[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 183 (Thursday, September 20, 2001)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 48388-48390]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-23419]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-46-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, -10F, 
-15, -30, -30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), -40, and -40F Series Airplanes; 
Model MD-10-10F and -30F Series Airplanes; and Model MD-11 and -11F 
Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model 
DC-10-10, -10F, -15, -30, -30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), -40, and -40F 
series airplanes; Model MD-10-10F and -30F series airplanes; and Model 
MD-11 and -11F series airplanes. This proposal would require repetitive 
tests for electrical continuity and resistance and repetitive 
inspections to detect discrepancies of the fuel boost/transfer pump 
connectors; and corrective actions, if necessary. This action is 
necessary to prevent arcing of connectors in the fuel boost/transfer 
pump circuit, which could result in a fire or explosion of the fuel 
tank. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe 
condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by November 5, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NM-46-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-46-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: Phil Kush, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712; telephone 
(562) 627-5263; 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 2001-NM-46-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-46-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The FAA has received reports of five instances of failed connectors 
in the fuel boost/transfer pump circuit on McDonnell Douglas Model DC-
10 and MD-11 series airplanes. The connectors returned for evaluation 
exhibited arcing of the contacts to the shell in the back side of the 
connector and between the glass insert and potting material. Arcing 
also caused the potting material to be displaced from the glass seal in 
the connector backshell, which separated the contacts and wiring. 
Typically, the circuit breaker will not trip, as the arcing event is 
faster than the time required for the circuit breaker to detect the 
event. The only indication has been that failed connectors cause loss 
of the fuel boost/transfer pump circuit. The cause of the connector 
failures is under investigation. Arcing of connectors of the fuel 
boost/transfer pump, if not corrected, could result in a fire or 
explosion of the fuel tank.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
MD11-28A112, including Appendix, dated December 11, 2000 (for Model MD-
11 and -11F series airplanes) and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-
28A228, including Appendix, dated December 11, 2000, and Revision 01, 
dated July 16, 2001 (for Model DC-10-10, -10F, -15, -30, -30F (KC-10A 
and KDC-10), -40, and -40F series airplanes; and Model MD-10-10F and -
30F series airplanes). The service bulletins describe procedures for 
repetitive tests (using a digital multi meter and Quadtech 1864 megohm 
meter) for electrical continuity and resistance and repetitive general 
visual inspections to detect discrepancies (e.g., damage, arcing, loose 
parts, wear) of the fuel boost/transfer pump connectors (alternating 
current pumping unit); and corrective actions, if necessary. The

[[Page 48389]]

corrective actions include replacement of the connector/wire assembly 
with a serviceable connector/wire assembly, and replacement of the pump 
with a serviceable fuel boost/transfer pump; as applicable.

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 require accomplishment of the actions specified in 
the service bulletins 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 this 
modification is developed, approved, and available, the FAA may 
consider additional rulemaking.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 399 Model DC-10-10, -10F, -15, -30, -30F 
(KC-10A and KDC-10), -40, and -40F series airplanes; and Model MD-10-
10F and -30F series airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide 
fleet. The FAA estimates that 313 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 65 work 
hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed tests and inspections, 
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 $1,220,700, or $3,900 per airplane, per test or 
inspection cycle.
    There are approximately 179 Model MD-11 and -11F series airplanes 
of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 
115 airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD, 
that it would take approximately 78 work hours per airplane to 
accomplish the proposed tests and inspections, 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 
$538,200, or $4,680 per airplane, per test or inspection cycle.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are 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 proposed 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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

McDonnell Douglas: Docket 2001-NM-46-AD.
    Applicability: Model DC-10-10, -10F, -15, -30, -30F (KC-10A and 
KDC-10), -40, and -40F series airplanes, and Model MD-10-10F and -
30F series airplanes; as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
DC10-28A228, including Appendix, Revision 01, July 16, 2001; and 
Model MD-11 and -11F series airplanes, as listed in Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin MD11-28A112, including Appendix, dated December 11, 
2000; certificated in any category.

    Note 1: Airplanes on which the fuel/boost pump and wiring 
connector have been physically removed and the fuel tank has been 
made inoperable are NOT subject to the requirements of this AD.


    Note 2: 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 (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 arcing of connectors of the fuel boost/transfer pump, 
which could result in a fire or explosion of the fuel tank, 
accomplish the following:

Repetitive Tests and Inspections

    (a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, do 
tests (using a digital multi-meter and Quadtech 1864 megohm meter) 
for electrical continuity and resistance and general visual 
inspections to detect discrepancies (e.g., damage, arcing, loose 
parts, wear) of the fuel boost/transfer pump (alternating current 
pumping unit) by accomplishing all the actions specified in the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-
28A112, including Appendix, dated December 11, 2000 (for Model MD-11 
and -11F series airplanes), or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-
28A228, including Appendix, dated December 11, 2000, or Revision 01, 
dated July 16, 2001 (for Model DC-10-10, -10F, -15, -30, -30F (KC-
10A and KDC-10), -40, and -40F series airplanes, and Model MD-10-10F 
and -30F series airplanes); as applicable. Repeat the tests and 
inspections thereafter every 18 months.

    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.''

Corrective Actions, If Necessary

    (b) If the result of any test required by paragraph (a) of this 
AD is outside the limits specified in the applicable service 
bulletin identified in that paragraph, or if any

[[Page 48390]]

discrepancy is detected during any inspection required by paragraph 
(a) of this AD, before further flight, accomplish corrective actions 
(e.g., replacement of connector/wire assembly with serviceable 
connector/wire assembly, and replacement of the pump with a 
serviceable fuel boost/transfer pump), as applicable, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin MD11-28A112, including Appendix, dated December 11, 2000 
(for Model MD-11 and -11F series airplanes), or Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin DC10-28A228, including Appendix, dated December 11, 2000, 
or Revision 01, dated July 16, 2001 (for Model DC-10-10, -10F, -15, 
-30, -30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), -40, and -40F series airplanes, and 
Model MD-10-10F and -30F series airplanes); as applicable.

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 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 Permit

    (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 September 14, 2001.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-23419 Filed 9-19-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U