[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 168 (Thursday, August 29, 2002)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 55372-55375]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-22006]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-166-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and -11F 
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-11 and -11F airplanes. This proposal would require an inspection to 
detect damage of the wiring/bundles routed to the wire support bar of 
the circuit breaker panel and to the circuit breakers, and an 
inspection of the wiring/bundles for correct routing. This proposal 
also would require installation of protective sleeving, spacers, and 
sta-straps; and corrective/follow-on actions, if necessary. This action 
is necessary to prevent chafing and consequent arcing or loss of 
electrical power to associated avionics buses in the upper avionics 
circuit breaker panel of the main observer's station, which could 
result in smoke and/or fire in the cockpit. This action is intended to 
address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by October 15, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NM-166-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-166-AD'' in the

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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: Brett Portwood, 
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, 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:

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-166-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-166-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    As part of its practice of re-examining all aspects of the service 
experience of a particular aircraft whenever an accident occurs, the 
FAA has become aware of an incident of loss of 28-volt alternating 
current (VAC) instrument electrical power on a McDonnell Douglas Model 
MD-11 airplane. Investigation revealed a wire pulled out at the upper 
avionics circuit breaker panel of the main observer's station. Boeing 
conducted inspections on six airplanes that revealed improper wire 
routing, insufficient chafe protection, and strained wires on the upper 
avionics circuit breaker panel area on five of the inspected airplanes. 
These conditions, if not corrected, could result in arcing or loss of 
electrical power to associated avionics buses in the upper avionics 
circuit breaker panel, which could result in smoke and/or fire in the 
cockpit.
    The upper avionics circuit breaker panel of the main observer's 
station on certain MD-11F airplanes are identical to those on the 
affected MD-11 airplanes. Therefore, both of these models may be 
subject to the same unsafe condition.
    This incident is not considered to be related to an accident that 
occurred off the coast of Nova Scotia involving a McDonnell Douglas 
Model MD-11 airplane. The cause of that accident is still under 
investigation.

Other Related Rulemaking

    We, along with Boeing and operators of Model MD-11 and -11F 
airplanes, is continuing to review all aspects of the service history 
of those airplanes to identify potential unsafe conditions and to take 
appropriate corrective actions. This proposed airworthiness directive 
(AD) is one of a series of actions identified during that process. The 
process is continuing and we may consider additional rulemaking actions 
as further results of the review become available.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed and approved Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-
24A179, Revision 02, dated December 19, 2001, which describes the 
following procedures:
    1. Doing a detailed inspection to detect damage of the wiring/
bundles routed to the wire support bar of the circuit breaker panel and 
to the circuit breakers;
    2. Doing a general visual inspection of the wiring/bundles for 
correct routing and making sure that ABS9108 (16-gauge power feeders) 
routing provides adequate stress relief from the support bar to bus 
termination points;
    3. Installing protective sleeving, spacers, and sta-straps;
    4. Repairing or replacing any damaged wiring/bundle with new 
wiring;
    5. Replacing the wire clamp located on the support bar of the 
circuit breaker panel with a new clamp, if necessary; and
    6. Modifying the wire routing, if necessary.
    Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletin 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 bulletin described previously.

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.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 195 Model MD-11 and -11F airplanes of the

[[Page 55374]]

affected design in the worldwide fleet. We estimate that 72 airplanes 
of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would 
take approximately 3 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed 
inspections and modification, and that the average labor rate is $60 
per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the 
inspections and modification proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated 
to be $12,960, or $180 per airplane.
    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-166-AD.

    Applicability: Model MD-11 and -11F airplanes, as listed in 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A179, Revision 02, dated 
December 19, 2001; 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 chafing and consequent arcing or loss of electrical 
power to associated avionics buses in the upper avionics circuit 
breaker panel, which could result in smoke and/or fire in the 
cockpit, accomplish the following:

Inspection, Corrective Actions, Modification, and Installation

    (a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, do the 
actions specified in paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this AD, 
per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A179, Revision 02, dated 
December 19, 2001.
    (1) Do a detailed inspection to detect damage of the wiring/
bundles routed to the wire support bar of the circuit breaker panel 
and to the circuit breakers.

    Note 2: 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.''

    (2) Do a general visual inspection of the wiring/bundles for 
correct routing. Make sure ABS9108 (16-gauge power feeders) routing 
provides adequate stress relief from the support bar to bus 
termination points.

    Note 3: 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.''

    (3) Install protective sleeving, spacers, and sta-straps.

Corrective/Follow-On Actions, if Necessary

    (b) Before further flight after doing the inspections required 
by paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD, do the applicable 
corrective/follow-on action(s) specified in ``Table-Corrective/
Follow-On Actions'' of this AD per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
MD11-24A179, Revision 02, dated December 19, 2001. Table--
Corrective/Follow-On Actions is as follows:

                  Table.--Corrective/Follow-On Actions
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                   If--                                Then--
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(1) Any damaged wiring/bundle is detected.  Repair or replace any
                                             damaged wiring/bundle with
                                             new wiring.
(2) Correct routing is detected...........  Replace the wire clamp
                                             located on the support bar
                                             of the circuit breaker
                                             panel with a new clamp.
(3) Incorrect routing is detected.........  Modify wire routing, and
                                             replace the wire clamp
                                             located on the support bar
                                             of the circuit breaker
                                             panel with a new clamp.
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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 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 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.


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    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 20, 2002.
Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-22006 Filed 8-28-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P