various failures of electric motors of the auxiliary hydraulic 
pump and associated wiring, which could result in fire at the auxiliary 
hydraulic pump and consequent damage to the adjacent electrical 
equipment and/or structure. This action is intended to address the 
identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective August 16, 2001.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of August 16, 2001.

ADDRESSES: 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: Data 
and Service Management, Dept. C1-L5A (D800-0024). This information may 
be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport 
Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 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: Albert Lam, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, the FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft 
Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 
90712; telephone (562) 627-5346; fax (562) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model 
DC-10 series airplanes, Model MD-10 series airplanes, and Model MD-11 
series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on November 27, 
2000 (65 FR 70671). That action proposed to require repetitive 
inspections of the number 1 and 2 electric motors of the auxiliary 
hydraulic pump for electrical resistance, continuity, mechanical 
rotation, and associated wiring resistance/voltage; and corrective 
actions, if necessary.

Comments Received

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comments received.

Requests to Extend the Compliance Times

    One commenter requests that the initial inspection be revised to 
within 18 months after the effective date of the AD, and the repetitive 
inspections to every 18 months thereafter. The commenter states that 
its ``light check'' (LCK) is accomplished every 18 months, and that 
such a multiple-day maintenance visit is more appropriate for the type 
of detailed inspection specified in the proposed rule. The commenter 
notes that such a revision to the compliance times would simplify its 
ability to perform the inspection during an appropriate maintenance 
visit. The commenter also states that experience indicates that a mean 
time of 12,192 flight hours occurs between unscheduled removal of the 
auxiliary hydraulic pump. Therefore, performing repetitive inspections 
in conjunction with the LCK would result in inspections occurring at 
approximately every 6,000 hours, which is less than half the current 
mean time between unit removals (MTBUR). Further, the commenter 
concludes that adjustment of the repetitive interval to every 18 months 
would provide an equivalent level of safety.
    The FAA partially agrees with the commenter's request. In 
developing the proposed compliance times for this AD action, we 
considered not only the degree of urgency associated with the 
addressing the subject unsafe condition, but also the practical aspect 
of incorporating the required inspections into the affected operators' 
maintenance schedules in a timely manner. Based on the information 
submitted by the commenter, we have determined that exending the 
repetitive inspection interval to every 6,000 flight hours or 18 
months, whichever occurs first, will provide an acceptable level of 
safety. The final rule has been revised accordingly. However, in 
consideration of the urgency of the unsafe condition in this case, we 
can find no basis to allow similar escalation for the initial 
inspection.
    Another commenter requests that the initial compliance time be 
extended to 9 or 12 months. The commenter expresses a concern that 
there may not be enough spare auxiliary pumps to support the compliance 
times specified in the proposed rule.
    The FAA does not concur with the commenter's request based on its 
concern for spare parts availability. We have had no confirmation from 
the manufacturer that a problem exists with the availability of the 
auxiliary pumps. However, under paragraph (e) of this AD, a request for 
an alternative method of compliance may be submitted to the FAA if 
availability of the pumps should become a concern in the future.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air

[[Page 36442]]

safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule with 
the change previously described. The FAA has determined that this 
change will neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor 
increase the scope of the AD.

Interim Action

    This is considered to be interim action until final action is 
identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 604 Model DC-10, MD-10, and MD-11 series 
airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA 
estimates that 396 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this 
AD, that it will take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to 
accomplish the required inspection, and that the average labor rate is 
$60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on 
U.S. operators is estimated to be $23,760, or $60 per airplane, per 
inspection cycle.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no operator has yet accomplished any of the 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 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) 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 final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it 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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

2001-14-08  McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-12319. Docket 2000-NM-
269-AD.

    Applicability: Model DC-10 and MD-10 series airplanes, as listed 
in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin DC10-29A142, Revision 
01, dated October 21, 1999; and Model MD-11 series airplanes, as 
listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-29A057, 
Revision 01, dated October 21, 1999; 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 various failures of electric motors of the auxiliary 
hydraulic pump and associated wiring, which could result in fire at 
the auxiliary hydraulic pump and consequent damage to the adjacent 
electrical equipment and/or structure, accomplish the following:

Inspection

    (a) Do a detailed inspection of the number 1 and 2 electric 
motors of the auxiliary hydraulic pump for electrical resistance, 
continuity, mechanical rotation, and associated wiring resistance/
voltage, per McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin DC10-29A142, 
Revision 01, dated October 21, 1999 (for Model DC-10 and MD-10 
series airplanes); or McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-
29A057, Revision 01, dated October 21, 1999 (for Model MD-11 series 
airplanes); as applicable; at the applicable time specified in 
paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD.
    (1) For Model DC-10 and MD-10 series airplanes: Inspect within 6 
months after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) For Model MD-11 series airplanes that have accumulated 3,000 
flight hours or more as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect 
within 6 months after the effective date of this AD.
    (3) For Model MD-11 series airplanes that have accumulated less 
than 3,000 flight hours as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect 
within 6 months after accumulating 3,000 flight hours.

Condition 1, No Failures: Repetitive Inspections

    (b) If no failures are detected during the inspection required 
by paragraph (a) of this AD, repeat the inspection required by 
paragraph (a) of this AD every 6,000 flight hours or every 18 
months, whichever occurs first.

Condition 2, Failure of Any Pump Motor: Replacement and Repetitive 
Inspections

    (c) If any pump motor fails during any inspection required by 
paragraph (a) of this AD, before further flight, replace the 
auxiliary hydraulic pump with a serviceable pump, per McDonnell 
Douglas Alert Service Bulletin DC10-29A142, Revision 01, dated 
October 21, 1999 (for Model DC-10 and MD-10 series airplanes); or 
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-29A057, Revision 01, 
dated October 21, 1999 (for Model MD-11 series airplanes); as 
applicable. Repeat the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this 
AD every 6,000 flight hours or every 18 months, whichever occurs 
first.

Condition 3, Failure of Any Wiring: Repair and Repetitive Inspections

    (d) If any wiring fails during any inspection required by 
paragraph (a) of this AD, before further flight, troubleshoot and 
repair the wiring, per McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin 
DC10-29A142, Revision 01, dated October 21, 1999 (for Model DC-10 
and MD-10 series airplanes); or McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin MD11-29A057, Revision 01, dated October 21, 1999 (for Model 
MD-11 series airplanes); as applicable. Repeat the inspection 
required by paragraph (a) of this AD every 6,000 flight hours or 
every 18 months, whichever occurs first.

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

[[Page 36443]]

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 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.

Incorporation by Reference

    (g) The actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell 
Douglas Alert Service Bulletin DC10-29A142, Revision 01, dated 
October 21, 1999; or McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-
29A057, Revision 01, dated October 21, 1999; as applicable. This 
incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the 
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 
51. Copies 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). 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

    (h) This amendment becomes effective on August 16, 2001.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 2, 2001.
Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-17120 Filed 7-11-01; 8:45 am]
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