[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 234 (Wednesday, December 5, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63157-63159]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-30084]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-345-AD; Amendment 39-12553; AD 2001-25-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-8-33, -43, -
51, -52, -53, and -55 Series Airplanes; Model DC-8F-54, and -55 Series 
Airplanes; and Model DC-8-61, -61F, -62, -62F, -63, -63F, -71, -71F, -
72, -72F, -73, and -73F Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-8-33, -43, -51, -
52, -53, and -55 series airplanes; Model DC-8F-54, and -55 series 
airplanes; and Model DC-8-61, -61F, -62, -62F, -63, -63F, -71, -71F, -
72, -72F, -73, and -73F series airplanes. This action requires 
repetitive inspections of the electrical connectors of the explosive 
cartridge wiring of the engine fire extinguisher containers to verify 
if the identification number labels are installed and legible; 
repetitive electrical tests of all explosive cartridge wiring of the 
engine fire extinguisher containers to verify proper installation and 
function; and corrective actions, if necessary. This action is 
necessary to detect and correct cross-wired electrical connectors of 
the fire extinguishing system, which could release fire extinguishing 
agent into the incorrect engine nacelle in the event of an engine fire.

DATES: Effective December 20, 2001.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of December 20, 2001.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before February 4, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NM-345-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-345-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: William Bond, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137; 
telephone (562) 627-5253; fax (562) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has received reports of electrical 
connectors of the engine fire extinguishing agent containers being 
cross-wired on certain McDonnell Douglas DC-8 series airplanes. The 
fire extinguishing system on these airplanes consists of independent 
left- and right-wing fixed fire extinguisher installations. Each wing 
installation includes two containers with two fire extinguishing agent 
deployment lines per container. Either container of a wing installation 
may be discharged into either engine nacelle of the same wing. In one 
incident, six of eight electrical connectors of the explosive 
cartridges were found installed on the incorrect cartridge/discharge 
valve. These reported incidents were caused by unclear maintenance 
instructions and an inadequate wire harness design that does not 
prevent cross-connecting the electrical connectors. Cross-wired 
electrical connectors of the fire extinguishing system, if not 
corrected, could release fire extinguishing agent into the incorrect 
engine nacelle in the event of an engine fire.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
DC8-26A046, dated November 7, 2001. The service bulletin describes 
procedures for repetitive inspections of the electrical connectors of 
the explosive cartridge wiring of the fire extinguisher containers to 
verify if the identification number labels are installed and legible; 
and installation of a label or replacement of the label with a new 
label, if necessary. The service bulletin also describes procedures for 
repetitive electrical tests of the explosive cartridge wiring of the 
fire extinguisher container to verify proper installation and function, 
and for troubleshooting and repairing the wiring of the Firex Discharge 
system, if necessary.

Explanation of the Requirements of the Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other McDonnell Douglas Model DC-8-33, -43, -51, -
52, -53, and -55 series airplanes; Model DC-8F-54, and -55 series 
airplanes; and Model DC-8-61, -61F, -62, -62F, -63, -63F, -71, -71F, -
72, -72F, -73, and -73F series airplanes of the same type design, this 
AD is being issued to detect and correct cross-wired electrical 
connectors of the fire extinguishing system, which could release fire 
extinguishing agent into the incorrect engine nacelle in the event of 
an engine fire. This AD requires accomplishment of the actions 
specified in the service bulletin described previously, except as 
discussed below.

[[Page 63158]]

Differences Between Proposed Rule and Service Bulletin

    Operators should note that, although the service bulletin 
recommends accomplishing the inspection within two days (from the issue 
date of the service bulletin), the FAA has determined that a compliance 
time of 30 days will not adversely affect safety, and will allow the 
inspections and tests to be performed at a base during regularly 
scheduled maintenance where special equipment and trained maintenance 
personnel will be available if necessary. In addition, there has only 
been one reported engine fire in the entire DC-8 worldwide fleet in the 
last five years. Therefore, we find that a compliance time of 30 days 
is warranted.

Interim Action

    This is considered to be interim action until final action is 
identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

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-345-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 rule does not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory 
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further 
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory 
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is 
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be 
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final 
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. 
A copy of it, if filed, 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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

2001-25-01  McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-12553. Docket 2001-NM-
345-AD.

    Applicability: Model DC-8-33, -43, -51, -52, -53, and -55 series 
airplanes; Model DC-8F-54, and -55 series airplanes; and Model DC-8-
61, -61F, -62, -62F, -63, -63F, -71, -71F, -72, -72F, -73, and -73F 
series airplanes; certificated in any category; as listed in Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin DC8-26A046, dated November 7, 2001.

    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 (b) 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 detect and correct cross-wired electrical connectors of the 
fire extinguishing system, which could release fire extinguishing 
agent into the incorrect engine nacelle in the event of an engine 
fire, accomplish the following:

Repetitive Inspections and Tests, and Corrective Action(s), if 
Necessary

    (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, do the 
action(s) specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD per 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC8-26A046, dated November 7, 2001.
    (1) Do an inspection of the electrical connectors of the 
explosive cartridge wiring of the engine fire extinguisher 
containers to verify if the identification number labels are 
installed and legible. If any identification number label is missing 
or is not legible, before further flight, install a label or replace 
the label with a new label, as applicable. Repeat the inspection 
after each maintenance action for the Firex Discharge system.
    (2) Do an electrical test of all explosive cartridge wiring of 
the engine fire extinguisher containers to verify proper 
installation and function, using the cockpit warning lamps. If the 
lamp fails to illuminate, before further flight, troubleshoot and 
repair the wiring of the Firex Discharge system. Repeat the test 
after each maintenance action for the Firex Discharge system.


[[Page 63159]]


    Note 2: Inspections, tests, and corrective actions, if 
necessary, done per Boeing BOECOM M-7200-01-02632, dated November 5, 
2001, before the effective date of this AD, are considered 
acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (b) 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

    (c) 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

    (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin DC8-26A046, dated November 7, 2001. This 
incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the 
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 
51. 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 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.

Effective Date

    (e) This amendment becomes effective on December 20, 2001.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 29, 2001.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-30084 Filed 12-4-01; 8:45 am]
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