[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 113 (Wednesday, June 12, 2002)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 40249-40252]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-14699]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-84-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to all McDonnell Douglas Model MD-90-
30 airplanes. This proposal would require one-time inspections to 
detect discrepancies of electrical wiring installations in various 
areas of the airplane; and corrective actions, if necessary. This 
action is necessary to prevent electrical arcing and/or heat-damaged 
wiring due to improper wire installations or maintenance practices, 
which could result in fire and smoke in various areas of the airplane. 
This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by July 29, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport

[[Page 40250]]

Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NM-84-
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-84-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:
    Technical Information: George Mabuni, 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) 627-5341; fax (562) 
627-5210.
    Other Information: Judy Golder, Airworthiness Directive Technical 
Editor/Writer; telephone (425) 687-4241, fax (425) 227-1232. Questions 
or comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following 
address: [email protected]. Questions or comments sent via the 
Internet as attached electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft 
Word 97 for Windows or ASCII text.

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-84-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-84-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The FAA has become aware of several instances of damaged wiring 
insulation and chafed wiring in various areas on McDonnell Douglas 
Model MD-90-30 airplanes. Investigation revealed that such damage and 
chafing may be due to improper wire installations or maintenance 
practices. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to electrical 
arcing and/or heat-damaged wiring, which could result in fire and smoke 
in various areas of the airplane.

Other Relevant Rulemaking

    The FAA has previously issued AD 2000-11-01, amendment 39-11749 (65 
FR 34321, May 26, 2000), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model 
DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), MD-
88, and MD-90-30 airplanes. That AD requires determining whether, and 
at what locations, metallized polyethyleneteraphthalate (MPET) 
insulation blankets are installed, and replacing MPET insulation 
blankets with new insulation blankets. The FAA recommends that the 
actions that would be required by this proposed AD be accomplished 
after accomplishing the replacement required by AD 2000-11-01. This 
proposed AD would not affect the current requirements of that AD.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved the following service bulletins:
     Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-24-066, including Appendix A, 
Revision 01, dated February 8, 2001, which describes procedures for a 
one-time visual inspection of all electrical wiring installations in 
the flight compartment and forward drop ceiling area.
     Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-24-067, including Appendix A, 
Revision 01, dated February 8, 2001, which describes procedures for a 
one-time visual inspection of all electrical wiring installations in 
the electronic/electrical (E/E) compartment.
     Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-24-068, including Appendix A, 
Revision 01, dated February 8, 2001, which describes procedures for a 
one-time visual inspection of all electrical wiring installations in 
the forward passenger compartment from stations Y=260.000 to Y=902.000.
     Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-24-069, including Appendix A, 
Revision 01, dated February 8, 2001, which describes procedures for a 
one-time visual inspection of all electrical wiring installations in 
the aft passenger compartment from stations Y=902.000 to Y=1395.000.
     Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-24-070, including Appendix A, 
Revision 01, dated February 8, 2001, which describes procedures for a 
one-time visual inspection of all electrical wiring installations in 
the forward and mid cargo compartments from stations Y=218.000 to 
Y=845.000.
     Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-24-071, including Appendix A, 
Revision 01, dated February 8, 2001, which describes procedures for a 
one-time visual inspection of all electrical wiring installations in 
the aft cargo compartment from stations Y=1064.000 to Y=1369.000.
     Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-24-072, including Appendix A, 
Revision 01, dated February 8, 2001, which describes procedures for a 
one-time visual inspection of all electrical wiring installations in 
the forward accessory compartment from stations Y=41.000 to Y=70.000.

[[Page 40251]]

    All of these service bulletins also describe procedures for 
corrective actions that may be necessary. These include repairing 
cracked, split, or torn wiring insulation; re-attaching nylon 
(caterpillar) grommets; installing smaller-sized clamps; adjusting, 
replacing, or tightening sta-straps; repositioning certain wiring or 
clamps; tightening or securing clamps, terminals, or wire bundles; re-
torquing screw terminals of the flag lug bus bar; repairing or 
replacing certain wiring, terminals, splices, or connectors; installing 
protective sleeving over wiring; and installing a silicone glass cloth 
over conduit ends. Accomplishment of the actions specified in the 
service bulletins 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 require accomplishment of the actions specified in 
the service bulletins described previously, except as discussed below.

Differences Between Service Bulletins and Proposed AD

    The service bulletins specify accomplishment of ``visual'' 
inspections. The FAA has determined that the inspections described in 
the service bulletins constitute ``detailed inspections.'' Therefore, 
this proposed AD would require accomplishment of detailed inspections. 
Note 3 of this proposed AD defines such inspections.
    Also, Appendix A of each service bulletin contains a form to report 
inspection findings. This proposed AD would NOT require such reports to 
be submitted to the FAA.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 115 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 25 airplanes of U.S. registry 
would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 
49 work hours per airplane to accomplish all of the proposed 
inspections, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the inspections proposed by 
this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $73,500, or $2,940 per 
airplane.
    Warranty remedies may be available from the airplane manufacturer 
for labor costs associated with this proposed AD. As a result, the 
costs attributable to the proposed AD may be less than stated above.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is 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-84-AD.

    Applicability: All Model MD-90-30 airplanes, 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.

    Note 2: The FAA recommends that the actions required by this AD 
be accomplished after the replacement of the metallized 
polyethyleneteraphthalate (MPET) insulation blankets required by AD 
2000-11-01, amendment 39-11749.

    To prevent electrical arcing and/or heat-damaged wiring due to 
improper wire installations or maintenance practices, which could 
result in fire and smoke in various areas of the airplane, 
accomplish the following:

One-Time Detailed Inspections

    (a) Within 5 years after the effective date of this AD, 
accomplish the actions specified in paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), 
(a)(3), (a)(4), (a)(5), (a)(6), and (a)(7) of this AD.
    (1) Do a one-time detailed inspection of all electrical wiring 
installations in the flight compartment and forward drop ceiling 
area, according to the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service 
Bulletin MD90-24-066, including Appendix A, Revision 01, dated 
February 8, 2001.

    Note 3: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed 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.''


    Note 4: Inspections and corrective actions done before the 
effective date of this AD according to the Accomplishment 
Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD90-24-066, 
including Appendix A, dated July 28, 2000, are acceptable for 
compliance with paragraphs (a)(1) and (b)(1) of this AD, as 
applicable.

    (2) Do a one-time detailed inspection of all electrical wiring 
installations in the

[[Page 40252]]

electronic/electrical (E/E) compartment according to the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-24-067, 
including Appendix A, Revision 01, dated February 8, 2001.

    Note 5: Inspections and corrective actions done before the 
effective date of this AD according to the Accomplishment 
Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD90-24-067, 
including Appendix A, dated July 28, 2000, are acceptable for 
compliance with paragraphs (a)(2) and (b)(2) of this AD, as 
applicable.

    (3) Do a one-time detailed inspection of all electrical wiring 
installations in the forward passenger compartment from stations 
Y=260.000 to Y=902.000 according to the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-24-068, including Appendix A, 
Revision 01, dated February 8, 2001.

    Note 6: Inspections and corrective actions done before the 
effective date of this AD according to the Accomplishment 
Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD90-24-068, 
including Appendix A, dated July 28, 2000, are acceptable for 
compliance with paragraphs (a)(3) and (b)(3) of this AD, as 
applicable.

    (4) Do a one-time detailed inspection of all electrical wiring 
installations in the aft passenger compartment from stations 
Y=902.000 to Y=1395.000 according to the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-24-069, including Appendix A, 
Revision 01, dated February 8, 2001.

    Note 7: Inspections and corrective actions done before the 
effective date of this AD according to the Accomplishment 
Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD90-24-069, 
including Appendix A, dated July 28, 2000, are acceptable for 
compliance with paragraphs (a)(4) and (b)(4) of this AD, as 
applicable.

    (5) Do a one-time detailed inspection of all electrical wiring 
installations in the forward and mid cargo compartments from 
stations Y=218.000 to Y=845.000 according to the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-24-070, including 
Appendix A, Revision 01, dated February 8, 2001.

    Note 8: Inspections and corrective actions done before the 
effective date of this AD according to the Accomplishment 
Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD90-24-070, 
including Appendix A, dated July 28, 2000, are acceptable for 
compliance with paragraphs (a)(5) and (b)(5) of this AD, as 
applicable.

    (6) Do a one-time detailed inspection of all electrical wiring 
installations in the aft cargo compartment from stations Y=1064.000 
to Y=1369.000 according to the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 
Service Bulletin MD90-24-071, including Appendix A, Revision 01, 
dated February 8, 2001.

    Note 9: Inspections and corrective actions done before the 
effective date of this AD according to the Accomplishment 
Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD90-24-071, 
including Appendix A, dated July 28, 2000, are acceptable for 
compliance with paragraphs (a)(6) and (b)(6) of this AD, as 
applicable.

    (7) Do a one-time detailed inspection of all electrical wiring 
installations in the forward accessory compartment from stations 
Y=41.000 to Y=70.000 according to the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-24-072, including Appendix A, Revision 
01, dated February 8, 2001.

    Note 10: Inspections and corrective actions done before the 
effective date of this AD according to the Accomplishment 
Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD90-24-072, 
including Appendix A, dated July 27, 2000, are acceptable for 
compliance with paragraphs (a)(7) and (b)(7) of this AD, as 
applicable.

Corrective Action

    (b) If any discrepancy is detected during any inspection 
required by paragraph (a) of this AD: Before further flight, 
accomplish the applicable corrective action(s) according to the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletins 
listed in paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), (b)(3), (b)(4), (b)(5), (b)(6), 
and (b)(7) of this AD. Corrective actions that may be necessary 
include repairing cracked, split, or torn wiring insulation; re-
attaching nylon (caterpillar) grommets; installing smaller-sized 
clamps; adjusting, replacing, or tightening sta-straps; 
repositioning certain wiring or clamps; tightening or securing 
clamps, terminals, or wire bundles; re-torquing screw terminals of 
the flag lug bus bar; repairing or replacing certain wiring, 
terminals, splices, or connectors; installing protective sleeving 
over wiring; and installing a silicone glass cloth over conduit 
ends.
    (1) Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-24-066, including Appendix A, 
Revision 01, dated February 8, 2001.
    (2) Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-24-067, including Appendix A, 
Revision 01, dated February 8, 2001.
    (3) Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-24-068, including Appendix A, 
Revision 01, dated February 8, 2001.
    (4) Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-24-069, including Appendix A, 
Revision 01, dated February 8, 2001.
    (5) Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-24-070, including Appendix A, 
Revision 01, dated February 8, 2001.
    (6) Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-24-071, including Appendix A, 
Revision 01, dated February 8, 2001.
    (7) Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-24-072, including Appendix A, 
Revision 01, dated February 8, 2001.

    Note 11: Appendix A of the service bulletins referenced in 
paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), (b)(3), (b)(4), (b)(5), (b)(6), and 
(b)(7) of this AD contains a form to report inspection findings. 
This AD does NOT require such reports to be submitted to the FAA.

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, 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 12: 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

    (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 June 4, 2002.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-14699 Filed 6-11-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P