[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 218 (Tuesday, November 13, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 63836-63838]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-22090]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-0186; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-226-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, DC-
10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, 
DC-10-40F, MD-10-10F, and MD-10-30F 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 revise an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD) that applies to certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, DC-10-
10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, and 
DC-10-40F airplanes. The existing AD currently requires installing or 
replacing with improved parts, as applicable, the bonding straps 
between the metallic frame of the fillet and the wing leading edge 
ribs, on both the left and right sides of the airplane. This proposed 
AD would revise the applicability to clarify the identity of the 
affected airplanes. This proposed AD results from fuel system reviews 
conducted by the manufacturer. We are proposing this AD to reduce the 
potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks in the event of a 
severe lightning strike, which, in combination with flammable fuel 
vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the 
airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 28, 
2007.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, 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).

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the 
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Samuel Lee, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137; 
telephone (562) 627-5262; fax (562) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2007-0186; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-226-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    On July 21, 2006, we issued AD 2006-16-03, amendment 39-14703 (71 
FR 43962, August 3, 2006), for certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-
10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-
10-40, and DC-10-40F airplanes. That AD requires installing or 
replacing with improved parts, as applicable, the bonding straps 
between the metallic

[[Page 63837]]

frame of the fillet and the wing leading edge ribs, on both the left 
and right sides of the airplane. That AD resulted from fuel system 
reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We issued that AD to reduce the 
potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks in the event of a 
severe lightning strike, which, in combination with flammable fuel 
vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the 
airplane.

Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued

    The applicability of AD 2006-16-03 does not specifically identify 
Model MD-10-10F and MD-10-30F airplanes by model name. However, those 
airplanes (converted from Model DC-10 series airplanes) are identified 
by manufacturer's fuselage numbers in the effectivity listing of 
McDonnell Douglas DC-10 Service Bulletins 53-109, Revision 4, dated 
October 7, 1992; and 53-111, Revision 3, dated August 24, 1992. And 
those service bulletins were referenced in the applicability of AD 
2006-16-03.
    We have been informed that Boeing is considering revising the 
service bulletins to, among other things, update the effectivity to 
clarify the identity of the affected airplanes. If the service 
bulletins are revised, we might consider approving each as a general 
alternative method of compliance for the requirements of AD 2006-16-03.

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. For this reason, we are proposing this AD, 
which would revise AD 2006-16-03 and retain its requirements. This 
proposed AD would clarify the applicability by specifically identifying 
McDonnell Douglas Model MD-10-10F and MD-10-30F airplanes (converted 
from Model DC-10 series airplanes) in addition to the airplane models 
already identified in the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 457 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. This proposed AD would affect about 280 airplanes of 
U.S. registry. The actions of this proposed AD would add no additional 
economic burden to the existing requirements of AD 2006-16-03. The 
current costs for this AD are repeated for the convenience of affected 
operators, as follows:
    The required actions take between 9 and 17 work hours per airplane, 
at an average labor rate of $80 per work hour. Required parts cost 
between $3,720 and $4,169 per airplane. Based on these figures, the 
estimated cost of the AD is between $4,440 and $5,529 per airplane, or 
between $1,243,200 and $1,548,120 for the U.S.-registered fleet.

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 place 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 39-14703 (71 FR 43962, August 3, 2006) and adding 
the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

McDonnell Douglas: Docket No. FAA-2007-0186; Directorate Identifier 
2007-NM-226-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by December 
28, 2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD revises AD 2006-16-03.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, DC-10-
10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, 
and DC-10-40F airplanes, and MD-10-10F and MD-10-30F airplanes that 
have been converted from Model DC-10 series airplanes; certificated 
in any category; with manufacturer's fuselage numbers as identified 
in the applicable service bulletin listed in Table 1 of this AD.

                                           Table 1.--Service Bulletins
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   McDonnell Douglas DC-10
      Service Bulletin--        Revision--      Dated--                      For airplanes with--
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53-109.......................            4  October 7, 1992  Extended wing-to-fuselage fillets.
53-111.......................            3  August 24, 1992  Conventional wing-to-fuselage fillets.
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[[Page 63838]]

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the 
manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to reduce the potential of 
ignition sources inside fuel tanks in the event of a severe 
lightning strike, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, 
could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss 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.

Installation or Replacement

    (f) Within 7,500 flight hours or 60 months after September 7, 
2006 (the effective date of AD 2006-16-03), whichever occurs 
earlier: Install or replace with improved parts, as applicable, the 
bonding straps between the metallic frame of the fillet and the wing 
leading edge ribs, on both the left and right sides of the airplane, 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable 
service bulletin identified in Table 1 of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (g)(1) 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.
    (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different 
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. 
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC 
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA 
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local 
FSDO.
    (3) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2006-16-03 
are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 5, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E7-22090 Filed 11-9-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P