[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 63 (Thursday, April 1, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 17107-17109]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-7294]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-NM-75-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 supersedure of an existing 
airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas 
Model MD-11 airplanes, that currently requires, among other actions, 
replacement of the existing air driven generator (ADG) wire assembly in 
the right air conditioning compartment with a certain new wire 
assembly. This action would require replacement of the ADG wiring and 
two associated clamps; inspection of the ADG wiring for correct wire 
identification, riding, and damage, and inspection of the associated 
routing/clamps for correct installation; and corrective actions if 
necessary. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to 
prevent loss of the charging capability of the airplane battery due to 
chafing. Loss of the charging capability of the airplane battery, 
coupled with a loss of all normal electrical power, could prevent 
continued safe flight and landing of the airplane. This action is 
intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by May 17, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-NM-75-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. 2003-NM-75-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 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 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 
90712-4137; 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:
     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.
     For each issue, state what specific change to 
the proposed AD is being requested.
     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 2003-NM-75-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. 2003-NM-75-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    On August 14, 2001, the FAA issued AD 2001-17-12, amendment 39-
12403 (66 FR 44034, August 22, 2001), applicable to certain McDonnell 
Douglas Model MD-11 airplanes, to require, among other actions, 
replacement of the existing air driven generator (ADG) wire assembly in 
the right air conditioning compartment with a certain new wire 
assembly. That action was prompted by an investigation that revealed 
the length of the new wire assembly is too long and causes the assembly 
to chafe against the left emergency alternating current bus of the ADG. 
The requirements of that AD are intended to prevent loss of the 
charging capability of the airplane battery due to chafing. Loss of the 
charging capability of the airplane battery, coupled with a loss of all 
normal electrical power, could prevent continued safe flight and 
landing of the airplane.

Other Related Rulemaking

    The FAA, in conjunction with Boeing and operators of Model MD-11 
and -11F airplanes, has reviewed all aspects

[[Page 17108]]

of the service history of those airplanes to identify potential unsafe 
conditions and to take appropriate corrective actions. This proposed 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.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

    Since the issuance of AD 2001-17-12, the airplane manufacturer has 
informed the FAA that, although previous revisions of Boeing Service 
Bulletin MD11-24-128 had the proper wire identification on the wire 
kits, Revision 03 of the service bulletin, as cited in AD 2001-17-12, 
had the wrong wire identification numbers. In addition, Revision 03 of 
the service bulletin did not provide procedures for verifying wire 
lengths to prevent any riding condition on the structure. Therefore, we 
have determined that the requirements of that AD do not adequately 
address the identified unsafe condition (i.e., loss of the charging 
capability of the airplane battery due to chafing).

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed and approved Revision 05 of Boeing Service 
Bulletin MD11-24-128, dated June 3, 2003. More work is necessary for 
airplanes changed as shown in previous revisions of this service 
bulletin. Revision 05 corrects wire identification numbers and wire 
data illustrations and adds procedures for verifying wire lengths. It 
describes the following procedures:
     Replacing the ADG wiring assembly located on the 
transformer panel at station Y=568.333 in the right air conditioning 
compartment with a new wire assembly; and replacing the associated 
clamps and screws of the ADG wire assembly with new clamps and screws;
     Torquing the terminal hardware to specified 
limits;
     Performing a general visual inspection of the 
ADG wire installation for damage/riding and correct clamping/routing;
     Performing a general visual inspection of the 
ADG wiring assembly for correct wire identification and/or damage; and
     Performing corrective actions if necessary.
    The corrective actions include identifying wires; repairing or 
replacing wiring with new wiring; correcting wire clamping and routing; 
and repairing or replacing the wire assembly with a new assembly; as 
applicable.
    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 supersede AD 2001-17-12 to require accomplishment of 
the actions specified in Revision 05 of the service bulletin described 
previously.

Explanation of Change to Applicability

    McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11F series airplanes were not 
specifically identified in the applicability of AD 2001-17-12 and are 
also not identified in the effectivity listing of Revision 05 of the 
service bulletin. However, those airplanes were identified by 
manufacturer's fuselage numbers (MFN) in Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-
24-128, Revision 03, dated May 21, 2001 (which was referenced in the 
applicability statement of the AD for determining the specific affected 
airplanes), and are identified by MFNs in the effectivity listing of 
Revision 05 of the service bulletin. Therefore, we have revised the 
applicability of the existing AD to identify model designations as 
published in the most recent type certificate data sheet for the 
affected models (i.e., Model MD-11 and -11F airplanes).

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 195 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 81 airplanes of U.S. registry 
would be affected by this proposed AD. The following table shows the 
estimated cost impact for airplanes affected by this proposed AD. The 
average labor rate is $65 per work hour.

                          Table--Cost Estimate
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                                                                 Per
 For airplanes identified in the     Work      Parts cost      airplane
      service bulletin as--         hours                        cost
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Group 1..........................        2  1,085..........       $1,215
Group 2..........................        1   (1)...........           65
Group 3..........................        1   (1)...........          65
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\1\ None.

    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the current or proposed 
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. The manufacturer may 
cover the cost of replacement parts associated with this proposed AD, 
subject to warranty conditions. Manufacturer warranty remedies may also 
be available for labor costs associated with this 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.

[[Page 17109]]

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 removing amendment 39-12403 (66 FR 
44034, August 22, 2001), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), to read as follows:

McDonnell Douglas: Docket 2003-NM-75-AD. Supersedes AD 2001-17-12, 
Amendment 39-12403.

    Applicability: Model MD-11 and -11F airplanes, as listed in 
Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-24-128, Revision 05, dated June 3, 
2003; certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent loss of the battery charging capability of the air 
driven generator (ADG), that when coupled with a loss of all normal 
electrical power, could prevent continued safe flight and landing of 
the airplane, accomplish the following:

Replacement, Tighten, Inspections, and Identification; As Applicable

    (a) Within 1 year after the effective date of this AD, do the 
actions specified in paragraph (a)(1), (a)(2), or (a)(3) of Table 1 
of this AD, as applicable, per the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-24-128, Revision 05, dated June 3, 
2003.

   Table 1.--Replacement, Tighten, Inspections, and Identification; As
                               Applicable
------------------------------------------------------------------------
For airplanes identified in the service
             bulletin as--                         Action(s)--
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(1) Group 1............................  (i) Replace the ADG wiring
                                          assembly located on the
                                          transformer panel at station
                                          Y=568.333 in the right air
                                          conditioning compartment with
                                          a new wire assembly.
                                         (ii) Replace the associated
                                          clamps and screws of the ADG
                                          wire assembly with new clamps
                                          and screws.
                                         (iii) Torque the terminal
                                          hardware to the limits
                                          specified in the service
                                          bulletin.
(2) Group 2............................  Do a general visual inspection
                                          of the ADG wire installation
                                          for damage/riding and correct
                                          clamping/routing.
(3) Group 3............................  Do a general visual inspection
                                          of the ADG wiring assembly for
                                          correct wire identification
                                          and/or damage.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Corrective Actions

    (b) If any discrepancy is found during the general visual 
inspection required by either paragraph (a)(2) or (a)(3) of this AD, 
before further flight, accomplish applicable corrective actions per 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-24-
128, Revision 05, dated June 3, 2003.

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 (AMOCs) for this AD.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 24, 2004.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-7294 Filed 3-31-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P