[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 145 (Tuesday, July 29, 2003)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 44491-44493]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-19194]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2000-NM-170-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).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas airplane
models. This proposal would require a one-time inspection for chafing
of wiring in the left-hand tunnel area of the forward cargo
compartment, repair if necessary, and coiling and stowing of excess
wiring. This action is necessary to prevent wire chafing and subsequent
shorting to structure in the forward cargo compartment, which could
result in smoke or fire in the airplane. This action is intended to
address the identified unsafe condition.
DATES: Comments must be received by September 12, 2003.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-170-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-170-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 or 2000 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: Elvin 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.
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-170-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-170-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 incidents of wire chafing and a subsequent
short to structure in the left-hand tunnel area of the forward cargo
compartment on a McDonnell Douglas Model MD-88 airplane. Investigation
of the incidents revealed that excess wiring and improper routing of
wiring resulted in wire chafing. Such wire chafing, if not corrected,
could result in shorting to structure and consequent smoke or fire in
the airplane.
The subject area on certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-81 (MD-
81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), and DC-9-87 (MD-87) airplanes is
similar to that on the affected Model MD-88 airplane. Therefore, those
airplanes may be subject to the unsafe condition revealed on the Model
MD-88 airplane.
Other Related Rulemaking
The FAA, in conjunction with Boeing and operators of 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, has reviewed all aspects of the service history of those
airplanes to
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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
The FAA has reviewed and approved McDonnell Douglas Alert Service
Bulletin MD80-24A158, Revision 01, dated February 23, 2000. That
service bulletin describes procedures for a one-time visual inspection
for chafing of wiring in the left-hand tunnel area of the forward cargo
compartment, repair if necessary, and coiling and stowing of excess
wiring. 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.
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.
Explanation of Cost Impact
We have reviewed the figures we have used over the past several
years to calculate AD costs to operators. To account for various
inflationary costs in the airline industry, we find it necessary to
increase the labor rate used in these calculations from $60 per work
hour to $65 per work hour. The cost impact information, below, reflects
this increase in the specified hourly labor rate.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 1,116 airplanes of the affected design in
the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 655 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
actions, and that the average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Based on
these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is
estimated to be $127,725, or $195 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. Manufacturer warranty
remedies may be available for labor costs associated with this proposed
AD. As a result, the costs attributable to the proposed AD may be less
than stated above.
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 2000-NM-170-AD.
Applicability: 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; as listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin
MD80-24A158, Revision 01, dated February 23, 2000.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent wire chafing and subsequent shorting to structure in
the forward cargo compartment, which could result in smoke or fire
in the airplane, accomplish the following:
Inspection and Follow-On Actions
(a) Within 1 year after the effective date of this AD, perform a
one-time general visual inspection for chafing of wiring in the
left-hand tunnel area of the forward cargo compartment between Y =
237.000 and Y = 256.000, per the Accomplishment Instructions of
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD80-24A158, Revision 01,
dated February 23, 2000. Then, do paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of
this AD, as applicable.
(1) If any chafing is found, before further flight, repair per
the service bulletin.
(2) Before further flight, coil and stow excess wiring per the
service bulletin.
Note 1: 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.''
Inspections Accomplished Per Previous Issue of Service Bulletin
(b) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD
per McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD80-24-158, dated October
27, 1995, are considered acceptable for compliance with the
corresponding action specified in this AD.
[[Page 44493]]
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(c) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Los Angeles
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, is authorized to approve
alternative methods of compliance for this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 22, 2003.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-19194 Filed 7-28-03; 8:45 am]
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