[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 76 (Monday, April 21, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19334-19337]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-9428]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-56-AD; Amendment 39-13120; AD 2003-08-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and -11F 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and -11F 
airplanes, that currently requires a one-time detailed inspection to 
detect discrepancies of all electrical wiring installations in various 
areas of the airplane; and corrective actions, if necessary. This 
amendment requires another identical inspection in additional fuselage 
stations, and corrective actions, if necessary. This amendment is 
prompted by a report from the airplane manufacturer that it failed to 
include 41 inches of fuselage in the previously required inspection. 
The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent electrical 
arcing and/or heat damaged wires due to improper wire installations 
during manufacture and/or maintenance of the airplane, and consequent 
fire and smoke in various areas of the airplane.

DATES: Effective May 27, 2003.
    The incorporation by reference of Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-24-
165, Revision 02, dated March 8, 2001, excluding Evaluation Form, as 
listed in the regulations, is approved by the Director of the Federal 
Register as of May 27, 2003.
    The incorporation by reference of certain other publications, as 
listed in the regulations, was approved previously by the Director of 
the Federal Register as of January 8, 2001 (65 FR 75620).

ADDRESSES: 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport 
Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 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: 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.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 2000-24-15, 
amendment 39-12022 (65 FR 75620, December 4, 2000), which is applicable 
to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and -11F airplanes, was 
published in the Federal Register on August 29, 2002 (67 FR 55365). The 
action proposed to continue to require a one-time detailed inspection 
to detect discrepancies of all electrical wiring installations in 
various areas of the airplane; and corrective actions, if necessary. 
The action also proposed to require another identical inspection in 
additional fuselage stations, and corrective actions, if necessary.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comments received.
    Two commenters request that the compliance time for the proposed 
one-time detailed inspection to detect discrepancies of all electrical 
wiring installations in the forward passenger compartment from stations 
Y=1501.000 to Y=5-10.000 be extended from five years to six years. The 
commenters state that this will allow the inspection to be accomplished 
during a routine maintenance visit.
    The FAA agrees. On May 19, 2000, we issued AD 2000-11-02, amendment 
39-11750 (65 FR 34341, May 26, 2000), applicable to certain McDonnell 
Douglas Model DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F, and DC-10-40 
series airplanes, and Model MD-11 and -11F airplanes. That AD requires 
a determination be made of whether, and at what locations, metallized 
polyethyleneteraphthalate (MPET) insulation blankets are installed, and 
replacement of MPET insulation blankets with new insulation blankets. 
The compliance time is within five years after June 30, 2000. 
Therefore, within approximately three years, the fire and smoke hazard 
in various areas of those airplanes due to possible ignition of MPET 
insulation blankets will be significantly reduced.
    In light of this factor, we have determined that extending the 
compliance time of the inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD 
by one year will not adversely affect safety, and will allow the 
inspection to be performed at a base during regularly scheduled 
maintenance where special equipment and trained maintenance personnel 
will be available if necessary. Therefore, we have revised paragraph 
(b) of the final rule to specify a compliance time of within six years 
after the effective date of this AD.

Explanation of Editorial Change

    We have changed the citation for Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-24-
165, Revision 02, dated March 8, 2001, throughout this final rule to 
exclude the Evaluation Form. (The form is intended to be completed by 
operators and submitted to the airplane manufacturer to provide input 
on the quality of the service bulletin; however, this AD does not 
include such a requirement.)

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
noted above, we have determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule with the changes previously described. 
We have determined that these changes will neither increase the 
economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 182 Model MD-11 and -11F airplanes of the 
affected design in the worldwide fleet. We estimate that 60 airplanes 
of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD.
    Each of the six inspections required by paragraphs (a)(1) through 
(a)(6) of this AD, which are currently required by AD 2000-24-15, 
require approximately 10 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an 
average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of these currently required actions on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $216,000, or $3,600 per airplane.

[[Page 19335]]

    The inspection required by paragraph (a)(7) of this AD, which is 
currently required by AD 2000-24-15, takes approximately 5 work hours 
per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work 
hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this currently 
required action on U.S. operators is estimated to be $18,000, or $300 
per airplane.
    The inspection required by paragraph (a)(8) of this AD, which is 
currently required by AD 2000-24-15, takes approximately 12 work hours 
per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work 
hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this currently 
required action on U.S. operators is estimated to be $43,200, or $720 
per airplane.
    The new inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD will take 
approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of this inspection of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to 
be $3,600, or $60 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this 
AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this 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. However, the FAA has been advised that 
manufacturer warranty remedies are available for labor costs associated 
with accomplishing the actions required by this proposed AD. Therefore, 
the future economic cost impact of this rule on U.S. operators may be 
less than the cost impact figure indicated above.

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

0
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

0
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]

0
2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-12022 (65 FR 
75620, December 4, 2000), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), amendment 39-13120, to read as follows:

2003-08-09 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-13120. Docket 2001-NM-56-
AD. Supersedes AD 2000-24-15, Amendment 39-12022.

    Applicability: Model MD-11 and -11F airplanes, manufacturer's 
fuselage numbers 0447 through 0449 inclusive, 0451 through 0464 
inclusive, 0466 through 0489 inclusive, 0491 through 0517 inclusive, 
0519 through 0552 inclusive, 0554 through 0556 inclusive, 0557, 0558 
through 0633 inclusive, and 0635; 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 (f)(1) 
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 immediately after accomplishing the replacement of 
metallized polyethyleneteraphthalate (MPET) insulation blankets, as 
required by AD 2000-11-02, amendment 39-11750 (65 FR 34341, May 26, 
2000).

    To prevent electrical arcing and/or heat damaged wires due to 
improper wire installations during manufacture and/or maintenance of 
the airplane, and consequent fire and smoke in various areas of the 
airplane, accomplish the following:

Restatement of Certain Requirements of AD 2000-24-15

One-Time Detailed Inspection

    (a) Within 5 years after January 8, 2001 (the effective date of AD 
2000-24-15, amendment 39-12022), accomplish the actions specified in 
paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(4), (a)(5), (a)(6), (a)(7), and 
(a)(8) of this AD, as applicable.
    (1) For all airplanes: Perform a one-time detailed inspection to 
detect discrepancies of all electrical wiring installations in the 
center and aft cargo compartments from stations Y=1521.000 to 
Y=2007.000, in accordance with paragraph 3.B., ``Work Instructions,'' 
of the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Service 
Bulletin MD11-24-171, dated April 4, 2000; or Revision 01, dated 
November 6, 2000.

    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.''

    (2) For all airplanes: Perform a one-time detailed inspection to 
detect discrepancies of all electrical wiring installations in the 
forward cargo compartment from stations Y=595.000 to Y=6-73.500, in 
accordance with paragraph 3.B., ``Work Instructions,'' of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-
24-170, dated April 12, 2000; or Revision 01, dated November 6, 2000.
    (3) For all airplanes: Perform a one-time detailed inspection to 
detect discrepancies of all electrical wiring installations in the 
forward passenger compartment from stations Y=5-11.000 to Y=2007.000, 
in accordance with paragraph 3.B., ``Work Instructions,'' of

[[Page 19336]]

the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin 
MD11-24-167, dated April 4, 2000; or Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-24-
167, Revision 01, including Appendix 1, dated November 6, 2000.
    (4) For all airplanes: Perform a one-time detailed inspection to 
detect discrepancies of all electrical wiring installations in the 
forward passenger compartment from stations Y=756.000 to Y=1501.000, in 
accordance with paragraph 3.B., ``Work Instructions,'' of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-
24-165, dated April 4, 2000; or Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-24-165, 
Revision 01, including Appendix, dated November 6, 2000; or Revision 
02, including Appendix, dated March 8, 2001, excluding Evaluation Form.
    (5) For all airplanes: Perform a one-time detailed inspection to 
detect discrepancies of all electrical wiring installations in the 
forward passenger compartment from stations Y=465.000 to Y=755.000, in 
accordance with paragraph 3.B., ``Work Instructions,'' of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-
24-163, dated April 4, 2000; or Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-24-163, 
Revision 01, including Appendix 1, dated November 6, 2000.
    (6) For all airplanes: Perform a one-time detailed inspection to 
detect discrepancies of all electrical wiring installations in the 
flight compartment and forward drop ceilings areas from stations 
Y=275.000 to Y=464.000, in accordance with paragraph 3.B., ``Work 
Instructions,'' of the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas 
Service Bulletin MD11-24-188, dated April 28, 2000; or Revision 01, 
dated November 6, 2000.
    (7) For airplanes having manufacturer's fuselage numbers 0447 
through 0449 inclusive, 0451 through 0464 inclusive, 0466 through 0489 
inclusive, 0491 through 0517 inclusive, 0519 through 0552 inclusive, 
0554 through 0556 inclusive, 0557, and 0558 through 0633 inclusive: 
Perform a one-time detailed inspection to detect discrepancies of all 
electrical wiring installations in the center accessory compartment 
from stations Y=6-50.000 to Y=1179.000, in accordance with paragraph 
3.B., ``Work Instructions,'' of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-161, dated April 10, 2000; 
or Revision 01, dated November 6, 2000.
    (8) For airplanes having manufacturer's fuselage numbers 0447 
through 0449 inclusive, 0451 through 0464 inclusive, 0466 through 0489 
inclusive, 0491 through 0517 inclusive, 0519 through 0552 inclusive, 
0554 through 0556 inclusive, 0557, and 0558 through 0633 inclusive: 
Perform a one-time detailed inspection to detect discrepancies of all 
electrical wiring installations in the main avionics compartment from 
stations Y=275.000 to Y=464.000, in accordance with paragraph 3.B., 
``Work Instructions,'' of the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell 
Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-162, dated April 10, 2000; or Revision 
01, dated November 6, 2000.

New Actions Required by This AD

One-Time Detailed Inspection

    (b) For Group 2 airplanes identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 
MD11-24-165, Revision 02, including Appendix, dated March 8, 2001, 
excluding Evaluation Form: Within 6 years after the effective date of 
this AD, perform a one-time detailed inspection to detect discrepancies 
of all electrical wiring installations in the forward passenger 
compartment from stations Y=1501.000 to Y=5-10.000, in accordance with 
paragraph 3.B., ``Work Instructions,'' ``Group 2,'' of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-24-165, 
Revision 02, dated March 8, 2001, excluding Evaluation Form.

Corrective Action

    (c) If any discrepancy is detected during the inspection required 
by paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(8) of this AD or paragraph (b) of this 
AD, before further flight, accomplish the applicable corrective 
action(s) in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the 
following applicable service bulletins, except as provided in 
paragraphs (d) and (e) of this AD, as applicable:
    (1) McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-171, dated April 4, 
2000; or Revision 01, dated November 6, 2000;
    (2) McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-170, dated April 12, 
2000; or Revision 01, dated November 6, 2000;
    (3) McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-167, dated April 4, 
2000;
    (4) Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-24-167, dated April 4, 2000; or 
Revision 01, including Appendix, dated November 6, 2000;
    (5) McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-165, dated April 4, 
2000;
    (6) Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-24-165, Revision 01, including 
Appendix, dated November 6, 2000;
    (7) McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-163, dated April 4, 
2000;
    (8) Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-24-163, Revision 01, including 
Appendix 1, dated November 6, 2000;
    (9) McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-188, dated April 28, 
2000; or Revision 01, dated November 6, 2000;
    (10) McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-161, dated April 
10, 2000; or Revision 01, dated November 6, 2000; or
    (11) McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-162, dated April 
10, 2000; or Revision 01, dated November 6, 2000;
    (12) Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-24-165, Revision 02, including 
Appendix, dated March 8, 2001, excluding Evaluation Form.

    Note 4: Where there are differences between the AD and the 
referenced service bulletins, the AD prevails.

    (d) If no gap between the wire bundle and blanket can be seen where 
the wiring is routed over the structural frames when pressure is 
applied to the blanket, before further flight, reposition wires or 
clamps so that a gap can be seen when pressure is applied to the 
blanket.
    (e) If any screw terminal of the flag lug bus bar is loose, before 
further flight, retorque to 10 to 11 inch-pounds.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (f)(1) 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 5: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Los Angeles ACO.

    (2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in 
accordance with AD 2000-24-15, amendment 39-12022, are approved as 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD.

Special Flight Permits

    (g) 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

    (h) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be 
done in

[[Page 19337]]

accordance with the applicable service bulletins listed in the 
following table:

                                      Table.--Applicable Service Bulletins
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         Service bulletin                       Revision level                              Date
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 Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-24-   Revision 01..........................  November 6, 2000.
 163, including Appendix.
 Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-24-   Revision 01..........................  November 6, 2000.
 165, including Appendix 1.
 Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-24-   Revision 02..........................  March 8, 2001.
 165, including Appendix,
 excluding Evaluation Form.
 Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-24-   Revision 01..........................  November 6, 2000.
 167, including Appendix.
 McDonnell Douglas Service          Original.............................  April 10, 2000.
 Bulletin MD11-24-161.
 McDonnell Douglas Service          Revision 01..........................  November 6, 2000.
 Bulletin MD11-24-161.
 McDonnell Douglas Service          Original.............................  April 10, 2000.
 Bulletin MD11-24-162.
 McDonnell Douglas Service          Revision 01..........................  November 6, 2000.
 Bulletin MD11-24-162.
 McDonnell Douglas Service          Original.............................  April 4, 2000.
 Bulletin MD11-24-163.
 McDonnell Douglas Service          Original.............................  April 4, 2000.
 Bulletin MD11-24-165.
 McDonnell Douglas Service          Original.............................  April 4, 2000.
 Bulletin MD11-24-167.
 McDonnell Douglas Service          Original.............................  April 12, 2000.
 Bulletin MD11-24-170.
 McDonnell Douglas Service          Revision 01..........................  November 6, 2000.
 Bulletin MD11-24-170.
 McDonnell Douglas Service          Original.............................  April 4, 2000.
 Bulletin MD11-24-171.
 McDonnell Douglas Service          Revision 01..........................  November 6, 2000.
 Bulletin MD11-24-171.
 McDonnell Douglas Service          Original.............................  April 28, 2000.
 Bulletin MD11-24-188.
 McDonnell Douglas Service          Revision 01..........................  November 6, 2000.
 Bulletin MD11-24-188.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) The incorporation by reference of Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-
24-165, Revision 02, including Appendix, dated March 8, 2001, excluding 
Evaluation Form, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) The incorporation by reference of the following service 
bulletins labeled original, MD11-24-161, MD11-24-162, MD11-24-163, 
MD11-24-165, MD11-24-167, MD11-24-170, MD11-24-171, and MD11-24-188; 
and labeled Revision 1, MD11-24-163 including Appendix, MD11-24-165 
including Appendix 1, MD11-24-167 including Appendix, MD11-24-162, 
MD11-24-161, MD11-24-170, MD11-24-171, and MD11-24-188; as stated in 
the table above; were approved previously by the Director of the 
Federal Register as of January 8, 2001 (65 FR 75620, December 4, 2000).
    (3) 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

    (i) This amendment becomes effective on May 27, 2003.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 10, 2003.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-9428 Filed 4-18-03; 8:45 am]
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