[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 66 (Friday, April 5, 2002)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 16335-16338]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-8283]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-197-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model 
MD-90-30 airplanes. This proposal would require an inspection of the 
galley power feeder cable above the main cabin ceiling supports for 
damage caused by chafing. The proposal would also require repairing any 
damage on the outer cable jacket or primary insulation, installing a 
splice on the power feeder cable to remove damage, installing sleeving 
along a portion of the cable, installing standoffs for the cable, re-
routing the galley power feeder cable, and testing the galley 
equipment, as applicable. This action is necessary to prevent future 
damage to the galley power feeder cable as well as to detect and 
correct existing damage to the galley power feeder cable, which could 
result in electrical arcing, possibly leading to damage to adjacent 
structures and to fire in the airplane. This action is intended to 
address the identified unsafe condition.

[[Page 16336]]


DATES: Comments must be received by May 20, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-197-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. 2000-NM-197-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; or at the FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft 
Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: George Y. 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:

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-197-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. 2000-NM-197-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The FAA has received reports indicating that the aft galley power 
feeder wires are chafing on the main cabin ceiling supports located in 
the overwing area. This condition, if not corrected, could result in 
damage to the galley power feeder cable, which could result in 
electrical arcing, possibly leading to damage to adjacent structures 
and to fire in the airplane.

Related Proposed Rulemaking

    On August 24, 2001, the FAA issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking 
(NPRM), Docket Number 2001-NM-149-AD (66 FR 45948, August 31, 2001), 
which proposed to require an inspection of the aft galley power feeder 
cables for riding, chafing, and damage, and follow-on actions. The 
follow-on actions include repair of any damage on the outer cable 
jacket or primary insulation, installation of a splice on the power 
feeder cables to remove damage, installation of sleeving over the 
affected area, and a functional test of the galley equipment, as 
applicable. The actions are proposed to be taken in accordance with 
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD90-24A046, Revision 02, 
dated March 26, 2001. No comments regarding the proposed AD were 
received.

Since the Issuance of that NPRM

    The FAA has reviewed and approved McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin MD90-24A047, Revision 01, dated July 31, 2000, which describes 
procedures for modification of the installation of the galley power 
feeder cable. That service bulletin recommends that Alert Service 
Bulletin MD90-24A046, Revision 02 (the applicable service information 
specified in NPRM Docket No. 2001-NM-149-AD), be accomplished prior to 
or concurrent with modification of the installation of the power feeder 
cable.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved two service bulletins pertaining 
to chafing of the galley power feeder cable against the main cabin 
ceiling supports located in the overwing area on the left side. One, 
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD90-24A046, Revision 02, 
dated March 26, 2001, was specified in NPRM Docket Number 2000-NM-149-
AD as the relevant service information. That alert service bulletin 
describes procedures for a one-time general visual inspection of the 
power feeder cable for damage caused by chafing. That alert service 
bulletin also describes procedures for follow-on actions, including 
repair of any damage on the outer cable jacket or primary insulation, 
installation of a splice on the power feeder cable to remove damage, 
installation of sleeving along a portion of the cable, and a functional 
test of the galley equipment, as applicable.
    The second service bulletin--McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin MD90-24A047, Revision 01, dated July 31, 2000--describes 
procedures for installing standoffs for the power feeder cable and re-
routing of the power feeder cable to provide additional clearance 
between the cable and the main ceiling supports. Accomplishment of the 
actions specified in these alert service bulletin is intended to 
adequately address the identified unsafe condition.

Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule

    The FAA has determined that, rather than proposing to require 
inspection, follow-on actions, and repair, if necessary, and 
modification of the galley power feeder cable in two separate ADs, it 
is technically reasonable to combine the requirements into a single AD. 
Combining these

[[Page 16337]]

actions would also provide a convenience for the operators and would 
not adversely affect safety. Therefore, this NPRM proposes the 
accomplishment of the actions specified in both McDonnell Douglas Alert 
Service Bulletin MD90-24A046, Revision 02, dated March 26, 2001, and 
Alert Service Bulletin MD90-24A047, Revision 01, dated July 31, 2000. 
The FAA is considering action to withdraw NPRM Docket Number 2001-NM-
149-AD.
    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 require accomplishment of the actions specified in 
the alert service bulletins described previously.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 17 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by the proposed requirement to accomplish McDonnell Douglas 
Alert Service Bulletin MD90-24A046, Revision 02, dated March 26, 2001. 
We estimate that 22 airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by the 
proposed requirement to accomplish McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin MD90-24A047, Revision 01, dated July 31, 2000.
    It would take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish 
the proposed inspection, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed inspection on 
U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,020, or $60 per airplane.
    It would take approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the proposed installation of sleeving along a portion of the cable, at 
an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of the proposed installation of sleeving on U.S. operators 
is estimated to be $2,040, or $120 per airplane.
    It would take approximately 5 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the proposed modification of the installation of the galley power 
feeder cables and re-routing of the cables, at an average labor rate of 
$60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the 
proposed modification and re-routing of the cable on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $6,600, or $300 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements 
of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions 
in the future if this proposed 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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

McDonnell Douglas: Docket 2001-NM-149-AD.
    Applicability: Model MD-90-30 airplanes, as listed in McDonnell 
Douglas Alert Service Bulletins MD90-24A046, Revision 02, dated 
March 26, 2001, and MD90-24A047, Revision 01, dated July 31, 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 (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 future damage to the galley power feeder cable as 
well as to detect and correct existing damage to the galley power 
feeder cable, which could result in electrical arcing, possibly 
leading to damage to adjacent structures and to fire in the 
airplane, accomplish the following:

Inspection and Follow-On Actions

    (a) For McDonnell Douglas Model MD-90-30 airplanes as identified 
in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD90-24A046, Revision 
02, dated March 26, 2001: Within 90 days after the effective date of 
this AD, do a one-time general visual inspection of the galley power 
feeder cable located above the main cabin ceiling supports in the 
overwing area on the left side for damage caused by chafing--
particularly near the ends of the ceiling supports--in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Alert 
Service Bulletin MD90-24A046, Revision 02, dated March 26, 2001.

    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.''

Condition 1: Damage to Outer Cable Jacket or Primary Insulation

    (1) If any damage to the outer cable jacket or the primary 
insulation is found, prior to further flight, repair the scuffed 
jacket or insulation and modify the galley power feeder cable 
installation by installing sleeving over the wire assembly per the 
alert service bulletin.

Condition 2: Damage to Power Feeder Cable Conductor

    (2) If any damage to the power feeder cable conductor is found, 
prior to further flight, repair the damaged cable by installing a 
splice at the damaged location, modify the galley power feeder cable 
installation by installing sleeving over the cable assembly, and do 
a functional test of the galley equipment per the alert service 
bulletin.

[[Page 16338]]

Condition 3: No Damage

    (3) If no damage is found, prior to further flight, modify the 
galley power feeder cable installation by installing sleeving over 
the cable assembly per the alert service bulletin.

    Note 3: Accomplishment of the applicable actions prior to the 
effective date of this AD per McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin MD90-24A046, dated July 31, 1997; or Revision 01, dated 
February 16, 1998; is acceptable for compliance with the 
requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD.

Modification of Installation and Re-routing of Power Feeder Cable

    (b) For McDonnell Douglas Model MD-90-30 airplanes, as 
identified in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD90-24A047, 
Revision 01, dated July 31, 2000: Within one year after the 
effective date of this AD, modify the installation of the galley 
power feeder cables by installing standoffs and re-route the galley 
power feeder cable, as shown in Figure 1 of McDonnell Douglas Alert 
Service Bulletin MD90-24A047, Revision 01, dated July 31, 2000, in 
accordance with the service bulletin.

    Note 4: Accomplishment of the applicable actions prior to the 
effective date of this AD per McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin MD90-24-047, dated September 15, 1997, is acceptable for 
compliance with the requirements of paragraph (b) of this AD.

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, 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 5: 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 Permit

    (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 March 28, 2002.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-8283 Filed 4-4-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P