[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 115 (Thursday, June 16, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 35049-35053]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-11879]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 115 / Thursday, June 16, 2005 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 35049]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-21470; Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-45-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, DC-
10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30 and DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10) Airplanes; 
Model DC-10-40 and DC-10-40F Airplanes; and Model MD-11 and MD-11F 
Airplanes

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-
10-30 and DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10) airplanes; Model DC-10-40 and 
DC-10-40F airplanes; and Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes. This 
proposed AD would require for certain airplanes, modifying the thrust 
reverser command wiring of the number 2 engine. For certain other 
airplanes, this proposed AD would require modifying the thrust reverser 
system wiring from the flight compartment to engines 1, 2, and 3 thrust 
reversers. This proposed AD would also require installing thrust 
reverser locking systems on certain airplanes. This proposed AD is 
prompted by a determination that the thrust reverser systems on these 
McDonnell Douglas airplanes do not adequately preclude unwanted 
deployment of a thrust reverser. We are proposing this AD to prevent an 
unwanted deployment of a thrust reverser during flight, which could 
result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 15, 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-2005-21470; the directorate identifier for this 
docket is 2003-NM-45-AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Philip C. Kush, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137; 
telephone (562) 627-5263; 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-2005-21470; 
Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-45-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 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 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.

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

    In 1992, the FAA issued a document titled ``Criteria for Assessing 
Transport Turbojet Fleet Thrust Reverser Safety.'' This document is 
based upon the premise that no failure of thrust reverser components 
anticipated to occur in-service should prevent continued safe flight 
and landing of an airplane. In order to comply with the criteria in the 
document, Boeing has developed a modification that increases the level 
of safety of the thrust reverser system by incorporating wire 
modifications on McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, 
DC-10-30 and DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10) airplanes; Model DC-10-40 
and DC-10-40F airplanes; and Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes; and by 
installing thrust reverser interlocks on Model DC-10-40 and DC-10-40F 
airplanes. Based upon the Boeing safety evaluations, we have determined 
that the existing thrust reverser systems on these McDonnell

[[Page 35050]]

Douglas airplanes do not adequately preclude unwanted deployment of a 
thrust reverser. Such unwanted deployment of a thrust reverser during 
flight could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.
    This is the third in a series of planned rulemaking actions that 
will encompass the entire fleet of McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, 
DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30 and DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10) 
airplanes; Model DC-10-40 and DC-10-40F airplanes; and Model MD-11 and 
MD-11F airplanes. This rulemaking action would be the final planned 
action and would complete the FAA's review of these models based on the 
1992 ``Criteria for Assessing Transport Turbojet Fleet Thrust Reverser 
Safety'' for McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-
10-30 and DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10) airplanes; Model DC-10-40 and 
DC-10-40F airplanes; and Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes.

Other Related Rulemaking

    We have previously issued AD 2001-05-10, amendment 39-12147 (66 FR 
15785, March 21, 2001), applicable to all McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10 
and MD-11 series airplanes, and KC-10A (military) airplanes. That AD 
requires installation of thrust reverser interlocks on certain 
airplanes, inspections of the thrust reverser systems to detect 
discrepancies on certain other airplanes, and corrective actions, if 
necessary. The actions required by paragraphs (c) and (i) of AD 2001-
05-10 are done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin DC10-78A057, Revision 01, dated February 18, 1999.
    We have also previously issued AD 2001-17-19, amendment 39-12410 
(66 FR 44950, August 27, 2001), applicable to all McDonnell Douglas 
Model DC-10 series airplanes, and KC-10A and KDC-10 (military) 
airplanes. That AD requires certain modifications of the thrust 
reverser control and indication system and wiring on each engine. The 
actions required by paragraph (a) of AD 2001-17-19 are done in 
accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC10-78-060, dated 
December 17, 1999.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin DC10-78-066, Revision 01, 
dated November 30, 2001 (for Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-
10-30 and DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10) airplanes); and Boeing Service 
Bulletin DC10-78-067, dated October 30, 2002 (for Model DC-10-40 and 
DC-10-40F airplanes). These service bulletins describe procedures for 
modifying the thrust reverser command wiring of the number 2 engine, 
located in the aft fuselage/pylon area, to provide wire separation. The 
modification includes installing new tubes, revising the wiring, and 
routing the wiring as specified in the service bulletins.
    Boeing Service Bulletin DC10-78-067 also specifies prior or 
concurrent accomplishment of the following service bulletins:

                      Concurrent Service Bulletins for Boeing Service Bulletin DC10-78-067
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      McDonnell Douglas                 Revision level                        Date                    Action
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alert Service Bulletin DC10-   01.............................  February 18, 1999..............  Repetitive
 78A057 (cited as a source of                                                                     detailed
 service information for AD                                                                       visual
 2001-05-10).                                                                                     inspections,
                                                                                                  functional
                                                                                                  checks, and
                                                                                                  torque checks
                                                                                                  of the thrust
                                                                                                  reverser
                                                                                                  systems and
                                                                                                  applicable
                                                                                                  corrective
                                                                                                  actions.
Service Bulletin DC10-78-060   Original.......................  December 17, 1999..............  Modification of
 (cited as a source of                                                                            the indication
 service information for AD                                                                       light system
 2001-17-19).                                                                                     for the thrust
                                                                                                  reversers.
Service Bulletin DC10-78-064.  Original.......................  June 24, 2003..................  Installation of
                                                                                                  an additional
                                                                                                  thrust
                                                                                                  reverser
                                                                                                  locking system
                                                                                                  at each wing
                                                                                                  position.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have also reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-78-007, Revision 
02, dated August 22, 2001 (for Model MD-11 and -11F airplanes). This 
service bulletin describes procedures for modifying the thrust reverser 
system wiring from the flight compartment to engines 1, 2, and 3 thrust 
reversers. The modification includes revising and routing the wiring; 
and verifying the proper configuration code and revising the wiring if 
required; as applicable. The modification also includes a test of the 
thrust reverser system.
    Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-78-007 also specifies prior or 
concurrent accomplishment of the following service bulletins:

                      Concurrent Service Bulletins for Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-78-007
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Service bulletin                 Revision level                        Date                    Action
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
McDonnell Douglas Service      Original.......................  November 5, 1998...............  Update program
 Bulletin MD11-31-091.                                                                            software of
                                                                                                  display
                                                                                                  electronic
                                                                                                  units.
Rohr Service Bulletin MD-11    1..............................  May 14, 2001...................  Modify wing
 54-200.                                                                                          pylon
                                                                                                  harnesses.
Rohr Service Bulletin MD-11    Original.......................  November 30, 1999..............  Modify pylon
 54-201.                                                                                          thrust
                                                                                                  reverser
                                                                                                  harnesses and
                                                                                                  J-box.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is 
intended to 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 accomplishing the actions specified in the service 
information described previously, except as discussed under 
``Differences Between the Proposed AD and Service Information.''
    Although AD 2001-05-10 and AD 2001-17-19 already provide certain

[[Page 35051]]

thrust reverser safety enhancements, this proposed AD is necessary to 
ensure that failure of a thrust reverser component would not prevent 
safe flight and landing.

Differences Between the Proposed AD and Service Information

    Boeing Service Bulletin DC10-78-067, dated October 30, 2002, 
specifies that McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC10-78-064, June 24, 
2003, be done prior to or concurrently with Boeing Service Bulletin 
DC10-78-067. We have determined that the installation of the thrust 
reverser locking systems specified in McDonnell Douglas Service 
Bulletin DC10-78-064 may be done after accomplishing the actions 
specified Boeing Service Bulletin DC10-78-067 as long as the actions in 
both service bulletins are done within 60 months. We have coordinated 
this difference with the airplane manufacturer.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 612 airplanes of the affected designs in the 
worldwide fleet. This proposed AD would affect about 245 airplanes of 
U.S. registry. The following tables provide the estimated costs for 
U.S. operators to comply with this proposed AD, for the applicable 
actions, at an average hourly labor rate of $65.

                                        Cost for Wiring Modification/Thrust Reverser Locking System Installation
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                    Number  of
                                                                                                                      U.S.-
                     Action                        Work hours            Parts               Cost per airplane      registered         Fleet cost
                                                                                                                    airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modify wiring (Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-           34                    $1,562                    $3,772           40                  $150,880
 15, DC-10-30 and DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10)
 airplanes).....................................
Modify wiring (Model DC-10-40 and DC-10-40F                34                     5,238                     7,448           45                   335,160
 airplanes).....................................
Modify wiring (Model MD-11 and -11F airplanes)..      124-192             11,912-17,672             19,972-30,152          160       3,195,520-4,824,320
Install thrust reverser locking system (Model DC-         218           165,535-207,792           179,705-221,962           45       8,086,725-9,988,290
 10-40 and DC-10-40F airplanes).................
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                         Cost of Concurrent Actions for Model MD-11 and MD-11F Airplanes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                              Hourly                   Cost per
                           Action                              Work hours   labor rate     Parts       airplane
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update program software, as applicable......................            2          $65        (\1\)         $130
Modify wing pylon harnesses, as applicable..................          100           65        5,268       11,768
Modify pylon thrust reverser harnesses and J-box, as                   52           65        4,397       7,777
 applicable.................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ None.

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 
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):


[[Page 35052]]


McDonnell Douglas: Docket No. FAA-2005-21470; Directorate Identifier 
2003-NM-45-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive 
comments on this AD action by August 15, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to airplanes, certificated in any category, 
as listed in Table 1 of this AD.

                         Table 1.--Applicability
------------------------------------------------------------------------
      McDonnell Douglas airplane--              As identified in--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-    Boeing Service Bulletin DC10-78-
 15, DC-10-30 and DC-10-30F (KC-10A and   066, Revision 01, dated
 KDC-10) airplanes.                       November 30, 2001.
(2) Model DC-10-40 and DC-10-40F         Boeing Service Bulletin DC10-78-
 airplanes.                               067, dated October 30, 2002.
(3) Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes...  Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-78-
                                          007, Revision 02, dated August
                                          22, 2001.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by a determination that the thrust 
reverser systems on these McDonnell Douglas airplanes do not 
adequately preclude unwanted deployment of a thrust reverser. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent an unwanted deployment of a thrust 
reverser during flight, which could result in reduced 
controllability of the airplane.

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.

Wiring Modification

    (f) For Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, and DC-
10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10) airplanes: Within 60 months after the 
effective date of this AD, modify the thrust reverser command wiring 
of the number 2 engine by doing all the actions specified in the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin DC10-78-066, 
Revision 01, dated November 30, 2001.
    (g) For Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes: Within 60 months after 
the effective date of this AD, modify the thrust reverser system 
wiring from the flight compartment to engines 1, 2, and 3 thrust 
reversers by doing all the actions specified in the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-78-007, Revision 02, 
dated August 22, 2001.

Wiring Modification/Installation of Thrust Reverser Locking System

    (h) For Model DC-10-40 and DC-10-40F airplanes: Within 60 months 
after the effective date of this AD, modify the thrust reverser 
command wiring of the number 2 engine by doing all the actions 
specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service 
Bulletin DC10-78-067, dated October 30, 2002, and install thrust 
reverser locking systems by doing all the applicable actions 
specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas 
Service Bulletin DC10-78-064, dated June 24, 2003.

Prior or Concurrent Actions

    (i) For Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, and DC-
10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10) airplanes: Prior to or concurrent with 
the actions required by paragraph (f) of this AD, do the actions 
specified in Table 2 of this AD.

Table 2.--Prior or Concurrent Actions for Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-
      10-15, DC-10-30, and DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), Airplanes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Do these actions--          Required by--     In accordance with--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repetitive detailed visual      Paragraphs (c)     McDonnell Douglas
 inspections, functional         and (i) of AD      Alert Service
 checks, and torque checks of    2001-05-10,        Bulletin DC10-
 the thrust reverser systems,    amendment          78A057, Revision 01,
 and applicable corrective       Bulletin 39-       dated February 18,
 actions.                        12147.             1999.
Modification of the indication  Paragraph (a) of   McDonnell Douglas
 light system for the thrust     AD 2001-17-19,     Service Bulletin
 reversers.                      amendment 39-      DC10-78-060, dated
                                 12410.             December 17, 1999.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (j) For Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes: Prior to or concurrent 
with the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD, do the 
actions specified in Table 3 of this AD.

    Table 3.--Prior or Concurrent Actions for Model MD-11 and MD-11F
                                Airplanes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Do these actions--                  In accordance with--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update program software of display       McDonnell Douglas Service
 electronic units.                        Bulletin MD11-31-091, dated
                                          November 5, 1998.
Modify wing pylon harnesses............  Rohr Service Bulletin MD-11-54-
                                          200, Revision 1, dated May 14,
                                          2001.
Modify pylon thrust reverser harnesses   Rohr Service Bulletin MD-11-54-
 and J-box.                               201, dated November 30, 1999.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Actions Accomplished According to Previous Issues of Service Bulletins

    (k) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD 
according to Boeing Service Bulletin DC10-78-066, dated March 6, 
2001; or Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-78-007, dated January 31, 
2000; or Revision 01, dated June 6, 2001; are considered acceptable 
for compliance with the applicable corresponding actions specified 
in this AD.

[[Page 35053]]

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (l) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office 
(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 June 3, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-11879 Filed 6-15-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P