[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 194 (Friday, October 5, 2001)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 50882-50884]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-25058]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-63-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and MD-
11F 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 and MD-11F series airplanes, that currently requires 
replacement of the existing terminal strips and supports above the main 
cabin area; and installation of spacers between terminal strips and 
mounting brackets in the avionics compartment; as applicable. This 
action would require replacing the applicable terminal strips in the 
avionics compartment with new terminal strips. This action also would 
require performing an inspection to detect arcing damage of the 
surrounding structure of the terminal strips and electrical cables in 
the avionics compartment, and repairing or replacing any damaged 
component with a new component. This proposal is prompted by reports of 
arcing between the power feeder cables and support brackets of the 
terminal strips on airplanes previously modified per the existing AD. 
The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent 
electrical arcing caused by power feeder cable terminal lugs grounding 
against terminal strip support brackets, which could result in smoke 
and fire in the main cabin or avionics compartment.

DATES: Comments must be received by November 19, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NM-63-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-63-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 2001-NM-63-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-63-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    On February 10, 2000, the FAA issued AD 2000-03-15, amendment 39-
11574 (65 FR 8025, February 17, 2000), applicable to certain McDonnell 
Douglas Model MD-11 and -11F series airplanes, to require replacement 
of the existing terminal strips and supports above the main cabin area; 
and installation of spacers between terminal strips and mounting 
brackets in the avionics compartment; as applicable. That action was 
prompted by a report indicating that, during flight, an incident of 
electrical arcing occurred at a terminal strip located overhead in the 
main cabin. The requirements of that AD are intended to prevent 
electrical arcing caused by power feeder cable terminal lugs grounding 
against terminal strip support brackets, which could result in smoke 
and fire in the main cabin or avionics compartment.

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 2000-03-15, the FAA has received a report 
of arcing

[[Page 50883]]

between the power feeder cables and support brackets of the terminal 
strips on a McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplane. This 
airplane had been modified per the requirements of paragraph (b) of AD 
2000-03-15 (which referenced McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin 
MD11-24A147, dated March 24, 1999, as the appropriate source of service 
information for accomplishing the modification). Investigation revealed 
that the design and installation did not provide adequate clearance 
between the terminal strips and support brackets, which allowed a power 
feeder cable terminal lug to ground against a terminal strip support 
bracket. This condition, if not corrected, could result in electrical 
arcing and consequent smoke and/or fire in the main cabin or avionics 
compartment.
    The incident that prompted this proposed AD is not considered to be 
related to an accident that occurred off the coast of Nova Scotia 
involving a McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplane. The cause of 
that accident is still under investigation.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin MD11-24A178, dated May 14, 2001, which describes the following 
procedures:
    1. Replacing the applicable terminal strips in the avionics 
compartment with new terminal strips (including inspecting wires for 
damage, repairing any damaged wire, and removing the nameplate); and
    2. Performing a general visual inspection to detect arcing damage 
of the surrounding structure of the terminal strips and electrical 
cables in the avionics compartment, and repairing or replacing any 
damaged component with a new component.
    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 2000-03-15 to continue to require 
replacing the existing terminal strips and supports above the main 
cabin at station Y=5-32.000 with new terminal strips and supports. The 
proposed AD also would require accomplishment of the actions specified 
in the service bulletin described previously, except as described 
below.
    The modification required by paragraph (b) of AD 2000-03-15 would 
effectively be removed from the airplane when the replacement required 
by paragraph (b)(2) of this proposed AD is done.

Differences Between Proposed Rule and Service Bulletin

    Operators should note that the service bulletin specifies to repair 
damaged structure per the Structural Repair Manual (SRM). However, the 
SRM does not provide adequate procedures for repair of certain 
structural material. Therefore, this proposed AD would require the 
repair of damaged structure that is not covered in the SRM to be 
accomplished per a method approved by the FAA.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 133 Model MD-11 and -11F series airplanes 
listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A178, dated 
May 14, 2001, of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA 
estimates that 52 airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by this 
proposed AD.
    The new actions that are proposed in this AD action would take 
approximately 3 (for Group 1 airplanes) and 4 (for Group 2 airplanes) 
work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 
per work hour. Required parts would cost approximately $1,142 per 
airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed 
requirements of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,322 
(for Group 1 airplanes) and $1,382 (for Group 2 airplanes) 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. However, the FAA has been 
advised that manufacturer warranty remedies are available for labor 
costs associated with accomplishing the actions required by this 
proposed AD. Therefore, the future economic cost impact of this rule on 
U.S. operators may be less than the cost impact figure indicated above.
    Currently, there are no Model MD-11 series airplanes listed in 
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A150, dated March 25, 
1999, on the U.S. Register. However, should an affected airplane be 
imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future, it would 
require approximately 1 work hour to accomplish the replacement 
currently required by AD 2000-03-15, and retained in this proposed AD, 
at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. The cost of required 
parts would be $885. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this AD 
for this replacement would be $945 per airplane.

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.

[[Page 50884]]

Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-11574 (65 FR 
8025, February 17, 2000), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), to read as follows:

McDonnell Douglas: Docket 2001-NM-63-AD. Supersedes AD 2000-03-15, 
Amendment 39-11574.

    Applicability: Model MD-11 and MD-11F series airplanes, as 
listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A150, 
dated March 25, 1999, and McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin 
MD11-24A178, dated May 14, 2001; 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 electrical arcing caused by power feeder cable 
terminal lugs grounding against terminal strip support brackets, 
which could result in smoke and fire in the main cabin or avionics 
compartment, accomplish the following:

Restatement of Certain Requirements of AD 2000-03-15: Replacement of 
Terminal Strips and Supports

    (a) For airplanes listed in the effectivity of McDonnell Douglas 
Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A150, dated March 25, 1999, on which 
the modification specified in McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin 
MD11-24-085, dated August 1, 1995, has not been accomplished: Within 
1 year after March 23, 2000 (the effective date of AD 2000-03-15, 
amendment 39-11574), replace the existing terminal strips and 
supports above the main cabin at station Y=5-32.000 with new 
terminal strips and supports in accordance with McDonnell Douglas 
Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A150, dated March 25, 1999.

New Action Required by This AD: Replacement, Inspection, and Corrective 
Action, If Necessary

    (b) For airplanes listed in the effectivity of McDonnell Douglas 
Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A178, dated May 14, 2001: Within 18 
months after the effective date of this AD, do the actions specified 
in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this AD per the service bulletin.
    (1) Replace the applicable terminal strips in the avionics 
compartment with new terminal strips (including inspecting wires for 
damage, repairing any damaged wire, and removing the nameplate); and
    (2) Perform a general visual inspection to detect arcing damage 
of the surrounding structure of the terminal strips and electrical 
cables in the avionics compartment. If any damage is detected, 
before further flight, repair or replace any damaged component with 
a new component, per the service bulletin; except if the type of 
structural material of the surrounding structure that has been 
affected is not covered in the Structural Repair Manual, repair per 
a method approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA.

    Note 2: 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.''

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 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

    (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 October 1, 2001.
Charles Huber,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-25058 Filed 10-4-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P