[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 14 (Monday, January 24, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 3296-3299]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-1206]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-20117; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-248-AD; 
Amendment 39-13949; AD 2005-02-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-10-10F, MD-
10-30F, MD-11F, DC-10-10F, and DC-10-30F Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
McDonnell Douglas airplanes listed above. This AD requires identifying 
the part number of the cargo compartment smoke detectors and, if 
necessary, revising the Limitations section of the airplane flight 
manual to include procedures for testing the smoke detection system 
after the last engine is started. This AD also provides for the 
optional replacement of the subject smoke detectors with modified smoke 
detectors, which would terminate the operational limitation. This AD is 
prompted by a report indicating that the cargo smoke detectors can 
``lock up'' during electrical power transfer from the auxiliary power 
unit to the engines. We are issuing this AD to identify and provide 
corrective action for a potentially inoperative smoke detector in the 
cargo compartment and ensure that the flightcrew is alerted in the 
event of a cargo compartment fire.

DATES: Effective February 8, 2005.
    We must receive comments on this AD by March 25, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this 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.
     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.

[[Page 3297]]

    For service information identified in this 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 this information at the 
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on 
the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go 
to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
    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-2005-20117; the directorate identifier for this docket is 
2004-NM-248-AD.

Examining the Dockets

    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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chip Adam, Flight Test Pilot, Flight 
Test Branch, ANM-160L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 
3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137; telephone 
(562) 627-5369; fax (562) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We have received a report indicating an 
unsafe condition may exist on all McDonnell Douglas Model MD-10-10F, 
MD-10-30F, MD-11F, DC-10-10F, and DC-10-30F airplanes. Testing 
indicated a design discrepancy involving the operation of cargo smoke 
detectors manufactured by Meggitt Safety Systems Inc. (formerly 
Whittaker). During a test on Model MD-11F airplanes, 31 of 33 smoke 
detectors ``locked up''--with no indication to the flightcrew--when the 
power was interrupted during power transfer from the auxiliary power 
unit (APU) to the engines. Investigation revealed that the smoke 
detector circuit does not meet power interrupt requirements during a 
power transfer between ground power, APU power, or main engine power 
sources on the airplane. The flightcrew is unaware of the inoperative 
smoke detector unless they test the smoke detection system. The smoke 
detector remains inoperative until power to the unit is cycled off and 
on. Under these conditions, the flightcrew would not be alerted in the 
event of a cargo compartment fire.
    This lock-up condition may be produced by electrical power transfer 
on McDonnell Douglas Model MD-10-10F, MD-10-30F, MD-11F, DC-10-10F, and 
DC-10-30F airplanes. Therefore, all these airplanes may be subject to 
the identified unsafe condition.

Relevant Service Information

    The Boeing interim operating procedures (IOPs) listed in the 
following table advise the flightcrew of procedures for testing the 
smoke detection system after the last engine is started, if any Meggitt 
Model 602 smoke detector, part number (P/N) 8930, is installed. We have 
approved these procedures.

                           Service Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             IOP--                   Dated--              To the--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2-212.1.......................  November 9, 2004.  Boeing MD-11 Flight
                                                    Crew Operations
                                                    Manual.
2-34.1........................  November 9, 2004.  Boeing MD-10 Flight
                                                    Crew Operations
                                                    Manual.
2-70..........................  November 24, 2004  Boeing DC-10 Flight
                                                    Crew Operating
                                                    Manual.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have reviewed Meggitt Safety Systems Service Information Letter 
(SIL) 8930-26-01, dated November 8, 2004. The SIL provides procedures 
for replacing the P/N 8930 smoke detectors with modified smoke 
detectors.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or 
develop on other airplanes of the same type design. Therefore, we are 
issuing this AD to identify and provide corrective action for a 
potentially inoperative smoke detector in the cargo compartment and 
ensure that the flightcrew is alerted in the event of a cargo 
compartment fire. This AD requires determining the part number(s) of 
the cargo smoke detectors and, if necessary, revising the Limitations 
section of the applicable airplane flight manual (AFM) to include the 
information in the IOPs described above. This AD also provides for the 
optional replacement of P/N 8930 smoke detectors with modified smoke 
detectors, which would terminate the AFM operational limitation.

Interim Action

    We consider this AD interim action because we may later require 
installation of the modified smoke detectors, which would terminate the 
operational limitation required by this AD. However, the planned 
compliance time for this action would allow enough time to provide 
notice and opportunity for prior public comment on the merits of the 
modification.
    In addition, we are investigating potential problems with the 
subject smoke detectors on other transport category airplanes. We might 
consider further rulemaking to require modified smoke detectors on 
airplanes in addition to those affected by this AD.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD; therefore, providing notice and opportunity for public comment 
before the AD is issued is impracticable, and good cause exists to make 
this AD effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect 
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for 
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any relevant written 
data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an 
address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-20117; 
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-248-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD. We will consider 
all comments received by the closing date and may amend the 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. Comments 
will be available in the AD docket

[[Page 3298]]

shortly after the DMS receives them. We will also post a report 
summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel 
concerning this AD. Using the search function of our docket Web site, 
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 the 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.

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 AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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 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.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2005-02-04 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-13949. Docket No. FAA-
2005-20117; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-248-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective February 8, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all McDonnell Douglas Model MD-10-10F, 
MD-10-30F, MD-11F, DC-10-10F, and DC-10-30F airplanes; certificated 
in any category.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD is prompted by a report indicating that cargo smoke 
detectors can ``lock up'' during electrical power transfer from the 
auxiliary power unit (APU) to the engines. We are issuing this AD to 
identify and provide corrective action for a potentially inoperative 
smoke detector in the cargo compartment and ensure that the 
flightcrew is alerted in the event of a cargo compartment fire.

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.

Part Number Identification

    (f) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, 
determine the make, model, and part number (P/N) of the smoke 
detectors in the cargo compartment.
    (g) If no smoke detector identified in paragraph (f) of this AD 
is Meggitt Model 602, P/N 8930-( ): No further action is required by 
this AD.

Revision of Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)

    (h) If any smoke detector identified in paragraph (f) of this AD 
is Meggitt Model 602, P/N 8930-( ): Before further flight, revise 
the Limitations section of the AFM to include the information in 
paragraph (h)(1), (h)(2), or (h)(3), as applicable, of this AD. This 
AFM revision may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD into 
the AFM. This AFM revision advises the flightcrew of procedures for 
testing the smoke detection system after the last engine is started. 
Operate the airplane according to these limitations and procedures 
until the actions specified in paragraph (i) of this AD have been 
done.
    (1) For Model MD-10-10F and MD-10-30F airplanes: Include the 
following information (also found in Boeing Interim Operating 
Procedure (IOP) 2-34.1, dated November 9, 2004, to the Boeing MD-10 
Flight Crew Operations Manual):

``Add procedural step after HYD Control
 Panel:
    Manual Cargo Fire Test...............  CHECKED
 

    Push and hold CARGO FIRE MANUAL TEST switch until `CARGO FIRE 
TEST' alert is displayed on EAD.
    NOTES: During the test, on some Series 30 aircraft, the `CRG FLO 
FWD DISAG' alert may be displayed.
    If `CRG FIRE TST FAIL' alert is displayed, select AIR synoptic. 
Failed heat or smoke detectors are displayed as amber rectangles 
with an ``F'' inside. Passed heat detectors are displayed as amber 
circles and passed smoke detectors are displayed as amber triangles. 
If there is one or more failed smoke detector(s), pull circuit 
breakers D-12 (CARGO SMK DET & LTS) and D-13 (CARGO OVHT) on left 
overhead circuit breaker panel. Reset after 2 seconds.
    Re-accomplish `Manual Cargo Fire Test' and confirm `CRG FIRE TST 
FAIL' alert is not displayed. If `CRG FIRE TST FAIL' alert is again 
displayed, contact maintenance.''
    (2) For Model MD-11F airplanes: Insert the following information 
(also found in Boeing IOP 2-212.1, dated November 9, 2004, to the 
Boeing MD-11 Flight Crew Operations Manual):

``Add procedural step after HYD Control
 Panel:
    Manual Cargo Fire Test...............  CHECKED
 

    Push and hold CARGO FIRE MANUAL TEST switch until `CARGO FIRE 
TEST' alert is displayed on EAD.
    NOTES: During the test, the `CRG FLO FWD DISAG' and `CRG FLO AFT 
DISAG' alerts may be displayed.
    If `CRG FIRE TST FAIL' alert is displayed, select AIR synoptic. 
Failed heat or smoke detectors are displayed as amber rectangles 
with an `F' inside. Passed heat detectors are displayed as amber 
circles and passed smoke detectors are displayed as amber triangles. 
If there is one or more failed smoke detector(s), pull circuit 
breakers D-12 (CARGO SMK DET & LTS) and D-13 (CARGO OVHT) on left 
overhead circuit breaker panel. Reset after 2 seconds.
    Re-accomplish `Manual Cargo Fire Test' and confirm `CRG FIRE TST 
FAIL' alert is not displayed. If `CRG FIRE TST FAIL' alert is again 
displayed, contact maintenance.''
    (3) For Model DC-10-10F and DC-10-30F airplanes: Insert the 
following information (also found in Boeing IOP 2-70, dated November 
24, 2004, to the Boeing DC-10 Flight Crew Operating Manual):

``Annunciator/Door Lights................  NORMAL/OFF
 

    C/M-2 and C/M-3 observe annunciator lights.

[[Page 3299]]

NOTE

    If a light is on, check system configuration and take 
appropriate action.

LWR CARGO FIRE/CREW REST AREA SMOKE        TEST/ARM
 Detectors.
 

    Move FIRE/SMK DET switch to TEST and hold. Observe the REST AREA 
SMK DET, FWD SMK DET, CREW REST AREA SMOKE, FWD CARGO FIRE, AFT SMK 
DET, HEAT DET and AFT CARGO FIRE lights are on. At the pilot's 
overhead annunciator panel, observe CARGO FIRE and CREW REST AREA 
SMOKE lights are on. At the glareshield, observe both MASTER WARN 
lights are on.
    Release switch to ARM position.
    If one or more lights failed to come on during the test, pull 
circuit breakers D-3 (CARGO CREW REST SMOKE DETS & INDS) and D-4 
(CARGO OVERHEAT). Reset after two seconds.
    Re-accomplish test.
    If test is not successful, contact maintenance.''

Optional Terminating Action

    (i) Replacement of Meggitt Model 602 smoke detectors P/N 8930-( 
) with modified smoke detectors in accordance with Meggitt Safety 
Systems Service Information Letter 8930-26-01, dated November 8, 
2004, terminates the operational limitation required by paragraph 
(h) of this AD. After all P/N 8930-( ) smoke detectors have been 
replaced on the airplane, the operational limitation specified in 
paragraph (h) of this AD may be removed from the AFM.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

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

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (k) None.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 12, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-1206 Filed 1-21-05; 8:45 am]
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