[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 12, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 2062-2064]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-615]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-20034; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-178-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 (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 transport category airplanes. This 
proposed AD would require doing repetitive detailed inspections for 
accumulation of debris (blockage) of the drain holes of the pitot 
tubes, and cleaning if any evidence of debris is found. This proposed 
AD is prompted by reports of blocked drain holes of the pitot tubes. We 
are proposing this AD to prevent blocked drain holes of the pitot 
tubes, which could result in the accumulation of water in the pitot-
static system and consequent failure of that system. Failure of the 
pitot-static system could result in erroneous airspeed indications in 
the cockpit and consequent loss of airspeed control.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 28, 
2005.

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 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Long Beach Division, 3855 Lakewood 
Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Data and Service 
Management, Dept. C1-L5A (D800-0024).
    You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at 
http://dms.dot.gov, or in person 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. This 
docket number is FAA-2005-20034; the directorate identifier for this 
docket is 2004-NM-178-AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
    Technical information: 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.
    Plain language information: Marcia Walters, [email protected].

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-2005-99999.'' The Transport Airplane 
Directorate identifier is in the form ``Directorate Identifier 2005-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 relevant written data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-

[[Page 2063]]

2005-20034; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-178-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 can review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you 
can 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 can examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or 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

    On November 6, 1996, a McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 airplane 
departed the end of the runway after landing in instrument 
meteorological conditions in Buenos Aires, Argentina. During approach 
to landing, the flight crew had several in-flight advisories, and the 
airplane excessively vibrated. The vibration was attributed to a flap 
overspeed condition caused by erroneous airspeed indications. 
Investigation revealed that the pitot-static system had accumulated a 
significant amount of water. The drain holes on two of the three pitot 
tubes were completely blocked by debris. The third pitot tube had one 
drain hole totally blocked and the other hole partially blocked.
    In 1997, a similar incident of blocked drain holes of the pitot 
tubes occurred on another Model MD-11 airplane. Although the design of 
the pitot-static system was reviewed and found to meet FAA regulations, 
we determined that the maintenance task cards used by operators lacked 
sufficient detail about inspecting the drain holes of the pitot tubes. 
To correct this, in 2002, Boeing issued a report recommending 
additional maintenance actions. Since then there have been additional 
similar incidents, indicating that the manufacturer's recommendations 
have not been fully implemented.
    Blocked drain holes of the pitot tubes, if not corrected, could 
result in the accumulation of water in the pitot-static system and 
consequent failure of that system. Failure of the pitot-static system 
could result in erroneous airspeed indications in the cockpit and 
consequent loss of airspeed control.

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 doing repetitive detailed inspections (i.e., visual and 
forced-air checks) for accumulation of debris (blockage) of the drain 
holes of the pitot tubes, and cleaning if any evidence of debris is 
found. These inspections must be done by certificated maintenance 
personnel.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 314 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. This proposed AD would affect about 216 airplanes of 
U.S. registry. The proposed inspections would take about 2 work hours 
per airplane, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on 
these figures, the estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators 
is $28,080, or $130 per airplane, per inspection cycle.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

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-2005-20034; Directorate Identifier 
2004-NM-178-AD.

[[Page 2064]]

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive 
comments on this AD action by February 28, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all 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; 
certificated in any category.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by reports of blocked drain holes of 
the pitot tubes. We are issuing this AD to prevent blocked drain 
holes of the pitot tubes, which could result in the accumulation of 
water in the pitot-static system and consequent failure of that 
system. Failure of the pitot-static system could result in erroneous 
airspeed indications in the cockpit and consequent loss of airspeed 
control.

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.

Repetitive Inspections

    (f) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, do a 
detailed inspection for accumulation of debris (blockage) of the 
drain holes of the pitot tubes in accordance with paragraphs (g) and 
(h) of this AD. The actions required by paragraph (g) must be done 
before those in paragraph (h) of this AD. Repeat the inspection 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 650 flight hours.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is 
``an intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or 
assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available 
lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good 
lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as 
mirrors magnifying lenses, etc. may be necessary. Surface cleaning 
and elaborate procedures may be required.''

Visual Check

    (g) Do a visual check in accordance with paragraphs (g)(1) 
through (g)(3) of this AD. The visual check must be done by 
certificated maintenance personnel.
    (1) Make certain that the pitot heat is off and the pitot tubes 
are not hot.

    Note 2: Caution. Exercise care in checking pitot tubes to 
prevent severe burns to your hands.

    (2) Attempt to look through the left and right drain holes of 
each pitot tube.
    (3) Make sure that ambient light (or flashlight) is visible 
through both drain holes of each pitot tube.

Forced Air Check

    (h) Do a forced air check in accordance with paragraphs (h)(1) 
through (h)(3) of this AD. The forced air check must be done by 
certificated maintenance personnel.

    Note 3: Exercise care in checking pitot tubes to prevent severe 
burns to your hands.

    (1) Make certain that the pitot heat is off and the pitot tubes 
are not hot.

    Note 4: Excessive, as well as sudden, pressurization or 
depressurization applied to a pitot system by either method can 
cause damage to instruments. Do not exceed 9.0 pounds per square 
inch (psi) or 550 knots when pressurizing the system. Do not exceed 
1.0 psi per second or 90 knots per second when pressurizing or 
depressurizing the system.

    (2) Three methods are given in Table 1 of this AD. Only one test 
must be done and all are equivalent.

                      Table 1.--Three Test Methods
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                 Method                            Description
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(i) 1..................................  (A) Install a 9/16 inch (14
                                          millimeter (mm)) inner
                                          diameter hose approximately
                                          three feet (1 meter) long to
                                          the end of the pitot tube; and
                                         (B) Use the hose to carefully
                                          blow air (using your mouth)
                                          into the pitot tube.
(ii) 2.................................  (A) Connect an air pressure
                                          source (dry Nitrogen) to the
                                          pitot tubes; and
                                         (B) Adjust the pressure source
                                          to 5-psi maximum.
(iii) 3................................  (A) Connect a pitot static test
                                          set; and
                                         (B) Adjust it to 450 knots at 0-
                                          feet altitude maximum.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (3) Check for airflow out of each drain hole. Make sure that you 
do not cover the drain holes when checking.

Special Test Equipment

    (i) If test method 3 in paragraph (h)(2)(iii) of this AD is 
used, an air data line tester with pitot and static port adapters is 
required.

Corrective Action

    (j) If any evidence of drain hole blockage (e.g., air exiting 
from any pitot drain hole cannot be felt on the hand) is found 
during any inspection required by paragraph (f), (g), or (h) of this 
AD, before further flight, clean the hole in accordance with a 
method approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA. Chapter 34-11-02 of the applicable Boeing 
airplane maintenance manual is one approved method.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

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

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 30, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-615 Filed 1-11-05; 8:45 am]
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