[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 76 (Thursday, April 21, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 20713-20715]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-7684]


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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; 
Amendment 39-14060; AD 2005-08-08]
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: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), which applies to 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 new AD requires 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 AD is 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.

DATES: This AD becomes effective May 26, 2005.
    The incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in 
the AD is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of May 
26, 2005.
    On December 20, 2001 (66 FR 63157, December 5, 2001), the Director 
of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a 
certain other publication listed in the AD.

ADDRESSES: 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).
    Docket: The AD docket contains the proposed AD, comments, and any 
final disposition. 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 U.S. 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401, 
Washington, DC. This docket number is FAA-2005-20135; the directorate

[[Page 20714]]

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: The FAA proposed to amend part 39 of the 
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) with an AD to supersede 
AD 2001-25-01, amendment 39-12553 (66 FR 63157, December 5, 2001). The 
existing AD applies to certain 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. The proposed AD was published 
in the Federal Register on January 28, 2005 (70 FR 4055), to 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. That 
action also proposed to 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 (APU) fire extinguishing agent containers if 
applicable; and related investigative/corrective actions, as 
applicable.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. No comments have been submitted on the proposed 
AD or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data and determined that 
air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 233 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The following table provides the estimated costs, 
using an average labor rate of $65 per hour, for U.S. operators to 
comply with this AD.

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                         Number of
                                  Work                                                     U.S.-
            Action               hours              Parts            Cost per airplane   registered   Fleet cost
                                                                                         airplanes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection of the electrical          3  $0........................  $195, per                  177      $34,515
 connectors of the explosive                                          inspection/
 cartridge wiring and                                                 testing cycle.
 electrical test of all
 explosive cartridge wiring
 (required by AD 2001-25-01).
General visual inspection of          1  $0........................  $65, per                   177       11,505
 the emergency shut off wire                                          inspection cycle.
 assembly (new action).
Installation of lanyards on           4  $58 (For engine firex)....  $318.............          177       56,268
 electrical connectors for
 engine fire extinguishing
 agent containers (new action).
Installation of lanyards on           1  $52 (For APU firex).......  $117.............          177       20,709
 electrical APU connectors for
 APU fire extinguishing agent
 containers if applicable (new
 action).
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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 this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866;
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

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

2005-08-08 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-14060. Docket No. FAA-
2005-20135; Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-231-AD.

[[Page 20715]]

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective May 26, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2001-25-01, amendment 39-12553 (66 FR 
63157, December 5, 2001).

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 identified 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.

Restatement of Requirements of AD 2001-25-01

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 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, are 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.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (m) You must use Boeing Service Bulletin DC8-26-047, Revision 1, 
dated September 4, 2003; and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC8-
26A046, dated November 7, 2001; as applicable; to perform the 
actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies 
otherwise.
    (1) The incorporation by reference of Boeing Service Bulletin 
DC8-26-047, Revision 1, dated September 4, 2003, is approved by the 
Director of the Federal Register, in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) 
and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) The incorporation by reference of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin DC8-26A046, dated November 7, 2001, was approved previously 
by the Director of the Federal Register as of December 20, 2001 (66 
FR 63157, December 5, 2001).
    (3) To get copies of the service information, contact Boeing 
Commercial Airplanes, Long Beach Division, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, 
Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Data and Service 
Management, Dept. C1-L5A (D800-0024. To view the AD docket, go to 
the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 
400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, 
DC. To review copies of the service information, go to the National 
Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the 
availability of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or 
go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal--
regulations/ibr--locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 11, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-7684 Filed 4-20-05; 8:45 am]
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