[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 201 (Wednesday, October 17, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52668-52670]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-25663]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-171-AD; Amendment 39-12469; AD 2001-20-20]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-90-30 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-90-30 series 
airplanes, that currently requires replacement of certain ground block 
screws with new screws; and retermination of the circuit ground wires 
of the electrical power control unit (EPCU) to separate grounding 
points. This amendment removes certain airplanes and adds certain other 
airplanes to the applicability of the existing AD. The actions 
specified in this AD are intended to prevent a loose electrical ground 
block of the circuit ground wires of the EPCU, which could result in 
complete loss of the primary electrical power of an airplane during 
flight.

DATES: Effective November 1, 2001.
    The incorporation by reference of a certain publication, as listed 
in the regulations, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register 
as of November 1, 2001.
    The incorporation by reference of certain other publications, as 
listed in the regulations, was approved previously by the Director of 
the Federal Register as of September 19, 2000 (65 FR 49728, August 15, 
2000), and as of November 13, 2000 (65 FR 59707, October 6, 2000).
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before December 17, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NM-171-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-171-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 this AD 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; or at the 
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 
700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: George Mabuni, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft 
Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 
90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5341; fax (562) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On September 26, 2000, the FAA issued AD 
2000-20-04, amendment 39-11915 (65 FR 59707, October 6, 2000). (A 
correction to that AD was published in

[[Page 52669]]

the Federal Register on January 9, 2001 (66 FR 1574)). That AD is 
applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-90-30 series 
airplanes, to require replacement of certain ground block screws with 
new screws; and retermination of the circuit ground wires of the 
electrical power control unit (EPCU) to separate grounding points. That 
action was prompted by the Federal Aviation Administration's 
determination that the existing AD must be revised to ensure that the 
requirements apply to the appropriate airplane groups. The actions 
required by that AD are intended to prevent a loose electrical ground 
block of the circuit ground wires of the EPCU, which could result in 
complete loss of the primary electrical power of an airplane during 
flight.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

    Since the issuance of that AD (which referenced McDonnell Douglas 
Service Bulletin MD90-24-062, dated February 3, 2000, and Alert Service 
Bulletin MD90-24-A060, Revision 01, dated September 2, 1999, as the 
appropriate sources of service information), the manufacturer has 
released McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD90-24-A060, 
Revision 02, dated February 28, 2001. Revision 02 removes six airplanes 
from the alert service bulletin effectivity and adds two more 
airplanes. Revision 02 also specifies that no additional work is 
required for airplanes previously modified per prior revisions of the 
service bulletin.

Explanation of Requirements of Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of this same type design, this AD 
supersedes AD 2000-20-04, amendment 39-11915 (65 FR 59707, October 6, 
2000). This AD requires replacement of certain ground block screws with 
new screws; and retermination of the circuit ground wires of the EPCU 
to separate grounding points. The actions are required to be 
accomplished in accordance with the alert service bulletin described 
previously.

Cost Impact

    None of the new airplanes affected by this action are on the U.S. 
Register. The affected airplanes included in the applicability of this 
rule currently are operated by non-U.S. operators under foreign 
registry; therefore, they are not directly affected by this AD action. 
However, the FAA considers that this rule is necessary to ensure that 
the unsafe condition is addressed in the event that any of these 
subject airplanes are imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the 
future.
    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 required actions at an average labor rate of $60 per 
work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this AD would be 
$60 per airplane.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    Since this AD action does not affect any airplane that is currently 
on the U.S. register, it has no adverse economic impact and imposes no 
additional burden on any person. Therefore, prior notice and public 
procedures hereon are unnecessary and the amendment may be made 
effective in less than 30 days after publication in the Federal 
Register.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this 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 under the caption ADDRESSES. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will 
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments 
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and 
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the 
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be 
needed.
    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 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 rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the 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 that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2001-NM-171-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped 
and returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will 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 final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) 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 final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 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 39-11915 (65 FR 
59707, October 6, 2000), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), amendment 39-12469, to read as follows:


[[Page 52670]]


2001-20-20  McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-12469. Docket 2001-NM-
171-AD. Supersedes AD 2000-20-04, Amendment 39-11915.

    Applicability: Model MD-90-30 series airplanes, as listed in 
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD90-24A060, Revision 02, 
dated February 28, 2001; and McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin 
MD90-24-062, dated February 3, 2000; 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 a loose electrical ground block of the circuit ground 
wires of the electrical power control unit (EPCU), which could 
result in complete loss of the primary electrical power of an 
airplane during flight., accomplish the following:

    Note 2: Paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD merely restate the 
requirements of paragraph (a) and (b) of AD 2000-20-04, amendment 
39-11915. As allowed by the phrase, ``unless accomplished 
previously,'' if those requirements of AD 2000-20-04 have already 
been accomplished, this AD does not require that those actions be 
repeated.

Restatement of the Requirements of AD 2000-20-04

Replacement

    (a) For airplanes listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin MD90-24A060, Revision 01, dated September 2, 1999: Within 
30 days after November 13, 2000 (the effective of AD 2000-20-04), 
replace the electrical ground block screws with new screws in 
accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD90-
24A060, Revision 01, dated September 2, 1999.

    Note 3: Accomplishment of the replacement of electrical ground 
block screws prior to November 13, 2000, in accordance with 
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD90-24A060, dated July 28, 
1999, is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of 
paragraph (a) of this AD.

Modification of the Electrical Power Control Unit

    (b) For airplanes listed in McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin 
MD90-24-062, dated February 3, 2000: Within 12 months after November 
13, 2000 (the effective date of AD 2000-20-04), reterminate the 
circuit ground wires of the EPCU to separate grounding points to 
ensure that a single point failure does not occur, in accordance 
with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD90-24-062, dated February 
3, 2000.

New Requirements of This Ad

Replacement

    (c) For airplanes listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin MD90-24A060, Revision 02, dated February 28, 2001, with the 
exception of those airplanes identified in paragraph (a) of this AD: 
Within 30 days after the effective of this AD, replace the 
electrical ground block screws with new screws in accordance with 
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD90-24A060, Revision 02, 
dated February 28, 2001.

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 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 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.

Incorporation by Reference

    (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell 
Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD90-24A060, Revision 01, dated 
September 2, 1999; McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD90-
24A060, Revision 02, dated February 28, 2001; and McDonnell Douglas 
Alert Service Bulletin MD90-24-062, dated February 3, 2000; as 
applicable.
    (1) The incorporation by reference of McDonnell Douglas Alert 
Service Bulletin MD90-24A060, Revision 02, dated February 28, 2001, 
is approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance 
with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) The incorporation by reference of McDonnell Douglas Alert 
Service Bulletin MD90-24A060, Revision 01, dated September 2, 1999, 
was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of September 19, 2000 (65 FR 49728, August 15, 2000).
    (3) The incorporation by reference of McDonnell Douglas Alert 
Service Bulletin MD90-24-062, dated February 3, 2000, was approved 
previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of November 
13, 2000 (65 FR 59707, October 6, 2000).
    (4) Copies 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). Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or 
at the FAA, Los Angeles ACO, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, 
California; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North 
Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

Effective Date

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on November 1, 2001.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 5, 2001.
Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-25663 Filed 10-16-01; 8:45 am]
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