[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 194 (Friday, October 5, 2001)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 50917-50919]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-25069]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-57-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 a one-time 
detailed visual inspection of the wire bundle installation behind the 
first observer's station to detect damaged or chafed wires; and 
corrective action, if necessary. This action would require an 
inspection of the wire bundle installation behind the first observer's 
station to detect damaged or chafed wires, and repair, if necessary. 
This action also would require installing a grommet around the lower 
edge of the feed-through; replacing the support bracket with a new 
bracket; and relocating the support clamp of the wire bundle; as 
applicable. The proposed AD also expands the applicability of the 
existing AD to include additional airplanes. This proposal is prompted 
by the FAA's determination that the existing support bracket and the 
location of the support clamp of the wire bundle may not adequately 
preclude the wire bundle contained in the feed-through behind the first 
observer's station from contacting the bottom portion of the feed-
through. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to 
prevent such contact, which could cause cable chafing, electrical 
arcing, smoke, or fire in the cockpit.

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-57-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-57-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, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 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-57-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-57-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    On February 10, 2000, the FAA issued AD 2000-03-13, amendment 39-
11572 (65 FR 8028, February 17, 2000), applicable to certain McDonnell 
Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes, to require a one-time detailed 
visual inspection of the wire bundle installation behind the first 
observer's station to detect damaged or chafed wires; and corrective 
action, if necessary. That action was prompted by a report indicating 
that the wire bundle contained in the feed-through behind the first 
observer's station was contacting the bottom portion of the feed-
through. The requirements of that AD are intended to prevent such 
contact, which could cause cable chafing, electrical arcing, smoke, or 
fire in the cockpit.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

    Since the issuance of AD 2000-03-13, the FAA, in conjunction with 
Boeing, has determined that the existing support bracket and the 
location of the support clamp of the wire bundle may not adequately 
preclude the wire bundle contained in the feed-through behind the first 
observer's station from contacting the bottom portion of the feed-
through.

[[Page 50918]]

    Boeing also has informed the FAA that it inadvertently excluded 
several airplane manufacturer's fuselage numbers from the effectivity 
listing of McDonnell Douglas Alert Bulletin MD11-24A041, Revision 01, 
dated April 26, 1999, which was referenced in AD 2000-03-13 as the 
appropriate source of service information. The FAA has determined that 
these excluded airplanes are subject to the same unsafe condition 
addressed in this proposed AD.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
MD11-24A041, Revision 02, dated April 11, 2001, which describes 
procedures for a one-time detailed visual inspection of the wire bundle 
installation behind the first observer's station to detect damaged or 
chafed wires, and repair, if necessary. The service bulletin also 
describes procedures for installing a grommet around the lower edge of 
the feed-through; replacing the support bracket with a new bracket; and 
relocating the support clamp of the wire bundle; as applicable. 
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 2000-03-13 to require a one-time 
detailed visual inspection of the wire bundle installation behind the 
first observer's station to detect damaged or chafed wires, and repair, 
if necessary. The proposed AD also would require installing a grommet 
around the lower edge of the feed-through; replacing the support 
bracket with a new bracket; and relocating the support clamp of the 
wire bundle; as applicable. The proposed AD also expands the 
applicability of the existing AD to include additional airplanes. The 
actions would be required to be accomplished in accordance with the 
service bulletin described previously.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 193 Model MD-11 series airplanes of the 
affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 62 
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 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. The manufacturer has committed 
previously to its customers that it will bear the cost of replacement 
parts. As a result, the cost of those parts is not attributable to this 
proposed AD. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed 
requirements of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $7,440, or 
$120 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is 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 39-11572 (65 FR 
8028, February 17, 2000), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), to read as follows:

McDonnell Douglas: Docket 2001-NM-57-AD. Supersedes AD 2000-03-13, 
Amendment 39-11572.

    Applicability: Model MD-11 series airplanes, as listed in Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A041, Revision 02, dated April 11, 
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)(1) 
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 the wire bundle contained in the feed-through from 
contacting the bottom of the feed-through, which could cause cable 
chafing, electrical arcing, and smoke or fire in the cockpit; 
accomplish the following:

Inspection

    (a) Within 1 year after the effective date of this AD, do a one-
time detailed visual inspection of the wire bundle installation 
behind the first observer's station to detect damaged or chafed 
wires, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A041, 
Revision 02, dated April 11, 2001.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual 
inspection is defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a 
specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to 
detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is 
normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at 
intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such 
as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning 
and elaborate access procedures may be required.''

Condition 1: No Damaged or Chafed Wire

    (b) If no damaged or chafed wire is detected during the detailed 
visual inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, before 
further flight, do the actions specified in paragraph (b)(1) or 
(b)(2) of this AD, as applicable, per Boeing Alert Service

[[Page 50919]]

Bulletin MD11-24A041, Revision 02, dated April 11, 2001.
    (1) For airplanes identified as Group 1 in the service bulletin: 
Replace the support bracket with a new bracket, and relocate the 
support clamp of the wire bundle, per Figure 3 of the service 
bulletin. The grommet around the lower edge of the feed-through must 
be installed as indicated in Figure 3 of the service bulletin.
    (2) For airplanes identified as Group 2 in the service bulletin: 
Install a grommet around the lower edge of the feed-through; replace 
the support bracket with a new bracket; and relocate the support 
clamp of the wire bundle, per Figure 2 of the service bulletin.

Condition 2: Any Damaged or Chafed Wire

    (c) If any damaged or chafed wire is detected during the 
detailed visual inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, 
before further flight, do the actions specified in paragraph (c)(1) 
or (c)(2) of this AD, as applicable, per Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin MD11-24A041, Revision 02, dated April 11, 2001.
    (1) For airplanes identified as Group 1 in the service bulletin: 
Repair wiring; replace the support bracket with a new bracket; and 
relocate the support clamp of the wire bundle, per Figure 3 of the 
service bulletin. The grommet around the lower edge of the feed-
through must be installed as indicated in Figure 3 of the service 
bulletin.
    (2) For airplanes identified as Group 2 in the service bulletin: 
Repair wiring; install grommet around lower edge of the feed-
through; replace the support bracket with a new bracket; and 
relocate the support clamp of the wire bundle, per Figure 2 of the 
service bulletin.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (d)(1) 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.

    (2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in 
accordance with AD 2000-03-13, amendment 39-11572, are approved as 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD.

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 can be accomplished.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 1, 2001.
Charles Huber,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-25069 Filed 10-4-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P