[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 218 (Wednesday, November 12, 2003)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 64006-64008]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-28325]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-359-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, DC-
10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, 
DC-10-40F, MD-10-10F, MD-10-30F, MD-11, and MD-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 
DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), 
DC-10-40, DC-10-40F, MD-10-10F, MD-10-30F, MD-11, and MD-11F airplanes. 
This proposal would require repetitive operation of the exterior 
emergency door handle of the forward passenger door to determine if 
binding exists in the exterior emergency control handle mechanism, and 
corrective action, if necessary. This action is necessary to prevent 
the failure of the exterior emergency control handle mechanism of the 
forward passenger door, which could delay an emergency evacuation. This 
action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by December 29, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NM-359-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-359-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: Ken Sujishi, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft 
Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 
90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5353; 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-359-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-359-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The FAA has received a report indicating that the exterior 
emergency function of one of the passenger doors was inoperative on a 
McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 airplane. The exterior emergency door 
handle would not move and activate the emergency function of the 
forward passenger door. The cause was revealed to be six corroded 
bearings that seized in the exterior door handle mechanism. This 
condition, if not corrected, could result in the failure of the 
exterior emergency control handle mechanism of the forward passenger 
door, which could delay an emergency evacuation.

Similar Models

    The subject area on certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, DC-
10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, 
DC-10-40F, MD-10-10F, MD-10-30F, and MD-11F airplanes is almost 
identical to that on the affected Model MD-11 airplanes. Therefore, all 
of these models may be subject to the same unsafe condition.

Other Related Rulemaking

    The FAA is aware of a similar unsafe condition on the mid, 
overwing, and aft service doors on certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-
10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), 
DC-10-40, DC-10-40F, MD-10-10F, MD-10-30F, MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes. 
We may consider future rulemaking actions to address the identified 
unsafe conditions.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved McDonnell Douglas Service 
Bulletin MD11-52-046, Revision 02, dated October 8, 2002 (for Model MD-
11 and MD-11F airplanes); and McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC10-
52-221,

[[Page 64007]]

Revision 01, dated May 6, 2002 (for Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-
15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, DC-10-40F, MD-
10-10F, and MD-10-30F airplanes). Both service bulletins describe 
procedures for repetitive operation of the exterior emergency door 
handle of the forward passenger door to determine if binding exists in 
the exterior emergency control handle mechanism, and corrective action, 
if necessary. The corrective action is replacing the six bearings in 
the exterior emergency control handle mechanism of the forward 
passenger door with bearings made from corrosion resistant materials. 
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 Rule and Service Bulletins

    Operators should note that, although the service bulletins include 
a procedure to replace the lower torque shaft bearings, this proposed 
AD does not mandate such replacement. Replacement of the lower torque 
shaft bearings does not address the identified unsafe condition of this 
AD.
    Operators should also note that, although the service bulletins 
would require the replacement of seven bearings in the exterior 
emergency control handle mechanism, this proposed AD would require the 
replacement of only six bearings. The manufacturer has informed the FAA 
that a typographical error was made in the service bulletin, and that 
there are only six bearings that need to be replaced in the exterior 
emergency control handle mechanism. The manufacturer is planning to 
issue a new revision of the service bulletins to indicate this change.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 604 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 396 airplanes of U.S. registry 
would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 
1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the proposed repetitive 
operation of the exterior emergency door handle of the forward 
passenger door, 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 $25,740, or $65 per airplane, per 
operation.
    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 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-359-AD.

    Applicability: Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes; as listed in 
Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-52-046, Revision 02, dated October 8, 
2002; and Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F 
(KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, DC-10-40F, MD-10-10F, and MD-10-30F 
airplanes; as listed in Boeing Service Bulletin DC10-52-221, 
Revision 01, dated May 6, 2002; certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent the failure of the exterior emergency control handle 
mechanism of the forward passenger door, which could delay an 
emergency evacuation, accomplish the following:

    Note 1: Where there are differences between the referenced 
service bulletins and the AD, the AD prevails.

Initial Operation

    (a) Within 6,000 flight hours or 18 months after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Operate the exterior 
emergency door handle of the forward passenger door to determine if 
binding exists in the exterior emergency control handle mechanism, 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service 
Bulletin MD11-52-046, Revision 02, dated October 8, 2002 (for Model 
MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes); or Boeing Service Bulletin DC10-52-221, 
Revision 01, dated May 6, 2002 (for Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-
10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, DC-10-40F, 
MD-10-10F, and MD-10-30F airplanes); as applicable.

Condition 1--No Binding

    (b) If there is no binding in the exterior emergency control 
handle mechanism during the operation required by paragraph (a) of 
this AD: Perform the action in either paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of 
this AD in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 
Service Bulletin MD11-52-046, Revision 02, dated October 8, 2002 
(for Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes); or Boeing Service Bulletin 
DC10-52-221, Revision 01, dated May 6, 2002 (for Model DC-10-10, DC-
10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, 
DC-10-40F, MD-10-10F, and MD-10-30F airplanes); as applicable:
    (1) Repeat the operation of the exterior emergency door handle 
of the forward passenger door thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
6,000 flight hours or 18 months, whichever occurs later.
    (2) Replace the six bearings in the exterior emergency control 
handle mechanism of the

[[Page 64008]]

forward passenger door with bearings made from corrosion resistant 
materials. Accomplishment of the replacement constitutes terminating 
action for the requirements of this AD.

Condition 2--Binding

    (c) If there is binding in the exterior emergency control handle 
mechanism during any operation required by paragraph (a) or (b)(1) 
of this AD: Before further flight, replace the six bearings in the 
exterior emergency control handle mechanism of the forward passenger 
door with bearings made from corrosion resistant materials in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service 
Bulletin MD11-52-046, Revision 02, dated October 8, 2002 (for Model 
MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes); or Boeing Service Bulletin DC10-52-221, 
Revision 01, dated May 6, 2002 (for Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-
10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, DC-10-40F, 
MD-10-10F, and MD-10-30F airplanes); as applicable. Accomplishment 
of the replacement constitutes terminating action for the 
requirements of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (d) 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 November 4, 2003.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-28325 Filed 11-10-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P