[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 139 (Friday, July 19, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47658-47660]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-17525]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NM-33-AD; Amendment 39-12815; AD 2002-14-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and -11F 
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-11 series 
airplanes, that currently requires an inspection of the powered drive 
unit power wires within three feet of each affected powered drive unit 
termination for mechanical damage; and repair, if necessary. That AD 
also currently requires revising the wire harnesses; splicing any 
additional length wire; routing and installing parts; and replacing the 
floor panels with new and retained floor panels. This amendment revises 
the existing requirements by improving the routing of the wire 
harnesses. This amendment is prompted by the FAA's determination that 
the currently required modification does not adequately preclude the 
identified unsafe condition. The actions specified in this AD are 
intended to ensure that the powered roller pans are positioned 
properly. Improperly positioned powered roller pans could pierce a 
powered roller wire harness and cause sparking that could ignite 
adjacent insulation material, which could result in smoke and fire in 
the center cargo compartment of the airplane.

DATES: Effective August 5, 2002.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of August 5, 2002.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before September 17, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NM-33-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. 2002-NM-33-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: Technical Information: 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.
    Other Information: Sandi Carli, Airworthiness Directive Technical 
Writer/Editor; telephone (425) 687-4243, 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: On July 14, 2000, the FAA issued AD 2000-14-
18, amendment 39-11829 (65 FR 46199, July 27, 2000), applicable to 
certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes, to require an 
inspection of the powered drive unit power wires within three feet of 
each affected powered drive unit (PDU) termination for mechanical 
damage; and repair, if necessary. That AD also requires revising the 
wire harnesses; splicing any additional length wire; routing and 
installing parts; and replacing the floor panels with new and retained 
floor panels. That action was prompted by an incident in which a fire 
occurred in the center cargo compartment during loading. The actions 
required by that AD are intended to ensure that the powered roller pans 
are positioned properly. Improperly positioned powered roller pans 
could pierce a powered roller wire harness and cause sparking that 
could ignite adjacent insulation material, which could result in smoke 
and fire in the center cargo compartment of the airplane.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

    Since the issuance of AD 2000-14-18, the FAA, in conjunction with 
Boeing, has determined that McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-
25A227, dated January 27, 2000 (which is referenced in AD 2000-14-18 as 
the appropriate source of service information) does not

[[Page 47659]]

adequately specify procedures for routing the wire harness for the 
position 6L PDU through the sump bulkhead at station 1761.00. 
Therefore, the requirements of that AD do not adequately preclude the 
identified unsafe condition.

Explanation of New Service Information

    We have reviewed and approved Revision 01 of McDonnell Douglas 
Alert Service Bulletin MD11-25A227, dated October 31, 2001, which 
provides new instructions for routing the wire harness for the position 
6L PDU through the sump bulkhead at station 1761.00. Accomplishment of 
the actions specified in the service bulletin is intended to adequately 
address the identified unsafe condition.

Explanation of AD Applicability

    We have specified model designations in the applicability of this 
proposed AD as published in the most recent type certificate data sheet 
for the affected models. These model designations differ in the 
referenced 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 2000-14-18 to require accomplishment of the actions 
specified in the service bulletin described previously.

Cost Impact

    None of the Model MD-11 and -11F airplanes affected by this action 
are on the U.S. Register. All 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 between 2 and 3 work hours 
(depending on the configuration of the airplane) to accomplish the 
required actions, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Parts 
would be supplied by the manufacturer at no cost to the operators. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of this AD would be between 
$120 and $180 per airplane. However, the FAA has been advised that 
manufacturer warranty remedies are available for labor costs associated 
with accomplishing the actions required by this AD. Therefore, the 
future economic cost impact of this rule on U.S. operators may be less 
than the cost impact figure indicated above.

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 and was not 
preceded by notice and 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 2002-NM-33-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 39-11829 (65 FR 
46199, July 27, 2000), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), amendment 39-12815, to read as follows:

2002-14-15  McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-12815. Docket 2002-NM-
33-AD. Supersedes AD 2000-14-18, Amendment 39-11829.

    Applicability: Model MD-11 and -11F airplanes, as listed in 
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-25A227, Revision 01, 
dated October 31, 2001; certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability

[[Page 47660]]

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 ensure that the powered roller pans are positioned properly, 
accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, 
accomplish the actions specified in paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), and 
(a)(3) of this AD per McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-
25A227, Revision 01, dated October 31, 2001.

Inspection

    (1) Perform a general visual inspection of the powered drive 
unit power wires within three feet of each affected powered drive 
unit termination for mechanical damage. If any damaged wire is 
detected, before further flight, repair the damaged wire.

    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 from within 
touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be 
necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the 
inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally 
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, 
flashlight, or droplight 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.''

Revise Wire Harnesses, Splice Wire, and Route and Install Parts

    (2) Revise the wire harnesses, splice any additional length 
wire, and route and install parts.

Replacement

    (3) Replace the floor panels with new and retained floor panels.

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 McDonnell 
Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-25A227, Revision 01, dated 
October 31, 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 August 5, 2002.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 2, 2002.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-17525 Filed 7-18-02; 8:45 am]
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