[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 159 (Thursday, August 18, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 48502-48505]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-16363]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-22121; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-128-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-10, -20, -
30, -40 and -50 Series Airplanes, and Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), and DC-9-
82 (MD-82) 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) that applies to certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-10, 
-20, -30, -40 and -50 series airplanes, and Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), and 
DC-9-82 (MD-82) airplanes. That AD currently requires installing a 
water drain system for the slant pressure panels in the left and right 
wheel wells of the main landing gear (MLG). This proposed AD would also 
require inspecting the seal assemblies of the overwing emergency exit 
doors for defects and constant gap; replacing defective door seals; 
performing repetitive operational checks of the water drain system auto 
drain valve and corrective actions if necessary; and, for certain 
airplanes, modifying the insulation blankets on the slant pressure 
panels in the left and right MLG wheel wells. This proposed AD is 
prompted by reports of water runoff from the slant pressure panels in 
the left and right MLG wheel wells, which subsequently froze on the 
lateral control mixer and control cable assemblies. We are proposing 
this AD to prevent ice from forming on the lateral control mixer and 
control cable assemblies, which could reduce controllability of the 
airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 3, 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-2005-22121; the directorate identifier for this 
docket is 2004-NM-128-AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wahib Mina, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137; 
telephone (562) 627-5324; 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-2005-22121; 
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-128-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 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.

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 June 29, 1993, we issued AD 93-13-07, amendment 39-8620 (58 FR 
38511, July 19, 1993), for certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-10, -
20, -30, -40 and -50 series airplanes, Model DC-9-81 and DC-9-82 
airplanes, and Model C-9 (Military) airplanes. That AD requires 
installing a water drain system for the slant pressure panels in the 
left and right wheel wells of the main landing gear (MLG). That AD was 
prompted by reports of water freezing on the control cables. We issued 
that AD to prevent water from draining into the wheel wells and 
subsequently freezing, which could restrict the movement of the control 
cables and lead to reduced controllability of the airplane.

Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 93-13-07, we received a report of in-flight loss 
of aileron control on a Model DC-9-32 airplane. Investigation revealed 
that, due to failure of the auto drain valve in the drain system 
installed by AD 93-13-07, water accumulated at the slant pressure 
panels and subsequently froze, forming ice around the aileron control 
cables and pulleys in the MLG wheel wells.

[[Page 48503]]

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin DC9-53-179, Revision 2, 
dated May 27, 2004 (the original issue, dated January 18, 1985, is 
referenced as the appropriate source of service information for 
accomplishing AD 93-13-07). The procedures described in Revision 2 of 
the service bulletin are essentially the same, except for the addition 
of procedures for performing a visual inspection for defects and 
constant gap of the seal assemblies of the overwing emergency exit 
doors, and replacing defective door seals with new door seals. The 
service bulletin also describes procedures for revising the maintenance 
program by adding on-aircraft maintenance program reports (OAMP) 
relating to repetitive operational checks of the auto drain valve of 
the water drain system in the slant pressure panel.
    Boeing Service Bulletin DC9-53-179, Revision 2, specifies prior or 
concurrent accomplishment of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC9-53-
268, on certain airplanes.
    We have reviewed McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC9-53-268 R01, 
Revision 01, dated July 18, 1996, which describes procedures for 
modifying the insulation blankets on the slant pressure panels in the 
left and right wheel wells of the MLG.
    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

    The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or 
develop on other airplanes of this same type design. Therefore, we are 
proposing this AD, which would supersede AD 93-13-07. This proposed AD 
would retain the requirements of the existing AD. This proposed AD 
would also require inspecting the seal assemblies of the overwing 
emergency exit doors for defects and constant gap; replacing defective 
door seals; performing repetitive operational checks of the water drain 
system auto drain valve and corrective actions if necessary; and, for 
certain airplanes, modifying the insulation blankets on the slant 
pressure panels in the left and right MLG wheel wells. This proposed AD 
would require you to use the service information described previously 
to perform these actions, except as discussed under ``Differences 
Between the Proposed AD and Referenced Service Bulletins.''

Differences Between the Proposed AD and Referenced Service Bulletins

    Although the service bulletins recommend accomplishing the 
modifications ``* * * at the earliest practical maintenance period * * 
*,'' we have determined that this imprecise compliance time would not 
address the identified unsafe condition in a timely manner. In 
developing an appropriate compliance time for this AD, we considered 
not only the manufacturer's recommendation, but the degree of urgency 
associated with addressing the subject unsafe condition, the average 
utilization of the affected fleet, and the time necessary to perform 
the modifications. In light of all of these factors, we find a 
compliance time of 24 months for completing the required actions to be 
warranted, in that it represents an appropriate interval of time for 
affected airplanes to continue to operate without compromising safety. 
This difference has been coordinated with Boeing.
    Where Boeing Service Bulletin DC9-53-179, Revision 2, specifies 
prior or concurrent accomplishment of McDonnell Douglas Service 
Bulletin DC9-53-268 R01 on certain airplanes, this proposed AD would, 
under certain circumstances, allow accomplishment of Service Bulletin 
DC9-53-268 R01 within 24 months after the effective date of this 
proposed AD. We find that this compliance time would prevent the 
immediate grounding of any airplane.
    As discussed under ``Relevant Service Information,'' Boeing Service 
Bulletin DC9-53-179, Revision 2, describes procedures for adding 
certain OAMPs to the maintenance programs. These OAMPs relate to 
repetitive operational checks of the auto drain valve and replacing any 
auto drain valve found to be obstructed or inoperative with a new auto 
drain valve. This proposed AD would not require you to revise the 
maintenance programs as described; rather, this proposed AD would 
require you to perform the repetitive operational checks and any auto 
drain valve replacement, in accordance with a method approved by the 
FAA. Chapter 51-10-01 of the Boeing MD-80 Aircraft Maintenance Manual 
is one approved method of performing these actions.

Clarification of Inspection Terminology

    The service information specifies to ``inspect'' the seal 
assemblies of the overwing emergency exit doors for defects and 
constant gap. To prevent any confusion about the proper type of 
inspection, this proposed AD would require a general visual inspection. 
We have included a definition of this type of inspection in this 
proposed AD.

Clarification of Change to Applicability of Existing AD

    We have revised the applicability of the existing AD to identify 
model designations as published in the most recent type certificate 
data sheet for the affected models.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 2,025 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. There are about 1,131 airplanes of U.S. registry that 
would be affected by this proposed AD. 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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                                                                                     Cost per
                     Action                         Work hours         Parts         airplane       Fleet cost
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Install water drain system (required by AD 93-13-              8            $613          $1,133      $1,281,423
 07)............................................
Inspect overwing emergency exit door seal                      1             N/A              65          73,515
 assemblies (new proposed action)...............
Modify insulation blankets of slant pressure                   8             N/A             520             N/A
 panel (new proposed action)....................
Check auto drain valve of slant pressure panel                 1             N/A            * 65         73,515
 water drain system (new proposed action).......
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* per inspection cycle


[[Page 48504]]

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 removing amendment 39-8620 (58 FR 
38511, dated July 19, 1993) and adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

McDonnell Douglas: Docket No. FAA-2005-22121; Directorate Identifier 
2004-NM-128-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration must receive comments on 
this AD action by October 3, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 93-13-07, amendment 39-8620.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-11, DC-9-12, 
DC-9-13, DC-9-14, DC-9-15, DC-9-15F, DC-9-21, DC-9-31, DC-9-32, DC-
9-32 (VC-9C), DC-9-32F, DC-9-33F, DC-9-34, DC-9-34F, DC 9-32F (C-9A, 
C-9B), DC-9-41, DC-9-51, DC-9-81 (MD-81), and DC-9-82 (MD-82) 
airplanes; as identified in Boeing Service Bulletin DC9-53-179, 
Revision 2, dated May 27, 2004; certificated in any category.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by reports of water runoff from the 
slant pressure panels in the left and right main landing gear (MLG) 
wheel wells, which subsequently froze on the lateral control mixer 
and control cable assemblies. We are issuing this AD to prevent ice 
from forming on the lateral control mixer and control cable 
assemblies, which could reduce 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.

Restatement of Requirements of AD 93-13-07

Installation of Water Drain System

    (f) Within 24 months after August 18, 1993 (the effective date 
of AD 93-13-07), install a water drain system in the slant pressure 
panel, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Service Bulletin 
53-179, dated January 18, 1985, as amended by Service Bulletin 
Change Notification 53-179 CN1, dated February 28, 1985, and Service 
Bulletin Change Notification 53-179 CN2, dated May 30, 1985; or in 
accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC-9-53-179, 
Revision 01, dated March 30, 1999; or Boeing Service Bulletin DC9-
53-179, Revision 2, dated May 27, 2004. After the effective date of 
this AD, only Boeing Service Bulletin DC9-53-179, Revision 2, dated 
May 27, 2004, may be used.

New Requirements of This AD

Inspection of Door Seal Assemblies

    (g) For all airplanes: Within 24 months after the effective date 
of this AD, perform a general visual inspection of the seal 
assemblies of the overwing emergency exit doors for defects and 
constant gap, and, before further flight, replace any defective door 
seal with a new door seal; in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin DC9-53-179, Revision 2, 
dated May 27, 2004.


    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is: ``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 
ensure visual access to all 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.''

Inspections Already Accomplished

    (h) Inspections accomplished before the effective date of this 
AD in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC9-53-179, 
Revision 01, dated March 30, 1999; are considered acceptable for 
compliance with the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.

Operational Check of Drain Valve

    (i) For all airplanes: Within 24 months after the effective date 
of this AD, perform an operational check of the auto drain valve of 
the slant pressure panel water drain system and repeat this check 
every 24 months. If any auto drain valve is found to be obstructed 
or inoperative, before further flight, replace the auto drain valve 
with a new auto drain valve according to a method approved by the 
Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. 
Chapter 51-10-01 of the Boeing MD-80 Aircraft Maintenance Manual is 
one approved replacement method.


    Note 2: After an operator complies with the requirements of 
paragraph (h) of this AD, paragraph (h) does not require that 
operators subsequently record accomplishment of those requirements 
each time a auto drain valve is checked or replaced according to 
that operator's FAA-approved maintenance inspection program.

Concurrent Service Bulletin

    (j) For airplanes identified in McDonnell Douglas Service 
Bulletin DC9-53-268 R01, Revision 01, dated July 18, 1996: At the 
applicable compliance time specified in paragraph (j)(1) or (j)(2) 
of this AD, modify the insulation blankets on the slant pressure 
panels in the left and right wheel wells of the MLG, in accordance 
with the service bulletin.
    (1) For airplanes which have been modified, as specified in 
paragraph (f) of this AD, prior to the effective date of this AD: 
Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) For airplanes which have not been modified, as specified in 
paragraph (f) of this AD, prior to the effective date of this AD: 
Prior to or concurrently with the accomplishment of paragraph (f) of 
this AD.

[[Page 48505]]

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (k)(1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO, has the authority to 
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
    (2) AMOCs approved previously according to AD 93-13-07 are 
approved as AMOCs for the corresponding requirements of this AD.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 10, 2005.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-16363 Filed 8-17-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P