[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 103 (Thursday, May 27, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 30245-30248]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-11960]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-NM-69-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and -11F 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

[[Page 30246]]


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 and MD-11F airplanes, that currently requires replacing 
terminal strips and supports above the main cabin area and avionics 
compartment with new strips and supports, as applicable. That AD also 
requires performing an inspection to detect arcing damage of the 
surrounding structure of the terminal strips and electrical cables in 
the avionics compartment, and repairing or replacing any damaged 
component with a new component. This action would expand the 
applicability of the existing AD to include additional airplanes. For 
certain airplanes, this action also would require replacement of the 
terminal board for the applicable item numbers in the aft passenger 
compartment. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to 
prevent electrical arcing caused by power feeder cable terminal lugs 
grounding against terminal strip support brackets, which could result 
in smoke and fire in the main cabin or avionics compartment. This 
action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by July 12, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-NM-69-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-69-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-69-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-69-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    On August 23, 2002, the FAA issued AD 2002-14-09, amendment 39-
12809 (67 FR 47647, July 19, 2002), applicable to certain McDonnell 
Douglas Model MD-11 and -11F airplanes, to require replacing terminal 
strips and supports above the main cabin area and avionics compartment 
with new strips and supports, as applicable. That AD also requires 
performing an inspection to detect arcing damage of the surrounding 
structure of the terminal strips and electrical cables in the avionics 
compartment, and repairing or replacing any damaged component with a 
new component. That action was prompted by reports of arcing between 
the power feeder cables and support brackets of the terminal strips on 
airplanes previously modified per the existing AD. The requirements of 
that AD are intended to prevent electrical arcing caused by power 
feeder cable terminal lugs grounding against terminal strip support 
brackets, which could result in smoke and fire in the main cabin or 
avionics compartment.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

    Since the issuance of that AD, the airplane manufacturer has 
informed the FAA that it inadvertently omitted airplanes having 
manufacturer's fuselage number (MSN) 0585 through 0605 inclusive from 
the effectivity listing of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin 
MD11-24A178, Revision 01, dated December 17, 2001 (which was referenced 
in AD 2002-14-09 as an appropriate source of service information for 
accomplishing the required actions). We have determined that these 
additional airplanes are subject to the unsafe condition identified in 
that AD.
    In addition, after consulting with the airplane manufacturer, we 
have determined that the replacement required by paragraph (a) of AD 
2002-14-09 (reference McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-
24A150, dated March 25, 1999) does not adequately preclude arcing 
between the power feeder cables and terminal strip support brackets. 
That action replaced one problematic terminal strip in the main cabin 
with two three-studded terminal strips in one location (applicable to 
airplanes having manufacturer's fuselage numbers 0585 and subsequent). 
The airplane manufacturer has developed a six-studded terminal strip 
that provides increased clearance to further minimize the possibility 
of chafing. This new,

[[Page 30247]]

improved terminal strip would replace all three-studded terminal strips 
in certain locations of the main cabin. Because the six-studded 
terminal strips were not installed on airplanes during production, 
additional airplanes beyond those with three-studded terminal strips 
are subject to this new replacement.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed and approved Revision 02 of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin MD11-24A178, dated March 11, 2003, which revises the 
effectivity of Revision 01 of the service bulletin by adding 21 
additional manufacturer's serial numbers (MSN). The replacement, 
inspection, and corrective actions if necessary, specified in Revision 
02 are essentially identical to those described in Revision 01 of the 
service bulletin.
    We have also reviewed and approved McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin MD11-24A177, dated July 18, 2003, and have reviewed Boeing 
Service Bulletin Information Notice MD11-24A177 IN 01, dated August 7, 
2003. The service bulletin describes procedures for replacement of the 
terminal board for the applicable item numbers in the aft passenger 
compartment. The information notice revises service kits numbers 
specified in paragraph 2.B., ``Post-Warranty'' of this service 
bulletin.
    Accomplishment of the actions specified in the applicable 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 supersede AD 2002-14-09 to continue to require 
replacement of terminal strips in the avionics compartment with new 
strips. The proposed AD also would continue to require an inspection to 
detect arcing damage of the surrounding structure of the terminal 
strips and electrical cables in the avionics compartment, and repair or 
replacement of any damaged component with a new component. In addition, 
the proposed AD would expand the applicability of the existing AD to 
include additional airplanes. For certain airplanes, the proposed AD 
also would require accomplishment of the actions specified in McDonnell 
Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A177 described previously; except 
as discussed below.

Differences Between Proposed AD and Service Bulletin

    Operators should note that Revision 02 of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin MD11-24A178 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 done per a method approved by us.
    Model MD-11F airplanes are not specifically identified by model 
name in the effectivity of Revision 02 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
MD11-24A178 or McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A177. 
However, those airplanes are identified by manufacturer's fuselage 
numbers. Therefore, the applicability of this proposed AD specifies 
both MD-11 and -11F airplanes.
    Although Revision 02 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A178 
describes procedures for reporting inspection findings to the airplane 
manufacturer, this proposed AD would not require that action.

Changes to Requirements of Existing AD/Effect on the Proposed AD

    Since the language in Note 3 of AD 2002-14-09 is regulatory in 
nature, that note has been redesignated as paragraph (b) of this 
proposed AD.
    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 154 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A178. 
The FAA estimates that 61 airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected 
by this proposed AD. The cost estimate for those airplanes is as 
follows:
    1. The actions that are currently required by AD 2002-14-09 and 
retained in this proposed take approximately 3 or 4 work hours per 
airplane (depending on airplane configuration) to accomplish, at an 
average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Required parts cost 
approximately $1,142 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the currently required actions on U.S. operators is estimated 
to be $1,337 or $1,420 per airplane (depending on airplane 
configuration).
    2. For Group 3 and 4 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin MD11-24A178, the new actions that are proposed in this AD 
action would take approximately 4 (kit/part number SA11240178-3) or 5 
(kit/part number SA11240178-5) work hours per airplane to accomplish, 
at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Required parts would 
cost approximately $3,031 (kit/part number SA11240178-3) or $617 per 
airplane (kit/part number SA11240178-5). Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of these new proposed requirements of this AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $3,291 (kit/part number SA11240178-3) or 
$942 (kit/part number SA11240178-5) per airplane.
    There are approximately 103 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin 
MD11-24A177. The FAA estimates that 33 airplanes of U.S. registry would 
be affected by this proposed AD.
    For airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-
24A177, the new replacement that is proposed in this AD action would 
take approximately between 1 and 3 work hours per airplane to 
accomplish, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Required 
parts would cost approximately between $114 and $876 per airplane. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the new proposed replacement 
requirements of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be between 
$5,907 and $35,343, or between $179 and $1,071 per airplane.
    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 proposed AD. As a 
result, the costs attributable to the

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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 removing amendment 39-12809 (67 FR 
47647, July 19, 2002), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), to read as follows:

McDonnell Douglas: Docket 2003-NM-69-AD. Supersedes AD 2002-14-09, 
Amendment 39-12809.

    Applicability: Model MD-11 and -11F airplanes, as listed in 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A178, Revision 02, dated March 
11, 2003, and McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A177, 
dated July 18, 2003; certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent electrical arcing caused by power feeder cable 
terminal lugs grounding against terminal strip support brackets, 
which could result in smoke and fire in the main cabin or avionics 
compartment, accomplish the following:

Certain Requirements of AD 2002-14-09, Amendment 39-12809

Replacement, Inspection, and Corrective Action if Necessary

    (a) For airplanes listed in the effectivity of McDonnell Douglas 
Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A178, Revision 01, dated December 17, 
2001: Within 18 months after August 23, 2002 (the effective date AD 
2002-14-09, amendment 39-12809), do the actions specified in 
paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD per the service bulletin.
    (1) Replace the applicable terminal strips in the avionics 
compartment with new terminal strips (including inspecting wires for 
damage, repairing any damaged wire, and removing the nameplate); and
    (2) Perform a general visual inspection to detect arcing damage 
of the surrounding structure of the terminal strips and electrical 
cables in the avionics compartment. If any damage is detected, 
before further flight, repair or replace any damaged component with 
a new component, per the service bulletin; except if the type of 
structural material of the surrounding structure that has been 
affected is not covered in the Structural Repair Manual, repair per 
a method approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA.

    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 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.''

    (b) Accomplishment of the replacement, inspection, and 
corrective action, before the effective date of this AD, per 
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A178, dated May 14, 
2001, is considered acceptable for compliance with the applicable 
actions specified in paragraph (a) of this AD.

New Requirements of This AD

Replacement, Inspection, and Corrective Action if Necessary

    (c) For Groups 3 and 4 airplanes listed in the effectivity of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A178, Revision 02, dated March 
11, 2003: Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, do 
the actions specified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD per 
the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. Although 
the service bulletin specifies to report inspection findings to the 
airplane manufacturer, this AD does not include such a requirement.
    (1) Replace the applicable terminal strips in the avionics 
compartment with new terminal strips (including inspecting wires for 
damage, repairing any damaged wire, and removing the nameplate); and
    (2) Perform a general visual inspection to detect arcing damage 
of the surrounding structure of the terminal strips and electrical 
cables in the avionics compartment. If any damage is detected, 
before further flight, repair or replace any damaged component with 
a new component, per the service bulletin; except if the type of 
structural material of the surrounding structure that has been 
affected is not covered in the Structural Repair Manual, repair per 
a method approved by the Manager, Los Angeles ACO, FAA.
    (d) For airplanes listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin MD11-24A177, dated July 18, 2003: Within 18 months after 
the effective date of this AD, replace the terminal board for the 
applicable item numbers in the aft passenger compartment, per the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin.

    Note 2: Boeing Service Bulletin Information Notice MD11-24A177 
IN 01, dated August 7, 2003, revises service kits numbers specified 
in paragraph 2.B., ``Post-Warranty'' of McDonnell Douglas Alert 
Service Bulletin MD11-24A177, dated July 18, 2003.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (e)(1) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Los Angeles 
ACO, FAA, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance 
for this AD.
    (2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously per 
AD 2002-14-09, amendment 39-12809, are approved as alternative 
methods of compliance with paragraph (a) of this AD.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 18, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-11960 Filed 5-26-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P