[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 62 (Wednesday, March 31, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 16785-16786]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-6955]



[[Page 16785]]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-NM-31-AD; Amendment 39-13552; AD 2004-07-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-15 
Airplane

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to a certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-15 airplane, that 
requires an inspection to detect chafing or overheat damage of the 
electrical wires located at fuselage station Y=110.000 bulkhead of the 
lower nose left tunnel; and corrective actions, if necessary. This 
amendment also requires replacing the external power ground stud with a 
new ground stud using new attaching parts, torquing new attachments, 
and installing a nameplate. This action is necessary to prevent loose 
external power ground wires, which could cause arcing and overheated 
wire insulation and consequent smoke/fire in the cockpit. This action 
is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective May 5, 2004.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of May 5, 2004.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplanes, 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: 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: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to a certain McDonnell Douglas Model 
DC-9-15 airplane was published in the Federal Register on October 2, 
2003 (68 FR 56794). That action proposed to require an inspection to 
detect chafing or overheat damage of the electrical wires located at 
fuselage station Y=110.000 bulkhead of the lower nose left tunnel; and 
corrective actions, if necessary. That action also proposed to require 
replacing the external power ground stud with a new ground stud using 
new attaching parts, torquing new attachments, and installing a 
nameplate.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 1 Model DC-9-15 airplane, having fuselage 
number 0097, of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will 
take approximately 2 work hours to accomplish the required actions, and 
that the average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Required parts will 
cost approximately $35. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the 
AD on the U.S. operator is estimated to be $165.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is 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.

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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2004-07-08 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-13552. Docket 2003-NM-31-
AD.
    Applicability: Model DC-9-15 airplane, fuselage number 0097; 
certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent loose external power ground wires, which could cause 
arcing and overheated wire insulation and consequent smoke/fire in 
the cockpit, accomplish the following:

Inspection

    (a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, do a 
general visual inspection to detect chafing or overheat damage of 
the electrical wires located at fuselage station Y=110.000 bulkhead 
of the lower nose left tunnel, per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
DC9-24A135, Revision 02, dated January 7, 2003.

    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

[[Page 16786]]

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.''

Condition 1 (No Chafing or Damage)

    (b) If no chafing or overheat damage is detected during the 
inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, within 18 months 
after the effective date of this AD, do the actions specified in 
paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), and (b)(3) of this AD per Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin DC9-24A135, Revision 02, dated January 7, 2003.
    (1) Replace the external power ground stud with a new ground 
stud using new attaching parts.
    (2) Torque the new attachments.
    (3) Install nameplate (includes applying silicone primer and 
adhesive/sealant).

Condition 2 (Chafing or Damage Within Limits)

    (c) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this 
AD, any chafing or damage is detected within the limits referenced 
in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC9-24A135, Revision 02, dated 
January 7, 2003, before further flight, repair damage; perform a 
continuity test to check the integrity of the wiring, and repair as 
applicable; and do the actions required by paragraphs (b)(1), 
(b)(2), and (b)(3) of this AD; per the alert service bulletin.

Condition 3 (Chafing or Damage Beyond Limits)

    (d) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this 
AD, any chafing or damage is detected beyond the limits referenced 
in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC9-24A135, Revision 02, dated 
January 7, 2003, before further flight, replace any damaged wire 
with a new wire; perform a continuity test to check the integrity of 
the wiring, and repair as applicable; and do the actions required by 
paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), and (b)(3) of this AD; per the alert 
service bulletin.

Accomplishment of the Actions

    (e) Accomplishment of the actions specified in AD 2001-24-19, 
amendment 39-12536, is acceptable for compliance with the 
requirements of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (f) 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.

Incorporation by Reference

    (g) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be 
done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC9-24A135, 
Revision 02, excluding Appendix, dated January 7, 2003. This 
incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the 
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 
51. Copies may be obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplanes, 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

    (h) This amendment becomes effective on May 5, 2004.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 19, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-6955 Filed 3-30-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P