[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 160 (Friday, August 18, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47707-47711]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-13448]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2006-23850; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-126-AD; 
Amendment 39-14715; AD 2006-16-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-10-10F and 
MD-10-30F Airplanes and Model MD-11 and MD-11F Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), which applies to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series 
airplanes. That AD currently requires a revision of the airplane flight 
manual (AFM) to alert the flightcrew that both flight management 
computers (FMCs) must be installed and operational. That AD also 
requires an inspection to determine the serial number of the FMCs; and 
follow-

[[Page 47708]]

on corrective actions, if necessary, which terminate the AFM revision. 
That AD also requires an inspection to verify if a certain modification 
is on the identification plates of the FMCs; and applicable follow-on 
and corrective actions. This new AD requires installation of upgraded 
FMC software, which would terminate the existing AD. This new AD also 
adds airplanes to the applicability, including adding Model MD-10-10F 
and MD-10-30F airplanes. This AD results from a report that the FMC 
does not acknowledge the pre-set glareshield control panel (GCP) 
altitude when profile (PROF) mode is engaged in descent mode. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent the un-commanded descent of an airplane 
below the selected level-off altitude, which could result in an 
unacceptable reduction in the separation between the airplane and 
nearby air traffic or terrain.

DATES: This AD becomes effective September 22, 2006.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of September 22, 
2006.
    On November 26, 2001 (66 FR 53335, October 22, 2001), the Director 
of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of 
McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-34-085, Revision 01, dated 
September 20, 1999.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the 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., Nassif Building, 
Room PL-401, Washington, DC.
    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 AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Natalie Phan-Tran, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft 
Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 
90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5343; fax (562) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the airworthiness directive (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 street address stated in the ADDRESSES section.

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to include an AD that supersedes AD 2001-21-05, amendment 
39-12476 (66 FR 53335, October 22, 2001). The existing AD applies to 
certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes. That NPRM was 
published in the Federal Register on February 15, 2006 (71 FR 7880). 
That NPRM proposed to retain all requirements of AD 2001-21-05 and 
require installation of upgraded flight management computer (FMC) 
software, which would terminate the existing AD. That NPRM also 
proposed to add airplanes to the applicability, including adding Model 
MD-10-10F and MD-10-30F airplanes.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. We have considered the comments that have been 
received on the NPRM.

Support for NPRM

    The Air Line Pilots Association supports the NPRM.

Request To Supersede AD 2001-21-05 and AD 2004-18-04

    UPS requests that the NPRM be rewritten to supersede both AD 2001-
21-05 and AD 2004-18-04, amendment 39-13782 (69 FR 53794, September 21, 
2004), and allow compliance by installing FMCs part number (P/N) 
4059050-921 in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-34-129, 
dated September 22, 2004.
    We acknowledge the commenter's request; however we do not agree 
that this AD should supersede both ADs. This AD is a supersedure of AD 
2001-21-05 and does allow compliance by installing FMC P/N 4059050-921. 
As specified in paragraphs (j)(2), (j)(3), and (j)(4) of this AD, 
operators that install FMC P/N 4059050-921 must do so in accordance 
with Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-34-129, dated September 22, 2004, and 
as specified in paragraph (j) of this AD, doing the installation is 
terminating action for the requirements of paragraphs (f) through (i) 
of this AD (paragraphs (f) through (i) are a restatement of the 
requirements of AD 2001-21-05).
    This AD does not supersede AD 2004-18-04 because that AD contains 
requirements for airplanes that are not in the applicability of this 
AD. AD 2004-18-04 is applicable to all McDonnell Douglas Model MD-10-
10F, MD-10-30F, MD-11, MD-11F, and 717-200 airplanes. This AD is 
applicable only to certain Model MD-10-10F and MD-10-30F airplanes and 
all Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes. However, as specified in 
paragraph (n)(4) of this AD, doing the applicable software/hardware 
upgrades required by paragraph (j) or (k) of this AD is approved as an 
alternative method of compliance for the actions required by AD 2004-
18-04. We have not revised this AD in this regard.

Request To Clarify That Airplanes Having FMC P/N 4059050-921 Installed 
Are Not Applicable to the NPRM

    The same commenter requests that the NPRM be clarified to indicate 
that it is not effective for any airplanes that already have P/N 
4059050-921 installed.
    We disagree with the commenter that this AD is not applicable to 
airplanes that already have P/N 4059050-921 installed. This AD is 
applicable to all Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes and certain Model 
MD-10-10F and MD-10-30F airplanes and requires installation of upgraded 
FMC software. For Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes, installing P/N 
4059050-921 is an acceptable method of compliance with paragraph (j) of 
this AD. As specified in paragraph (e) of this AD, if the actions have 
already been done, then operators are in compliance with the applicable 
requirements of this AD. We have not revised this AD in this regard.

Request To Clarify That Any FMC P/N 4059050-921 Is Acceptable 
Regardless of Origin

    The same commenter requests that the NPRM be clarified to specify 
that any FMC P/N 4059050-921 is acceptable for compliance with the NPRM 
regardless of the origin of the part (original manufacture, factory 
conversion, or on-aircraft conversion).
    We agree with the commenter that any FMC P/N 4059050-921 is 
acceptable for compliance. Paragraphs (j)(2), (j)(3), and (j)(4) of 
this AD specify installing FMC P/N 4059050-921 in accordance with the 
service information specified in those paragraphs. Any FMC P/N 4059050-
921 regardless of its origin is acceptable provided it is installed in 
accordance with the service information. No change is necessary. If 
operators install P/N 4059050-921 in accordance with a method that is 
not specified in the service information identified in this AD, 
operators must

[[Page 47709]]

request approval of an alternate of method of compliance as specified 
in paragraph (n) of this AD.

Clarification of Service Bulletin Date

    In the NPRM, we inadvertently referred to the date of Boeing 
Service Bulletin MD11-34-068, Revision 3, as April 6, 2004. The correct 
date is April 6, 2005. We have revised this AD accordingly.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the 
comments that have been submitted, and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD with the change described 
previously. We have determined that this change will neither increase 
the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 230 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet and about 117 U.S.-registered airplanes. The following 
table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators to comply with 
this AD. The average labor rate per hour is $65.

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  Number of U.S.-
             Action                 Work hours         Parts         Cost per       registered      Fleet cost
                                                                     airplane        airplanes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airplane Flight Manual Revision,               2              $0            $130              59          $7,670
 Inspections and Software
 Installation (required by AD
 2001-21-05)....................
Upgrade Software/Hardware (new                 2               0             130             117          15,210
 action)........................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 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, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
removing amendment 39-12476 (66 FR 53335, October 22, 2001) and by 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2006-16-15 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-14715. Docket No. FAA-
2006-23850; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-126-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective September 22, 2006.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2001-21-05.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to McDonnell Douglas airplanes, as specified 
in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any 
category.
    (1) Model MD-10-10F and MD-10-30F airplanes, as identified in 
Boeing Service Bulletin MD10-31-053, Revision 1, dated June 14, 
2005.
    (2) All Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from a report that the flight management 
computer (FMC) does not acknowledge the pre-set glareshield control 
panel (GCP) altitude when profile (PROF) mode is engaged in descent 
mode. We are issuing this AD to prevent the un-commanded descent of 
an airplane below the selected level-off altitude, which could 
result in an unacceptable reduction in the separation between the 
airplane and nearby air traffic or terrain.

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 2001-21-05

Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision

    (f) For MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes having manufacturer's 
fuselage numbers 0447 through 0552 inclusive, and 0554 through 0621 
inclusive: Within 5 days after May 20, 1998 (the effective date of 
AD 98-10-01, amendment 39-10512), revise Section 1, page 5-1, of the 
Limitations Section of the FAA-approved AFM to include the following 
statement. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD 
into the AFM.
    ``Prior to dispatch of the airplane, both Flight Management 
Computer 1 (FMC-1) and FMC-2 must be installed and operational.''

Inspection

    (g) For MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes having manufacturer's 
fuselage numbers 0447 through 0552 inclusive, and 0554 through 0621 
inclusive: Within 90 days after November 26, 2001 (the effective 
date of AD 2001-21-05), do an inspection to verify that

[[Page 47710]]

modification ``AS'' is on the front and rear identification plates 
of FMC-1 and FMC-2, per McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-34-
085, Revision 01, dated September 20, 1999. After the inspection has 
been done, the AFM revision required by paragraph (f) of this AD may 
be removed from the AFM.

Condition 1 (Modification ``AS'' Is Installed)

    (h) If modification ``AS'' is found installed during the 
inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, before further 
flight, do the actions specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of 
this AD, per McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-34-085, 
Revision 01, dated September 20, 1999.
    (1) Do a test of the FMCs in the flight compartment to ensure 
that modification ``AS'' is operational, and do applicable 
corrective actions, if necessary. Both FMCs must have modification 
``AS'' installed and pass the test before loading new software per 
paragraph (h)(2) of this AD.
    (2) Install new software and reidentify FMC-1 and FMC-2 as part 
number (P/N) 4059050-912.


    Note 1: McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-34-085, Revision 
01, dated September 20, 1999, references Honeywell Service Bulletin 
4059050-34-6020, Revision 1, dated April 30, 1999, as an additional 
source of service information for the installation and 
reidentification requirements of paragraphs (h)(2) and (i)(2) of 
this AD.

Condition 2 (Modification ``AS'' Is Not Installed)

    (i) If modification ``AS'' is NOT found installed during the 
inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, before further 
flight, do the actions specified in paragraphs (i)(1), (i)(2), and 
(i)(3) of this AD, per McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-34-
085, Revision 01, dated September 20, 1999.
    (1) Remove FMC-1 and FMC-2.
    (2) Install modification ``AS'' and new software, and reidentify 
FMC-1 and FMC-2 as P/N 4059050-912.
    (3) Install modified and reidentified FMC-1 and FMC-2.

New Requirements of This AD

Upgrade Software/Hardware--Model MD-11 and MD-11F Airplanes

    (j) For Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes: Within 18 months after 
the effective date of this AD, upgrade the FMC software, and 
hardware as applicable, by doing the applicable actions specified in 
paragraph (j)(1), (j)(2), (j)(3), or (j)(4) of this AD. Doing this 
upgrade terminates the requirements of paragraphs (f) through (i) of 
this AD.
    (1) For airplanes on which FMC P/N 4059050-906 through -912 is 
installed: Install new software in the main avionics rack, and 
reidentify FMC-1 and FMC-2 as P/N 4059050-913, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-34-
130, dated March 16, 2005.


    Note 2: Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-34-130 refers to Honeywell 
Alert Service Bulletin 4059050-34-A6024, dated March 9, 2005, as an 
additional source of service information for doing the actions 
specified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD.


    (2) For airplanes on which FMC P/N 4059050-920 is installed: 
Install new software in the main avionics rack, and reidentify FMC-1 
and FMC-2 as P/N 4059050-921, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-34-129, dated September 
22, 2004.


    Note 3: Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-34-129 refers to Honeywell 
Alert Service Bulletin 4059050-34-A6023, dated September 22, 2004, 
as an additional source of service information for doing the actions 
specified in paragraph (j)(2) of this AD.


    (3) For airplanes on which FMC P/N 4059050-906 through -911 is 
installed: In lieu of doing the software upgrade specified in 
paragraph (j)(1) of this AD, install new hardware and software and 
reidentify FMC-1 and FMC-2 as P/N 4059050-921, by doing all the 
applicable actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of 
McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-34-085, Revision 01, dated 
September 20, 1999; Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-34-068, Revision 3, 
dated April 6, 2005; and Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-34-129, dated 
September 22, 2004.


    Note 4: McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-34-085 
references Honeywell Service Bulletin 4059050-34-6020, Revision 1, 
dated April 30, 1999; Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-34-068 references 
Honeywell Service Bulletin 4059050-34-0010, dated March 19, 2003; 
and Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-34-129 refers to Honeywell Alert 
Service Bulletin 4059050-34-A6023, dated September 22, 2004; as 
additional sources of service information for doing the actions 
specified in paragraph (j)(3) of this AD.


    (4) For airplanes on which FMC P/N 4059050-912 is installed: In 
lieu of doing the software upgrade specified in paragraph (j)(1) of 
this AD, install new hardware and software and reidentify FMC-1 and 
FMC-2 as P/N 4059050-921, by doing all the applicable actions 
specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service 
Bulletin MD11-34-068, Revision 3, dated April 6, 2005; and Boeing 
Service Bulletin MD11-34-129, dated September 22, 2004.


    Note 5: Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-34-068 references Honeywell 
Service Bulletin 4059050-34-0010, dated March 19, 2003; and Boeing 
Service Bulletin MD11-34-129 refers to Honeywell Alert Service 
Bulletin 4059050-34-A6023, dated September 22, 2004; as additional 
sources of service information for doing the actions specified in 
paragraph (j)(4) of this AD.


Upgrade Software--Model MD-10-10F and MD-10-30F Airplanes

    (k) For Model MD-10-10F and MD-10-30F airplanes: Within 18 
months after the effective date of this AD, install new software in 
the main avionics rack and reidentify the versatile integrated 
avionics (VIA) digital computer as P/N 4081580-903, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 
MD10-31-053, Revision 1, dated June 14, 2005.


    Note 6: Boeing Service Bulletin MD10-31-053 refers to Honeywell 
Alert Service Bulletin 4081580-31-A6002, dated January 14, 2005, as 
an additional source of service information for doing the actions 
specified in paragraph (k) of this AD.

Parts Installation

    (l) For Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes: As of the effective 
date of this AD, no person may install an FMC, P/N 4059050-906 
through -912, or -920, on any airplane; except as required by the 
actions specified in paragraphs (h), (i), and (j) of this AD.
    (m) For MD-10-10F and MD-10-30F airplanes: As of the effective 
date of this AD, no person may install a VIA digital computer, P/N 
4081580-901 or 4081580-902, on any airplane.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (n)(1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 
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 2001-21-05 
are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraphs 
(f) through (i) of this AD.
    (4) Doing the actions required by paragraph (j) or (k) of this 
AD, as applicable, is approved as an AMOC for the actions required 
by AD 2004-18-04, amendment 39-13782.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (o) You must use the applicable service bulletins listed in 
Table 1 of this AD to perform the actions that are required by this 
AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.

                                Table 1.--All Material Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Service Bulletin                       Revision level                           Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boeing Service Bulletin MD10-31-053....  1................................  June 14, 2005.
Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-34-068....  3................................  April 6, 2005.

[[Page 47711]]

 
Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-34-129....  Original.........................  September 22, 2004.
Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-34-130....  Original.........................  March 16, 2005.
McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11- 01...............................  September 20, 1999.
 34-085.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the documents listed in Table 2 of 
this AD in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.

                                Table 2.--New Material Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Service Bulletin                       Revision level                           Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boeing Service Bulletin MD10-31-053....  1................................  June 14, 2005.
Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-34-068....  3................................  April 6, 2005.
Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-34-129....  Original.........................  September 22, 2004.
Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-34-130....  Original.........................  March 16, 2005.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) On November 26, 2001 (66 FR 53335, October 22, 2001), the 
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-34-085, 
Revision 01, dated September 20, 1999.
    (3) 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 a copy of 
this service information. You may review copies at the Docket 
Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh 
Street, SW., Room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the 
Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go tohttp://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 3, 2006.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-13448 Filed 8-17-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P