[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 194 (Friday, October 5, 2001)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 50903-50906]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-25068]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-55-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 repetitive 
general visual inspections of the power feeder cables, terminal strip, 
fuseholder, and fuses of the galley load control unit (GLCU) within the 
No. 3 bay electrical power center to detect damage; and corrective 
actions, if necessary. This action would require replacement of the 
electrical wiring of the galley in the electrical power center in bays 
1, 2, and 3 with larger gage cable assemblies, which would terminate 
the repetitive inspections. The proposed AD also expands the 
applicability of the existing AD to include two additional airplanes. 
This action is necessary to prevent damage to the wire assembly 
terminal lugs and overheating of the power feeder cables on the No. 3 
and 4 GLCU, which could result in smoke and fire in the center 
accessory compartment. This action is intended to address the 
identified unsafe condition.

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-55-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. 
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-55-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.

[[Page 50904]]

    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 
90712.

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-55-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-55-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    On December 7, 1999, the FAA issued AD 99-26-03, amendment 39-11463 
(64 FR 71001, December 20, 1999), applicable to certain McDonnell 
Douglas Model MD-11 airplanes, to require repetitive general visual 
inspections of the power feeder cables, terminal strip, fuseholder, and 
fuses of the galley load control unit (GLCU) within the No. 3 bay 
electrical power center to detect damage; and corrective actions, if 
necessary. (A final rule, correction was published in the Federal 
Register on February 2, 2000 (65 FR 4870)). That action was prompted by 
an incident of no power to the aft galleys and two incidents of 
sparking sounds coming from the aft galleys due to damage of the No. 3 
and 4 wire assembly terminal lugs and overheating of the power feeder 
cables on the G3 GLCU. The requirements of that AD are intended to 
prevent such damage due to the accumulated effects over time from 
overheating of the power feeder cables on the G3 GLCU, which could 
result in smoke and fire in the G3 galley.
    The incident that prompted AD 99-26-03 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.

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 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.

FAA's Determination

    In the preamble to AD 99-26-03, the FAA indicated that the actions 
required by that AD were considered ``interim action'' and that further 
rulemaking action was being considered. The FAA now has determined that 
further rulemaking action is indeed necessary, and this proposed AD 
follows from that determination.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-24-
184, dated February 22, 2001. The service bulletin describes procedures 
for replacement of the electrical wiring of the galley in the 
electrical power center (EPC) in bays 1, 2, and 3 with larger gage 
cable assemblies, which would eliminate the need for the repetitive 
inspections requirements of AD 99-26-03. 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 99-26-03 to continue to require 
repetitive general visual inspections of the power feeder cables, 
terminal strip, fuseholder, and fuses of the GLCU with the No. 3 bay 
electrical power center to detect damage; and corrective actions, if 
necessary. The proposed AD also would require accomplishment of the 
action specified in the service bulletin described previously, which 
would constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspection 
requirements. The proposed AD also expands the applicability of the 
existing AD to include two additional airplanes.

Explanation of Change in Applicability

    The applicability of the proposed AD references Boeing Service 
Bulletin MD11-24-184, dated February 22, 2001, as the appropriate 
source of service information for determining the affected airplanes. 
The service bulletin reflects the most current listing of airplanes 
subject to the requirements of this proposed AD, including airplane 
fuselage numbers 547 and 554, which were inadvertently omitted from the 
effectivity of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A160, 
Revision 01, dated November 11, 1999 (referenced in the applicability 
statement of AD 99-26-03).

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 135 Model MD-11 series airplanes of the 
affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 31 
airplanes of U.S.

[[Page 50905]]

registry would be affected by this proposed AD.
    The inspection that is currently required by AD 99-26-03, and 
retained in this proposed AD, takes 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 currently required 
inspection on U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,860, or $60 per 
airplane, per inspection cycle.
    The new action that is proposed in this AD action would take 
approximately 18 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost 
approximately $14,647 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the proposed requirements of this AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $487,537, or $15,727 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 39-11463 (64 FR 
71001, December 20, 1999), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), to read as follows:

McDonnell Douglas: Docket 2001-NM-55-AD. Supersedes AD 99-26-03, 
Amendment 39-11463.

    Applicability: Model MD-11 series airplanes, as listed in Boeing 
Service Bulletin MD11-24-184, dated February 22, 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 (d) 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 damage to the wire assembly terminal lugs and power 
feeder cables due to the accumulated effects over time from 
overheating of the power feeder cables on the No. 3 and 4 galley 
load control unit (GLCU), which could result in smoke and fire in 
the central accessory compartment; accomplish the following:

Restatement of Requirements of AD 99-26-03

Repetitive Inspections and Replacement, If Necessary

    (a) For airplanes listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin MD11-24A160, Revision 01, dated November 11, 1999: Within 
60 days after January 4, 2000 (the effective date of AD 99-26-03, 
amendment 39-11463), perform a general visual inspection of the 
power feeder cables, terminal strip, fuseholder, and fuses of the 
GLCU within the No. 3 bay electrical power center to detect damage 
(i.e., discoloration of affected parts or loose attachments), in 
accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-
24A160, dated August 30, 1999; or Revision 01, dated November 11, 
1999.

    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.''

    (1) If no damage is detected during any inspection required by 
this AD, repeat the general visual inspection thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 600 flight hours.
    (2) If any damage is detected during any inspection required by 
this AD, prior to further flight, replace the power feeder cables, 
fuseholder, and/or fuses, as applicable, in accordance with the 
service bulletin. Repeat the general visual inspection thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 600 flight hours.

New Actions Required by This AD

Repetitive Inspections and Replacement, If Necessary

    (b) For airplanes having serial numbers 547 and 554: Within 60 
days after the effective date of this AD, do the actions required by 
paragraphs (a), (a)(1), and (a)(2) of this AD, as applicable.

Replacement

    (c) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, 
replace the electrical wiring of the galley in the electrical power 
center in bays 1, 2, and 3 with larger gage cable assemblies, in 
accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-24-184, dated February 
22, 2001. Accomplishment of the replacement constitutes terminating 
action for the repetitive inspection requirements of paragraphs (a) 
and (b) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (d) 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 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

    (e) 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

[[Page 50906]]

can be accomplished. Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 1, 
2001.

Charles Huber,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-25068 Filed 10-4-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P