[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 172 (Thursday, September 5, 2002)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 56768-56770]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-22435]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 172 / Thursday, September 5, 2002 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 56768]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-150-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-81 (MD-
81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), and MD-88 
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 certain McDonnell Douglas Model 
DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), and 
MD-88 airplanes. This proposal would require one-time inspections to 
detect discrepancies of electrical wiring installations in various 
areas of the airplane, and corrective action if necessary. This action 
is necessary to prevent smoke and fire in various areas of the airplane 
due to heat damage and/or electrical arcing of wiring that was 
improperly installed during manufacture or maintenance of the airplane. 
This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by October 21, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-150-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. 2000-NM-150-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: Elvin K. 
Wheeler, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, 
FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount 
Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5344; 
fax (562) 627-5210.
    Other Information: Sandi Carli, Airworthiness Directive Technical 
Editor/Writer; 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:
    [sbull] 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.
    [sbull] For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed 
AD is being requested.
    [sbull] 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 2000-NM-150-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-150-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 several incidents of damaged wiring insulation 
and chafed wiring in various areas on McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-81 
(MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), and MD-88 
airplanes. Investigation revealed that the damage and chafing might be 
attributed to improper wire installations and/or maintenance practices. 
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to heat damage and/or 
electrical arcing of the wiring, which could result in fire and smoke 
in various areas of the airplane.

Related Rulemaking

    The FAA, in conjunction with Boeing and operators of Model DC-9 
series airplanes, is continuing to review all aspects of the service 
history of those

[[Page 56769]]

airplanes to identify potential unsafe conditions and to take 
appropriate corrective actions. This proposed AD is one of a series of 
actions identified during that process. The process is continuing, and 
the FAA may consider additional rulemaking actions as further results 
of the review become available.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved five related McDonnell Douglas 
service bulletins that describe procedures for a one-time nonintrusive 
inspection to detect discrepancies of exposed electrical wiring 
installations in various areas of the airplane, and corrective actions 
if necessary. The service bulletins are described in the following 
table:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Service bulletin                                         Inspection area
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MD80-24-178, Revision 01, including Appendix,  Forward passenger compartment from stations Y=218.000 to
 dated June 12, 2001.                           Y=846.000.
MD80-24-179, Revision 01, including Appendix,  Aft passenger compartment from stations Y=846.000 to Y=1338.000.
 dated June 12, 2001.
MD80-24-180, Revision 01, including Appendix,  Forward and mid cargo compartments from stations Y=218.000 to
 dated June 12, 2001.                           Y=811.000.
MD80-24-181, Revision 01, including Appendix,  Aft cargo compartment from stations Y=1033.000 to Y=1338.000.
 dated June 12, 2001.
MD80-24-182, Revision 01, including Appendix,  Forward accessory compartment from stations Y=41.000 to Y=70.000.
 dated June 12, 2001.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The specific discrepancies include:
    [sbull] Dust, drill shavings, and other foreign object debris.
    [sbull] Cracks, splits, or tears in the wiring insulation.
    [sbull] Wire chafing.
    [sbull] Improper adhesion of nylon grommets to the structure or 
surface.
    [sbull] Loose sta-straps, clamps and wire bundles.
    [sbull] Contact between the heads of plastic sta-straps and 
adjacent wiring.
    [sbull] Insufficient slack of the wiring and coaxial cables.
    [sbull] Improper clamp installation.
    [sbull] Excessive distortion of electrical grommets.
    [sbull] Loose wire terminations of the flag lug bus bar.
    [sbull] Evidence that the wire terminals have overheated.
    [sbull] Contact between the wiring and the access doors or adjacent 
structure when the doors are opened and closed.
    [sbull] Insufficient clearance between wiring and brackets, between 
wiring and pulleys, and between wiring and control cables.
    [sbull] An improper gap where the wiring is routed over structural 
frames.
    [sbull] Improper routing of open wire runs.
    [sbull] An uncovered end opening of a conduit when the conduit end 
is installed at any upward angle from horizontal.
    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 Proposed AD and Service Bulletins

    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 that operators 
submit such a report.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 1,191 airplanes of the affected design in 
the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 732 airplanes of U.S. 
registry would be affected by this proposed AD. Estimates of the costs 
to accomplish the proposed actions, based on the service bulletins 
described previously, are provided in the following table:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                      Number of
                                               Work hours   Labor rate      Per-         U.S.       U.S. fleet
              Service bulletin                    per        per hour     airplane    airplanes        cost
                                                airplane                    cost       affected
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MD80-24-178.................................            8          $60         $480          732        $351,360
MD80-24-179.................................            8           60          480          732         351,360
MD80-24-180.................................            8           60          480          732         351,360
MD80-24-181.................................            6           60          360          732         263,520
MD80-24-182.................................            3           60          180          732         131,760
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

[[Page 56770]]

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 2000-NM-150-AD.
    Applicability: All Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-
83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), and MD-88 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 (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.

    Note 2: The FAA recommends that the actions required by this AD 
be accomplished after replacing the metallized 
polyethyleneteraphthalate (MPET) insulation blankets, as required by 
AD 2000-11-02, amendment 39-11750.

    To prevent smoke and fire in various areas of the airplane due 
to heat damage and/or electrical arcing of wiring that was 
improperly installed during manufacture or maintenance of the 
airplane, accomplish the following:

Inspection

    (a) Within 5 years after the effective date of this AD: Perform 
a detailed inspection to detect discrepancies of exposed electrical 
wiring installations as specified in paragraphs (a)(1) through 
(a)(5) of this AD. Specific discrepancies are listed in paragraph 
3.B.3. of each service bulletin. Prior to further flight thereafter, 
perform corrective actions in accordance with the service bulletin, 
as applicable.

    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.''

    (1) Inspect the forward passenger compartment from stations 
Y=218.000 to Y=846.000, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service 
Bulletin MD80-24-178, Revision 01, dated June 12, 2001. 
Accomplishment of the inspection before the effective date of this 
AD in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD80-24-
178, dated July 14, 2000, is acceptable for compliance with the 
requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of this AD.
    (2) Inspect the aft passenger compartment from stations 
Y=846.000 to Y=1338.000, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas 
Service Bulletin MD80-24-179, Revision 01, dated June 12, 2001. 
Accomplishment of the inspection before the effective date of this 
AD in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD80-24-
179, dated July 14, 2000, is acceptable for compliance with the 
requirements of paragraph (a)(2) of this AD.
    (3) Inspect the forward and mid cargo compartments from stations 
Y=218.000 to Y=811.000, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service 
Bulletin MD80-24-180, Revision 01, dated June 12, 2001. 
Accomplishment of the inspection before the effective date of this 
AD in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD80-24-
180, dated July 14, 2000, is acceptable for compliance with the 
requirements of paragraph (a)(3) of this AD.
    (4) Inspect the aft cargo compartment from stations Y=1033.000 
to Y=1338.000, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin 
MD80-24-181, Revision 01, dated June 12, 2001. Accomplishment of the 
inspection before the effective date of this AD in accordance with 
McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD80-24-181, dated July 14, 2000, 
is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph 
(a)(4) of this AD.
    (5) Inspect the forward accessory compartment from stations 
Y=41.000 to Y=70.000, to detect discrepancies, in accordance with 
McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD80-24-182, Revision 01, dated 
June 12, 2001. Accomplishment of the inspection before the effective 
date of this AD in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service 
Bulletin MD80-24-182, dated July 14, 2000, is acceptable for 
compliance with the requirements of paragraph (a)(5) 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, 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 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 27, 2002.
Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-22435 Filed 9-4-02; 8:45 am]
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