[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 18 (Friday, January 28, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 4055-4058]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-1588]



[[Page 4055]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-20135; Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-231-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-8-33 and -43 
Airplanes; Model DC-8F-54 and DC-8F-55 Airplanes; and Model DC-8-50, -
60, -60F, -70, and -70F Series Airplanes

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness 
directive (AD) for certain McDonnell Douglas series airplanes. That AD 
currently requires repetitive inspections of the electrical connectors 
of the explosive cartridge wiring of the engine fire extinguisher 
containers to verify if the identification number labels are installed 
and legible; repetitive electrical tests of all explosive cartridge 
wiring of the engine fire extinguisher containers to verify proper 
installation and function; and corrective actions if necessary. This 
proposed AD would also require an inspection of the emergency shut off 
wire assembly; installation of lanyards on the electrical connectors 
for the engine fire extinguishing agent containers and for the 
auxiliary power unit fire extinguishing agent containers if applicable; 
and related investigative/corrective actions, as applicable. This 
proposed AD is prompted by reports of cross-wired electrical connectors 
of the engine fire extinguishing agent containers. We are proposing 
this AD to detect and correct cross-wired electrical connectors of the 
fire extinguishing system, which could release fire extinguishing agent 
into the incorrect engine nacelle in the event of an engine fire.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 14, 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.
     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-2005-20135; the directorate identifier for this docket is 
2003-NM-231-AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William S. Bond, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137; 
telephone (562) 627-5253; fax (562) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

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-2005-20135; 
Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-231-AD'' at the beginning 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 received 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 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 may review the 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.

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 29, 2001, we issued AD 2001-25-01, amendment 39-12553 
(66 FR 63157, December 5, 2001), for certain McDonnell Douglas Model 
DC-8-33, -43, -51, -52, -53, and -55 series airplanes; Model DC-8F-54 
and -55 series airplanes; and Model DC-8-61, -61F, -62, -62F, -63, -
63F, -71, -71F, -72, -72F, -73, and -73F series airplanes airplanes. 
That AD requires repetitive inspections of the electrical connectors of 
the explosive cartridge wiring of the engine fire extinguisher 
containers to verify if the identification number labels are installed 
and legible; repetitive electrical tests of all explosive cartridge 
wiring of the engine fire extinguisher containers to verify proper 
installation and function; and corrective actions if necessary. That AD 
was prompted by reports of electrical connectors of the engine fire 
extinguishing agent containers being cross-wired on certain McDonnell 
Douglas DC-8 series airplanes. We issued that AD to detect and correct 
cross-wired electrical connectors of the fire extinguishing system, 
which could release fire extinguishing agent into the incorrect engine 
nacelle in the event of an engine fire.

Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued

    The preamble to AD 2001-25-01 explains that we consider the 
requirements ``interim action'' and were considering further 
rulemaking. We now have determined that further rulemaking is indeed 
necessary, and this proposed AD follows from that determination.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin DC8-26-047, Revision 1, 
dated

[[Page 4056]]

September 4, 2003. The service bulletin describes the following 
procedures:
    1. Doing a general visual inspection of the emergency shut off wire 
assembly to determine if the length of wire harness AAG at P1-510 can 
be connected to R5-74 and to determine if the length of wire harness 
ABG at P1-511 can be connected to R5-73; and corrective action. The 
corrective action includes shortening wire harness AAG at P1-510, if 
cross connection is possible.
    2. Installing lanyards on the electrical connectors for the engine 
fire extinguishing agent containers in the left and right wing front 
spar; and related investigative/corrective actions. The related 
investigative actions include inspecting the explosive cartridge 
electrical connectors for the engine fire extinguisher containers to 
determine if the identification number labels are installed and 
legible; and testing the installation of the engine fire extinguisher 
containers. The corrective actions include installing any missing label 
or replacing any illegible label with a new label, as applicable; and 
troubleshooting and repairing the wiring of the fire extinguishing 
(``firex'') discharge system if any cockpit warning lamp fails to light 
during any test of the engine fire extinguisher containers.
    3. For airplanes equipped with an auxiliary power unit (APU) 
installation in the forward cargo compartment at station Y=640.000, 
installing lanyards on the electrical connectors for the APU fire 
extinguishing agent containers and related investigative/corrective 
actions. The related investigative action includes inspecting the 
explosive cartridge electrical connectors for the APU fire extinguisher 
containers to determine if the identification number labels are 
installed and legible. The corrective action includes installing any 
missing or replacing any illegible identification label with a new 
label, as applicable, on the explosive cartridge electrical connectors 
for the APU fire extinguisher containers. We have determined that 
accomplishment of the actions specified in the service information 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 products 
of this same type design. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which 
would supersede AD 2001-25-01. This proposed AD would continue to 
require repetitive inspections of the electrical connectors of the 
explosive cartridge wiring of the engine fire extinguisher containers 
to verify if the identification number labels are installed and 
legible; repetitive electrical tests of all explosive cartridge wiring 
of the engine fire extinguisher containers to verify proper 
installation and function; and corrective actions if necessary. This 
proposed AD would also require an inspection of the emergency shut off 
wire assembly; installation of lanyards on the electrical connectors 
for the engine fire extinguishing agent containers and for the APU fire 
extinguishing agent containers if applicable; and related 
investigative/corrective actions, as applicable. Accomplishment of 
these new actions would terminate the requirement for repetitive 
inspections and electrical tests. This proposed AD would require you to 
use the service information described previously to perform these 
actions, except as discussed under ``Difference Between the Proposed AD 
and Service Bulletin.''

Difference Between the Proposed AD and Service Bulletin

    Operators should note that, although the service bulletin 
recommends accomplishing the service bulletin ``at a scheduled 
maintenance period when manpower, materials, and facilities are 
available,'' we have determined that such an imprecise compliance time 
would not address the identified unsafe condition in a timely manner. 
In developing an appropriate compliance time for this proposed AD, we 
considered the degree of urgency associated with the subject unsafe 
condition, the average utilization of the affected fleet, and the time 
necessary to perform the modification (between 5 to 6 hours). In light 
of all of these factors, we find that an 18-month compliance time 
represents an appropriate interval of time for affected airplanes to 
continue to operate without compromising safety. We have coordinated 
this finding with the manufacturer and they concur.

Clarification Between the Proposed AD and Service Bulletin

    Operators should note that, although the effectivity of the service 
bulletin includes McDonnell Douglas Model DC-8-54 airplanes, we have 
not included it in the applicability of the proposed AD because it is 
not listed on Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS) No. 4A25, Revision 37, 
or any other TCDS. In addition, the manufacturer has confirmed that its 
listing in the effectivity of the service bulletin is a typographical 
error. The manufacturer also indicated that Model DC-8F-54 and Model 
DC-8F-55 airplanes were misidentified in the effectivity of the service 
bulletin as Model DC-8-54F and Model DC-8-55F, respectively. The 
applicability of this AD references the correct model designations for 
these airplanes.

Change to Existing AD

    This proposed AD would retain all requirements of AD 2001-25-01. 
Since AD 2001-25-01 was issued, the AD format has been revised, and 
certain paragraphs have been rearranged. As a result, the corresponding 
paragraph identifiers have changed in this proposed AD, as listed in 
the following table:

                      Revised Paragraph Identifiers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Corresponding  requirement  in
     Requirement  in AD  2001-25-01             this  proposed AD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
paragraph (a)..........................  paragraph (f).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Costs of Compliance

    This proposed AD would affect about 233 worldwide airplanes. The 
following table provides the estimated costs, using an average labor 
rate of $65 per hour, for U.S. operators to comply with this proposed 
AD.

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                            Number of
                                       Work                                                   U.S.-      Fleet
              Action                  hours            Parts           Cost per airplane   registered     cost
                                                                                            airplanes
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Inspection of the electrical                3  $0..................  $195, per inspection/        177    $34,515
 connectors of the explosive                                          testing cycle.
 cartridge wiring and electrical
 test of all explosive cartridge
 wiring (required by AD 2001-25-
 01).

[[Page 4057]]

 
General visual inspection of the            1  0...................  65, per inspection           177     11,505
 emergency shut off wire assembly                                     cycle.
 (new proposed action).
Installation of lanyards on                 4  58 (For engine        318.................         177     56,268
 electrical connectors for engine               firex).
 fire extinguishing agent
 containers (new proposed action).
Installation of lanyards on                 1  52 (For APU firex)..  117.................         177     20,709
 electrical connectors for APU
 fire extinguishing agent
 containers if applicable (new
 proposed action).
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Authority for This Rulemaking

    The FAA's authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is 
found in Title 49 of the United States Code. 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.
    This rulemaking is promulgated 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 AD.

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 removing amendment 39-12553 (66 FR 
63157, December 5, 2001) and adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

McDonnell Douglas: Docket No. FAA-2005-20135; Directorate Identifier 
2003-NM-231-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration must receive comments on 
this airworthiness directive (AD) action by March 14, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2001-25-01, amendment 39-12553. 
Accomplishment of paragraph (g) and (h) of this AD terminates 
certain requirements of AD 2001-25-01, amendment 39-12553.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to McDonnell Douglas Model DC-8-33, DC-8-43, 
DC-8-51, DC-8-52, DC-8-53, DC-8F-54, DC-8-55, DC-8F-55, DC-8-61, DC-
8-61F, DC-8-62, DC-8-62F, DC-8-63, DC-8-63F, DC-8-71, DC-8-71F, DC-
8-72, DC-8-72F, DC-8-73, and DC-8-73F airplanes, certificated in any 
category; as listed in Boeing Service Bulletin DC8-26-047, Revision 
1, dated September 4, 2003.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by reports of cross-wired electrical 
connectors of the engine fire extinguishing agent containers. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct cross-wired electrical 
connectors of the fire extinguishing system, which could release 
fire extinguishing agent into the incorrect engine nacelle in the 
event of an engine 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.

Requirements of AD 2001-25-01, Amendment 39-12553

Repetitive Inspections and Tests, and Corrective Action(s), If 
Necessary

    (f) Within 30 days after December 20, 2001 (the effective date 
of AD 2001-25-01, amendment 39-12553), do the action(s) specified in 
paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD, in accordance with Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin DC8-26A046, dated November 7, 2001.
    (1) Do an inspection of the electrical connectors of the 
explosive cartridge wiring of the engine fire extinguisher 
containers to verify if the identification number labels are 
installed and legible. If any identification number label is missing 
or is not legible, before further flight, install a label or replace 
the label with a new label, as applicable. Repeat the inspection 
after each maintenance action for the Firex Discharge system.
    (2) Do an electrical test of all explosive cartridge wiring of 
the engine fire extinguisher containers to verify proper 
installation and function, using the cockpit warning lamps. If the 
lamp fails to illuminate, before further flight, troubleshoot and 
repair the wiring of the Firex Discharge system. Repeat the test 
after each maintenance action for the Firex Discharge system.

    Note 1: Inspections, tests, and corrective actions, if 
necessary, done per Boeing BOECOM M-7200-01-02632, dated November 5, 
2001, before December 20, 2001 (the effective date of AD 2001-25-01, 
amendment 39-12553), are considered acceptable for compliance with 
the requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD.

New Requirements of This AD

Inspection and Installation

    (g) Within 18 months of the effective date of this AD, do a 
general visual inspection of the emergency shut off wire assembly to 
determine if the length of wire harness AAG at P1-510 can be 
connected to R5-74 and to determine if the length of wire harness 
ABG

[[Page 4058]]

at P1-511 can be connected to R5-73; and, before further flight, do 
the corrective action, as applicable; by accomplishing all of the 
actions specified in paragraph B.1.b. of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin DC8-26-047, Revision 1, 
dated September 4, 2003.

    Note 2: 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.''

    (h) Within 18 months of the effective date of this AD, install 
lanyards on the electrical connectors for the engine fire 
extinguishing agent containers in the left and right wing front 
spar; and, before further flight, do all the related investigative/
corrective actions, as applicable; by accomplishing all of the 
actions specified in paragraph B.1.c. of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin DC8-26-047, Revision 1, 
dated September 4, 2003.

Installation If Applicable

    (i) For airplanes equipped with an auxiliary power unit (APU) 
installation in the forward cargo compartment at station Y=640.000: 
Within 18 months of the effective date of this AD, install lanyards 
on the electrical connectors for the APU fire extinguishing agent 
containers; and, before further flight, do all the related 
investigative/corrective actions, as applicable; by accomplishing 
all of the actions specified in paragraph B.2. of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin DC8-26-047, Revision 1, 
dated September 4, 2003.

Terminating Action

    (j) Accomplishment of the actions specified in paragraphs (g) 
and (h) of this AD terminates the repetitive inspections and 
electrical tests required by paragraph (f) of this AD.

Credit for Previous Service Bulletin

    (k) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin DC8-26-047, dated April 2, 
2003, is acceptable for compliance with the corresponding 
requirements in paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (l) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 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 January 18, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-1588 Filed 1-27-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P