[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 119 (Wednesday, June 21, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 35578-35581]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-9718]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-25089; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-091-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and -11F
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 MD-11
and -11F airplanes. The existing AD currently requires an initial
general visual inspection of the power feeder cables of the integrated
drive generator (IDG) and the fuel feed lines of engine pylons No. 1
and No. 3 on the wings for proper clearance and damage; corrective
actions if necessary; and repetitive general visual inspections and a
terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This proposed AD
would continue to require the existing actions, and for certain
airplanes, this proposed AD would require installation of new clamps on
the power feeder cables of the IDG of engine pylons No. 1 and No. 3.
This proposed AD results from reports of IDG power feeder cables riding
against structure and fuel lines in the No. 1 and No. 3 pylons. We are
proposing this AD to prevent potential chafing of the power feeder
cables of the IDG in engine pylons No. 1 and No. 3 on the wings, and
consequent arcing on the fuel lines in the engine pylons and possible
fuel fire.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 7, 2006.
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.
Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Long Beach Division, 3855
Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Data and
Service Management, Dept. C1-L5A (D800-0024), for service information
identified in this proposed AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brett Portwood, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California
90712; telephone (562) 627-5350; 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 in the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ``Docket No.
FAA-2006-25089; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-091-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
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 may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or may
can visit http://dms.dot.gov.
Examining the Docket
You may 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 Docket Management System
receives them.
Discussion
On January 2, 2004, we issued AD 2004-01-17, amendment 39-13431 (69
FR 2657, January 20, 2004), for certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11
and -11F airplanes. That AD requires an initial general visual
inspection of the power feeder cables of the integrated drive generator
(IDG) and the fuel feed lines of engine pylons No. 1 and No. 3 on the
wings for proper clearance and damage; corrective actions if necessary;
and repetitive general visual inspections and a terminating action for
the repetitive inspections. That AD resulted from the FAA's practice of
re-examining all aspects of the service experience of a particular
aircraft whenever an accident occurs. We became aware of reports
indicating that the power feeder cables of the integrated drive
generator (IDG) are riding against structure and fuel lines in engine
pylons No. 1 and No. 3 on the wings of certain McDonnell Douglas Model
MD-11 and -11F airplanes. We issued that AD to prevent potential
chafing of the power feeder cables of the IDG in engine pylons No. 1
and No. 3 on the wings, and consequent arcing of the fuel lines in the
engine pylons and possible fuel fire.
Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued
Since we issued AD 2004-01-17, the manufacturer has notified us
that certain airplanes with 4/0 size cables installed have clamps too
small to install over the 4/0 size cables. Those airplanes need to have
larger clamps installed. The larger clamps are needed to prevent
chafing of the larger power feeder cables of the IDG.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) MD11-54A011,
[[Page 35579]]
Revision 3, dated November 9, 2005. Revision 3 of the ASB is
essentially the same as Revision 02, dated May 31, 2002, which is the
appropriate source of service information for AD 2004-01-17. In
addition to the actions specified in Revision 02 of the ASB, Revision 3
of the ASB describes general visual inspections for proper clearance
and damage of the power feeder cables of the IDG and the fuel feed
lines of engine pylons No. 1 and No. 3 on the wings for certain
airplanes, and installing larger clamps on the power feeder cables of
the IDG of engine pylons No. 1 and No. 3 for airplanes with 4/0 size
cables.
Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletin is
intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition.
For certain airplanes, the ASB also specifies concurrent or prior
accomplishment of BFGoodrich Aerospace Service Bulletin MD-11 54-174,
dated May 27, 1993, which describes installation of the IDG harness
support brackets.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an
unsafe condition that is likely to develop on other McDonnell Douglas
Model MD-11 and -11F airplanes of the same type design. For this
reason, we are proposing this AD, which would supersede AD 2004-01-17
and would retain the requirements of the existing AD. For airplanes
having 4/0 size cables, this proposed AD also would require
installation of a larger clamp on the power feeder cables of the IDG.
Change to Existing AD
This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2004-01-17.
Since AD 2004-01-17 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
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Corresponding requirement in
Requirement in AD 2004-01-17 this proposed AD
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Paragraph (a)........................... Paragraph (f)
Paragraph (b)........................... Paragraph (g)
Paragraph (c)........................... Paragraph (h)
Paragraph (d)........................... Paragraph (i)
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Clarification of Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC) Paragraph
We have revised this action to clarify the appropriate procedure
for notifying the principal inspector before using any approved AMOC on
any airplane to which the AMOC applies.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 195 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. This proposed AD would affect about 98 Model MD-11 and
-11F airplanes of U.S. registry.
The inspections that are required by AD 2004-01-17 and retained in
this proposed AD take about 1 work hour per airplane, at an average
labor rate of $80 per work hour. Based on these figures, the estimated
cost of the currently required actions is $80 per airplane, per
inspection cycle.
The new proposed inspection would take about 1 work hour per
airplane, at an average labor rate of $80 per work hour. Based on these
figures, the estimated cost of the new inspections specified in this
proposed AD for U.S. operators is $7,840, or $80 per airplane, per
inspection cycle.
The new proposed terminating action would take approximately 4 work
hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $80 per
work hour. The vendor states that it will supply the parts at no cost
to the operator. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the
proposed terminating action specified in this proposed AD for U.S.
operators is $31,360, or $320 per airplane.
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 and placed it in the AD docket. 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
removing amendment 39-13431 (69 FR 2657, January 20, 2004) and adding
the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
McDonnell Douglas: Docket No. FAA-2006-25089; Directorate Identifier
2006-NM-091-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by August 7,
2006.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2004-01-17.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and -11F
airplanes, as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-
54A011, Revision 3, dated November 9, 2005; certificated in any
category.
[[Page 35580]]
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from reports of integrated drive generator
(IDG) power feeder cables riding against structure and fuel lines in
the No. 1 and No. 3 pylons. We are issuing this AD to prevent
potential chafing of the power feeder cables of the IDG in engine
pylons No. 1 and No. 3 on the wings, and consequent arcing on the
fuel lines in the engine pylons and possible fuel 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 2004-01-17
Note 1: Boeing has issued Information Notice MD11-54A011 R02 IN
02, dated July 11, 2002. The information notice informs operators of
a typographical error for the string tie part number (P/N) specified
in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-54A011, Revision 02, dated May
31, 2002. The service bulletin specifies string tie P/N 190L0F21G/A;
the correct P/N is 109 LOF 21G/A.
Initial Inspection
(f) Within 30 days after February 24, 2004 (the effective date
of AD 2004-01-17), do a general visual inspection of the power
feeder cables of the IDG and the fuel feed lines of engine pylons
No. 1 and No. 3 on the wings for proper clearance and damage, per
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-54A011, Revision 02, dated May
31, 2002, or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-54A011, Revision 3,
dated November 9, 2005.
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.''
Condition 1: Proper Clearance and No Damage
(g) If proper clearance exists and no damage is detected during
any inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD, do the
action(s) specified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of this
AD, as applicable, per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-54A011,
Revision 02, dated May 31, 2002, or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
MD11-54A011, Revision 3, dated November 9, 2005.
(1) For Group 1 and Group 2 airplanes identified in the service
bulletin: Repeat the inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD
every 6 months until the modification required by paragraph (g)(2)
or (g)(3) of this AD, as applicable, has been done.
(2) For Group 1 airplanes identified in the service bulletin:
Within 18 months after February 24, 2004, install the brackets to
support the IDG harness, and install new clamps on the power feeder
cables of the IDG of the No. 1 and No. 3 pylons.
(3) For Group 2 airplanes identified in the service bulletin:
Within 18 months after February 24, 2004, replace the existing
fairlead with a new clamp, and install new tape.
Condition 2: Improper Clearance and No Damage
(h) If improper clearance exists and no damage is detected
during any inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD, do the
action(s) specified in paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), and (h)(3) of this
AD, as applicable, per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-54A011,
Revision 02, dated May 31, 2002, or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
MD11-54A011, Revision 3, dated November 9, 2005.
(1) For Group 1 and Group 2 airplanes identified in the service
bulletin: Before further flight, reposition cables, and repeat the
inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD every 6 months until
the modification required by paragraph (h)(2) or (h)(3) of this AD,
as applicable, has been done.
(2) For Group 1 airplanes identified in the service bulletin:
Within 18 months after February 24, 2004, install the brackets to
support the IDG harness, and install new clamps on the power feeder
cables of the IDG of engine pylons No. 1 and No. 3.
(3) For Group 2 airplanes identified in the service bulletin:
Within 18 months after February 24, 2004, replace the existing
fairlead with a new clamp, and install new tape.
Condition 3: Improper Clearance and Damage Detected
(i) If improper clearance exists and any damage is detected
during any inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD, do the
action(s) specified in paragraphs (i)(1), (i)(2), and (i)(3) of this
AD, as applicable, per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-54A011,
Revision 02, dated May 31, 2002, or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
MD11-54A011, Revision 3, dated November 9, 2005.
(1) For Group 1 and Group 2 airplanes identified in the service
bulletin: Before further flight, reposition cables; repair damage or
replace damaged cables or fuel feed lines with new or serviceable
cables or fuel feed lines; and repeat the inspection required by
paragraph (f) of this AD every 6 months until the modification
required by paragraph (i)(2) or (i)(3) of this AD, as applicable,
has been done.
(2) For Group 1 airplanes identified in the service bulletin:
Within 18 months after February 24, 2004, install the brackets to
support the IDG harness, and install new clamps on the power feeder
cables of the IDG of engine pylons No. 1 and No. 3.
(3) For Group 2 airplanes identified in the service bulletin:
Within 18 months after February 24, 2004, replace the existing
fairlead with a new clamp, and install new tape.
New Requirements of This AD
General Visual Inspection
(j) For airplanes identified as Group 1, configurations 3 and 4,
and Group 2, configuration 2, in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (ASB)
MD11-54A011, Revision 3, dated November 9, 2005: Within 30 days
after the effective date of this AD, do a general visual inspection
for proper clearance and damage of the power feeder cables of the
IDG and the fuel feed lines of engine pylons No. 1 and No. 3 on the
wings, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
ASB MD11-54A011, Revision 3, dated November 9, 2005.
Condition 1: Proper Clearance and No Damage
(k) For airplanes identified as Group 1, configurations 3 and 4,
and Group 2, configuration 2, in Boeing ASB MD11-54A011, Revision 3,
dated November 9, 2005: If proper clearance exists and no damage is
detected during any inspection required by paragraph (j) of this AD,
do the actions specified in paragraphs (k)(1), (k)(2), and (k)(3) of
this AD, as applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing ASB MD11-54A011, Revision 3, dated November
9, 2005. Accomplishment of the actions specified in paragraph (k)(2)
or (k)(3) of this AD, as applicable, terminates the inspection
requirements of paragraph (k)(1) of this AD.
(1) For Group 1 airplanes, configurations 3 and 4, and Group 2,
configuration 2: Repeat the inspection required by paragraph (j) of
this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6 months, until the
actions specified in paragraph (k)(2) or (k)(3) of this AD, as
applicable, are accomplished.
(2) For Group 1 airplanes, configuration 3: Within 18 months
after the effective date of this AD, install IDG harness support
brackets and modify the IDG power feeder cable installations.
(3) For Group 1 airplanes, configuration 4, and Group 2,
configuration 2: Within 18 months after the effective date of this
AD, modify the IDG power feeder cable installations.
Condition 2: Improper Clearance and No Damage
(l) For airplanes identified as Group 1, configurations 3 and 4,
and Group 2, configuration 2, in Boeing ASB MD11-54A011, Revision 3,
dated November 9, 2005: If improper clearance exists and no damage
is detected during any inspection required by paragraph (j) of this
AD, do the actions specified in paragraph (l)(1), (l)(2), and (l)(3)
of this AD, as applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing ASB MD11-54A011, Revision 3, dated November
9, 2005. Accomplishment of the actions specified in paragraphs
(l)(2) or (l)(3) of this AD, as applicable, terminates the
repetitive inspections required in paragraph (l)(1) of this AD.
(1) Before further flight, reposition the cables. Repeat the
inspection required by paragraph (j) of this AD thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 6 months, until the actions specified by
(l)(2) or (l)(3) of this AD, as applicable, are accomplished.
[[Page 35581]]
(2) For Group 1 airplanes, configuration 3: Within 18 months
after the effective date of this AD, install IDG harness support
brackets and modify the IDG power feeder cable installations.
(3) For Group 1 airplanes, configuration 4, and Group 2
airplanes, configuration 2: Within 18 months after the effective
date of this AD, modify the IDG power feeder cable installations.
Condition 3: Improper Clearance and Damage Detected
(m) For airplanes identified as Group 1, configurations 3 and 4,
and Group 2, configuration 2, in Boeing ASB MD11-54A011, Revision 3,
dated November 9, 2005: If improper clearance exists and there is
any damage to the cables, structure, or fuel feed line, do the
actions specified in paragraphs (m)(1), (m)(2), and (m)(3) of this
AD, as applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing ASB MD11-54A011, Revision 3, dated November
9, 2005. Accomplishment of the actions specified in paragraphs
(m)(2) or (m)(3) of this AD, as applicable, terminates the
repetitive inspection requirements of paragraph (m)(1) of this AD.
(1) Before further flight, reposition cables and repair damage
or replace damaged cables or fuel feed lines with new or serviceable
cables or fuel feed lines. Repeat the inspection required by
paragraph (j) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6
months, until the actions specified by paragraph (m)(2) or (m)(3) of
this AD, as applicable, is accomplished.
(2) For Group 1 airplanes, configuration 3: Within 18 months
after the effective date of this AD, install IDG harness support
brackets, and modify the IDG power feeder cable installations.
(3) For Group 1 airplanes, configuration 4, and Group 2
airplanes, configuration 2: Within 18 months after the effective
date of this AD: Modify the IDG power feeder cable installations.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(n)(1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards
Certificate Holding District Office.
(3) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2004-01-17,
amendment 39-13431, are not approved as AMOCs with this AD.
(4) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used for any repair required by this AD, if it is approved by an
Authorized Representative for the Boeing Commercial Airplanes
Delegation Option Authorization Organization who has been authorized
by the Manager, Los Angeles ACO, to make those findings. For a
repair method to be approved, and the approval must specifically
refer to this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 13, 2006.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-9718 Filed 6-20-06; 8:45 am]
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