[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 133 (Tuesday, July 13, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 41990-41992]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-15762]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2004-18573; Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-71-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 airplanes. This proposed AD 
would require revising the cable connection stackups for mid-cabin 
terminal strips, replacing the terminal strips, and removing a 
nameplate, as applicable. This proposed AD also would require an 
inspection for arcing damage in the mid-cabin area, and corrective 
actions if necessary. This proposed AD is prompted by an incident in 
which arcing occurred between the power feeder cables and support 
bracket of the terminal strips. We are proposing this AD to prevent 
arcing damage to the terminal strips and damage to the adjacent 
structure, which could result in smoke and/or fire in the mid-cabin 
compartment.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 27, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this proposed AD.
     DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590.
     By fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Hand Delivery: room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400

[[Page 41991]]

Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    You can get the service information identified in this proposed AD 
from Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Long Beach Division, 3855 Lakewood 
Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Data and Service 
Management, Dept. C1-L5A (D800-0024).
    You may examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at 
http://dms.dot.gov, or at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401, on 
the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC.

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:

Docket Management System (DMS)

    The FAA has implemented new procedures for maintaining AD dockets 
electronically. As of May 17, 2004, new AD actions are posted on DMS 
and assigned a docket number. We track each action and assign a 
corresponding directorate identifier. The DMS AD docket number is in 
the form ``Docket No. FAA-2004-99999.'' The Transport Airplane 
Directorate identifier is in the form ``Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
999-AD.'' Each DMS AD docket also lists the directorate identifier 
(``Old Docket Number'') as a cross-reference for searching purposes.

Comments Invited

    We invite you to submit any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2004-18573; 
Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-71-AD'' in the subject line of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will 
consider all comments submitted by the closing date and may amend the 
proposed AD in light of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of 
that website, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our 
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or 
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, 
etc.). You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you 
may visit http://dms.dot.gov.
    We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory 
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of 
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of 
our communications that affect you. You can get more information about 
plain language at http://www.faa.gov/language and http://www.plainlanguage.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the AD docket in person at the Docket Management 
Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility office 
(telephone (800) 647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif 
Building at the DOT street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS 
receives them.

Discussion

    As part of our practice of re-examining all aspects of the service 
experience of a particular aircraft whenever an accident occurs, we 
have become aware of an incident in which arcing occurred between the 
power feeder cables and support bracket of the terminal strips on a 
McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 airplane. Investigation revealed that 
inadequate clearance exists between the terminal strips and associated 
support brackets in the center and aft cargo compartments. This 
condition, if not corrected, could result in arcing damage to the 
terminal strips and damage to the adjacent structure, which could 
result in smoke and/or fire in the mid-cabin compartment.

Other Related Rulemaking

    In conjunction with Boeing and operators of Model MD-11 airplanes, 
we have reviewed all aspects 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.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-
24A176, dated May 27, 2003. The service bulletin describes procedures 
for revising the cable connection stackups for mid-cabin terminal 
strips, replacing the terminal strips, and removing a nameplate, as 
applicable. The service bulletin also describes procedures for 
inspecting for arcing damage in the mid-cabin area, and corrective 
actions if damage is found. Corrective actions include repair of the 
damaged part or replacement with a new part. We have determined that 
accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletin will 
adequately address the unsafe condition.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an 
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes 
of this same type design. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which 
would require accomplishment of the actions specified in the service 
bulletin described previously, except as discussed under ``Differences 
Between the Proposed AD and Service Bulletin.''

Differences Between the Proposed AD and Service Bulletin

    Operators should note that the service bulletin specifies to repair 
damaged structure in accordance with 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 in accordance with a method approved by the FAA.
    Although McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A176, 
dated May 27, 2003, including paragraph 4, ``Appendix,'' and Evaluation 
Form, specifies to submit information to the manufacturer, this 
proposed AD does not include that requirement.

Costs of Compliance

    This proposed AD would affect about 23 airplanes of U.S. registry 
and 90 airplanes worldwide. The proposed actions would take between 5 
and 6 work hours per airplane, depending on the airplane configuration, 
at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Required parts would 
cost between $673 and $975 depending on the airplane configuration. The 
airplane

[[Page 41992]]

configuration group requiring the fewest number of work hours requires 
parts that cost approximately $710. Based on these figures, the 
estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators is between $1,035 
and $1,365 per airplane depending on the airplane configuration.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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. 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location 
to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive (AD):

McDonnell Douglas: Docket No. FAA-2004-18573; Directorate Identifier 
2003-NM-71-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive 
comments on this AD action by August 27, 2004.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series 
airplanes, as listed in paragraph 1.A.1. of McDonnell Douglas Alert 
Service Bulletin MD11-24A176, dated May 27, 2003; certificated in 
any category.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by an incident in which arcing occurred 
between the power feeder cables and support bracket of the terminal 
strips. We are issuing this AD to prevent arcing damage to the 
terminal strips and damage to the adjacent structure, which could 
result in smoke and/or fire in the mid-cabin compartment.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Revise Wire Connection Stackups; Remove Nameplate, as Applicable; and 
Inspect for Damage

    (f) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, do the 
actions specified in (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin MD11-24A176, dated May 27, 2003. Although the service 
bulletin specifies to submit information to the manufacturer in 
paragraph 4, ``Appendix,'' this AD does not include that 
requirement.
    (1) Revise the wire connection stackups, replace the terminal 
strips for the power feeder cables, and remove nameplates, as 
applicable, at the affected mid-cabin locations.
    (2) Do a general visual inspection to detect arcing damage of 
the surrounding structure, adjacent system component, and electrical 
cables in the mid-cabin area.

    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.''

Corrective Action If Necessary

    (g) If any damage is detected during the inspection required by 
paragraph (f) of this AD, before further flight, repair damage or 
replace the damaged part with a new part, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin MD11-24A176, dated May 27, 2003. If the type of structural 
material that has been damaged is not covered in the Structural 
Repair Manual, before further flight, repair in accordance with a 
method approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (h) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO, FAA, has the authority to 
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found 
in 14 CFR 39.19.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 30, 2004.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-15762 Filed 7-12-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P