[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 194 (Friday, October 5, 2001)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 50877-50880]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-25060]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-65-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 replacing the 
ground support bracket(s); and rerouting the ground cables of the 
galley external power and main external power, or ground cables of the 
main external power; as applicable. This action would require a general 
visual inspection of the ground cables of the main external power and 
galley external power for excessive length, as applicable; and 
corrective actions, if necessary. This proposal is prompted by the 
FAA's determination that currently required actions may not adequately 
address the identified unsafe condition. The actions specified by the 
proposed AD are intended to prevent arcing and heat damage to the 
attachment points of the main external and galley power receptacle 
ground wire, insulation blankets outboard and aft of the receptacle 
area, and adjacent power cables, which could result in smoke and fire 
in the forward cargo 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-65-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.

[[Page 50878]]

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-65-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.

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-65-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-65-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    On November 22, 2000, the FAA issued AD 2000-24-13, amendment 39-
12020 (65 FR 75616, December 4, 2000), applicable to certain McDonnell 
Douglas Model MD-11 airplanes, to require replacing the ground support 
bracket(s); and rerouting the ground cables of the galley external 
power and main external power, or ground cables of the main external 
power; as applicable. That action was prompted by the results of the 
analysis that revealed the existing design of the subject grounding 
system does not adequately prevent arcing and heat damage to the 
attachment points of the main external and galley power receptacle 
ground wire, insulation blankets outboard and aft of the receptacle 
area, and adjacent power cables. The requirements of that AD are 
intended to prevent arcing and heat damage to the attachment points of 
the main external and galley power receptacle ground wire, insulation 
blankets outboard and aft of the receptacle area, and adjacent power 
cables, which could result in smoke and fire in the forward cargo 
compartment.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

    Since the issuance of AD 2000-24-13, the FAA in conjunction with 
Boeing has determined that actions required by that AD may not 
adequately preclude arcing and heat damage to the attachment points of 
the main external and galley power receptacle ground wire, insulation 
blankets outboard and aft of the receptacle area, and adjacent power 
cables.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin MD11-24A138, Revision 01, dated June 5, 2001. The replacement 
and rerouting procedures are identical to those in the original version 
of Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A138, dated April 3, 2000, which was 
referenced in AD 2000-24-13 as the appropriate source of service 
information. Revision 01 of the service bulletin provides new 
instructions for performing a general visual inspection of the ground 
cables of the main external power and galley external power (as 
applicable) for excessive length; and corrective actions, if necessary. 
The corrective actions include cutting the cable assembly to correct 
length and installing a terminal on the cut end of the cable. Revision 
01 of the service bulletin also changes fuselage number 0456 from Group 
1 airplanes to Group 2, and adds Groups 3 and 4 airplanes (airplanes 
modified by the original version of the service bulletin). 
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 2000-24-13 to continue to require 
replacing the ground support bracket(s); and rerouting the ground 
cables of the galley external power and main external power, or ground 
cables of the main external power; as applicable. The proposed AD also 
would require accomplishment of the new actions specified in Revision 
01 of the service bulletin described previously.

Explanation of Change to Applicability from AD 2000-24-13

    Because the effectivity of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin 
MD11-4A138, Revision 01, dated June 5, 2001, includes a revised listing 
of airplane groups (no additional airplanes), the FAA has referenced 
that revision as the appropriate source of service information for 
determining the affected airplanes of this proposed AD. We also revised 
the applicability of paragraph (a)(1) of AD 2000-24-13 (requirements 
are restated in this proposed AD) to correctly exclude fuselage number 
0456 and corrected paragraph (a)(2) of that AD to include that fuselage 
number. We have determined that the proposed corrections to paragraphs 
(a)(1) and (a)(2) of AD 2000-24-13 will neither increase the economic 
burden on any operator nor increase the scope of that AD.

[[Page 50879]]

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 149 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 2000-24-13, and 
retained in this proposed AD, take approximately 1 (for Group 1 
airplanes) or 2 (for Group 2 airplanes) work hours per airplane to 
accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required 
parts cost approximately $337 (for Group 1 airplanes) or $647 (for 
Group 2 airplanes) per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the currently required actions on U.S. operators is estimated 
to be $397 (for Group 1 airplanes), or $767 (for Group 2 airplanes) 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 39-12020 (65 FR 
75616, December 4, 2000), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), to read as follows:

McDonnell Douglas: Docket 2001-NM-65-AD. Supersedes AD 2000-24-13, 
Amendment 39-12020.

    Applicability: Model MD-11 series airplanes, as listed in 
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A138, Revision 01, 
dated June 5, 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 arcing and heat damage to the attachment points of 
the main external and galley power receptacle ground wire, 
insulation blankets outboard and aft of the receptacle area, and 
adjacent power cables, which could result in smoke and fire in the 
forward cargo compartment, accomplish the following:

Replacement and Reroute

    (a) Within 12 months after January 8, 2001 (the effective date 
of AD 2000-24-13, amendment 39-12020), accomplish the actions 
specified in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, as applicable, 
in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-
24A138, dated April 3, 2000, or Revision 01, dated June 5, 2001. As 
of the effective date of this AD, only Revision 01 of the service 
bulletin shall be used.
    (1) For Group 1 airplanes listed in the original version of the 
service bulletin, excluding fuselage number 0456: Replace the ground 
support brackets with new brackets and reroute the ground cables of 
the galley external power and main external power.
    (2) For Group 2 airplanes listed in the original version of the 
service bulletin and fuselage number 0456: Replace the ground 
support bracket and reroute the ground cables of the main external 
power.

Inspection and Corrective Actions, If Necessary

    (b) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, 
accomplish the actions specified in paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of 
this AD, as applicable, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert 
Service Bulletin MD11-24A138, Revision 01, dated June 5, 2001.
    (1) For Group 3 airplanes listed in Revision 01 of the service 
bulletin: Do a general visual inspection of the ground cables of the 
main external power and galley external power for excessive length. 
If any cable length is excessive, before further flight, do 
applicable corrective actions (e.g., cut cable assembly to correct 
length and install a terminal on the cut end of the cable) per 
Condition 2 of Figure 3 of the service bulletin.
    (2) For Group 4 airplanes listed in Revision 01 of the service 
bulletin: Do a general visual inspection of the ground cables of the 
main external power for excessive length. If any cable length is 
excessive, before further flight, do applicable corrective actions 
(e.g., cut cable assembly to correct length and install a terminal 
on the cut end of the cable) per Condition 2 of Figure 4 of the 
service bulletin.

    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 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.


[[Page 50880]]


    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. 01-25060 Filed 10-4-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P