[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 142 (Thursday, July 24, 2003)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 43693-43695]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-18796]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-161-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 revising the wire 
connection stackups for the terminal strip of the generator feeder tail 
compartment of the auxiliary power unit (APU), and removing a 
nameplate, as applicable. For certain airplanes, this proposal also 
would require replacing the terminal strips and revising the terminal 
hardware stackup for the feeder of the center cargo loading system. 
This action is necessary to prevent arcing damage to the terminal 
strips and damage to the adjacent structure, which could result in 
smoke and/or fire in the center and/or aft cargo compartments. This 
action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by September 8, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NM-161-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-161-AD'' in the subject line and need not 
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the

[[Page 43694]]

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: Brett Portwood, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft 
Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 
90712; telephone (562) 627-5350; fax (562) 627-5210.

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 2001-NM-161-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-161-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 in which arcing occurred between 
the power feeder cables and support bracket of the terminal strips on a 
McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 airplane. Investigation revealed that 
inadequate clearance exists between the terminal strips and associated 
support brackets in the center and aft cargo compartments. This 
condition, if not corrected, could result in arcing damage to the 
terminal strips and damage to the adjacent structure, which could 
result in smoke and/or fire in the center and/or aft cargo 
compartments.
    The terminal strips and associated support brackets in the center 
and aft cargo compartments on certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11F 
airplanes are identical to those on the affected Model MD-11 airplanes. 
Therefore, both of these models may be subject to the same unsafe 
condition.

Other Related Rulemaking

    The FAA, in conjunction with Boeing and operators of Model MD-11 
and -11F airplanes, has reviewed 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 corrective actions identified during that 
process. We have previously issued several other ADs and may consider 
further rulemaking actions to address the remaining identified unsafe 
conditions.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed and approved McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin MD11-24A173, Revision 02, dated May 2, 2002, including 
Evaluation Form. The service bulletin describes procedures for revising 
the wire connection stackups for the terminal strip of the generator 
feeder tail compartment of the auxiliary power unit (APU), and removing 
a nameplate, as applicable. For certain airplanes, the service bulletin 
also describes procedures for replacing the terminal strips and 
revising the terminal hardware stackup for the feeder of the center 
cargo loading system. 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 applicable actions 
specified in the service bulletin described previously, except as 
discussed below.

Differences Between Proposed AD and Service Bulletin

    Operators should note that the service bulletin specifies to repair 
damaged structure per the Structural Repair Manual (SRM). However, the 
SRM does not provide procedures for repair of certain structural 
material. Therefore, this proposed AD would require the repair of 
damaged structure that is not covered in the SRM to be accomplished per 
a method approved by us.
    Although the referenced service bulletin describes procedures for 
completion and submission of an inspection report and service bulletin 
evaluation, this proposed AD would not require those actions.

Changes to 14 CFR Part 39/Effect on the Proposed AD

    On July 10, 2002, the FAA issued a new version of 14 CFR part 39 
(67 FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's airworthiness 
directives system. The regulation now includes material that relates to 
altered products, special flight permits, and alternative methods of 
compliance (AMOCs). Because we have now included this material in part 
39, only the office authorized to approve AMOCs is identified in each 
individual AD.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 154 Model MD-11 and -11F airplanes of the 
affected design in the worldwide fleet. We estimate that 67 airplanes 
of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would 
take approximately between 1 and 2 work hours per airplane (depending 
on the

[[Page 43695]]

airplane configuration) to accomplish the proposed actions, and that 
the average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Required parts would cost 
approximately $102 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to between 
$11,189 and $15,544, or between $167 and $232 per airplane (depending 
on the airplane configuration).
    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. However, for affected 
airplanes within the period under the warranty agreement, we have been 
advised that the manufacturer has committed previously to its customers 
that it will bear the cost of replacement parts. We also have 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 AD may 
be less than the cost impact figure indicated above.
    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-161-AD.

    Applicability: Model MD-11 and -11F airplanes, as listed in 
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A173, Revision 02, 
dated May 2, 2002; certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent arcing damage to the terminal strips and damage to 
the adjacent structure, which could result in smoke and/or fire in 
the center and/or aft cargo compartments, accomplish the following:

For Group 1 and Group 2 Airplanes: Revise Wire Connection Stackups, 
Remove Nameplate, and Inspect for Damage

    (a) For Group 1 and Group 2 airplanes listed in McDonnell 
Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A173, Revision 02, dated May 
2, 2002, excluding Evaluation Form: Within 18 months after the 
effective date of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs 
(a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD per the service bulletin. Although the 
service bulletin references a reporting requirement in paragraph 4, 
``Appendix,'' such reporting is not required by this AD.
    (1) Revise the wire connection stackups for the terminal strip 
of the generator feeder tail compartment of the auxiliary power unit 
(APU), and remove the namplate, as applicable.
    (2) Do a general visual inspection to detect arcing damage of 
the surrounding structure, adjacent system components, and 
electrical cables in the center cargo and aft cargo compartments.

    Note: 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 under normally 
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, 
flashlight, or drop-light, 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.''

For Group 2 Airplanes: Replace Terminal Strips, Revise Terminal 
Hardware Stackup, Remove Nameplate, and Inspect for Damage

    (b) For Group 2 airplanes listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert 
Service Bulletin MD11-24A173, Revision 02, dated May 2, 2002, 
excluding Evaluation Form: Within 18 months after the effective date 
of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) 
of this AD per the service bulletin. Although the service bulletin 
references a reporting requirement in paragraph 4, ``Appendix,'' 
such reporting is not required by this AD.
    (1) Replace the terminal strips and revise the terminal hardware 
stackup for the feeder of the center cargo loading system, and 
remove the nameplate, as applicable.
    (2) Do a general visual inspection to detect arcing damage of 
the surrounding structure, adjacent system components, and 
electrical cables in the center cargo and aft cargo compartments.

Corrective Action if Necessary

    (c) If any damage is detected during the inspection required by 
paragraph (a) or (b) of this AD, before further flight, repair 
damage or replace the damaged part with a new part, per McDonnell 
Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A173, Revision 02, dated May 
2, 2002, excluding Evaluation Form. If the type of structural 
material that has been damaged is not covered in the Structural 
Repair Manual, repair per a method approved by the Manager, Los 
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. Although the 
service bulletin references a reporting requirement in paragraph 4, 
``Appendix,'' such reporting is not required by this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (d) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Los Angeles 
ACO, FAA, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance 
for this AD.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 17, 2003.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-18796 Filed 7-23-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P