[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 241 (Monday, December 17, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 71206-71210]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-23934]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-21470; Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-45-AD; 
Amendment 39-15302; AD 2007-25-20]
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: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting 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 AD requires, 
for certain airplanes, modifying the thrust reverser command wiring of 
the number 2 engine. For certain other airplanes, this AD requires 
modifying the thrust

[[Page 71207]]

reverser system wiring from the flight compartment to engines 1, 2, and 
3 thrust reversers. This AD also requires installing thrust reverser 
locking systems on certain airplanes. This AD results from 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.

DATES: This AD becomes effective January 22, 2008.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of January 22, 
2008.
    On October 1, 2001 (66 FR 44950, August 27, 2001), the Director of 
the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of 
McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC10-78-060, dated December 17, 
1999.
    On April 25, 2001 (66 FR 15785, March 21, 2001), the Director of 
the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of 
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin DC10-78A057, Revision 01, 
dated February 18, 1999.

ADDRESSES: For Boeing and McDonnell Douglas service information 
identified in this 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). For 
Rohr service information identified in this AD, contact Rohr, Inc., 850 
Lagoon Drive, Chula Vista, California 91910-2098.

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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The address for the 
Docket Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is the Document Management 
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, 
West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 
Washington, DC 20590.

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: 

Discussion

    The FAA issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) 
to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to 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. That supplemental NPRM 
was published in the Federal Register on July 23, 2007 (72 FR 40090). 
That supplemental NPRM proposed to require, for certain airplanes, 
modifying the thrust reverser command wiring of the number 2 engine. 
For certain other airplanes, the supplemental NPRM proposed to require 
modifying the thrust reverser system wiring from the flight compartment 
to engines 1, 2, and 3 thrust reversers. The supplemental NPRM also 
proposed to require installing thrust reverser locking systems on 
certain airplanes. The supplemental NPRM also proposed to revise the 
original NPRM by revising, for certain airplanes, the requirements for 
the modification of the thrust reverser system wiring from the flight 
compartment to engines 1, 2, and 3 thrust reversers.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. We have considered the comment received.

Request for Notification of Service Bulletin/Rulemaking

    FedEx requests that we and/or Boeing notify operators of any 
service bulletin or rulemaking that will cover Model MD-11 and MD-11F 
airplanes that are not specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-
78A007, Revision 4, dated February 22, 2007 (which is referred to as a 
source of service information for doing a modification specified in the 
supplemental NPRM). FedEx states that it has no comments on the 
proposed requirements of the supplemental NPRM.
    We acknowledge FedEx's request. We have been advised that when a 
service bulletin is released Boeing does notify the customers affected 
by the service bulletin. If service information is developed for other 
Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes and an unsafe condition is identified, 
we might consider further rulemaking. Interested persons can review the 
Federal Register to become aware of such rulemaking actions.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the 
comment received, and determined that air safety and the public 
interest require adopting the AD as proposed in the supplemental NPRM.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 612 airplanes of the affected designs in the 
worldwide fleet. This AD affects about 245 airplanes of U.S. registry. 
The following tables provide the estimated costs for U.S. operators to 
comply with this AD, for the applicable actions, at an average hourly 
labor rate of $80 per work hour.

                    Cost for Wiring Modification/Thrust Reverser Locking System Installation
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                                                                                     Number of
                                                                       Cost per        U.S.-
            Action                Work hours           Parts           airplane      registered     Fleet cost
                                                                                     airplanes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modify wiring (Model DC-10-    34..............  $1,562..........  $4,282.........           40  $171,280.
 10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-
 10-30 and DC-10-30F (KC-10A
 and KDC-10) airplanes).
Modify wiring (Model DC-10-40  34..............  $5,238..........  $7,958.........           45  $358,110.
 and DC-10-40F airplanes).
Modify wiring (Model MD-11     Between 124 and   Between $11,912   Between $21,832          160  Between
 and -11F airplanes).           192.              and $17,672.      and $33,032.                  $3,493,120 and
                                                                                                  $5,285,120.

[[Page 71208]]

 
Install thrust reverser        218.............  Between $165,535  Between                   45  Between
 locking system (Model DC-10-                     and $207,792.     $182,975 and                  $8,233,875 and
 40 and DC-10-40F airplanes).                                       $225,232.                     $10,135,440.
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                         Cost of Concurrent Actions for Model MD-11 and MD-11F Airplanes
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                                                                                     Number of
                                                                       Cost per        U.S.-
            Action                Work hours           Parts           airplane      registered     Fleet cost
                                                                                     airplanes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update program software, as    2...............  None............  $160...........    Up to 160  Up to $25,600.
 applicable.
Modify wing pylon harnesses,   100.............  $5,268..........  $13,268........    Up to 160  Up to
 as applicable.                                                                                   $2,122,880.
Modify pylon thrust reverser   Between 82 and    Between $10,472   Between $17,032    Up to 160  Up to
 harnesses and J-box, as        192.              and $15,999.      and $31,359.                  $5,017,440.
 applicable.
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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 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2007-25-20 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-15302. Docket No. FAA-
2005-21470; Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-45-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective January 22, 2008.

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 Alert Service Bulletin
                                          MD11-78A007, Revision 4, dated
                                          February 22, 2007.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

[[Page 71209]]

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 Alert Service Bulletin MD11-78A007, Revision 
4, dated February 22, 2007.

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 concurrently 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    In accordance with--
            Do--                  Required by--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repetitive detailed visual    Paragraphs (c) and    McDonnell Douglas
 inspections, functional       (i) of AD 2001-05-    Alert Service
 checks, and torque checks     10, amendment 39-     Bulletin DC10-
 of the thrust reverser        12147.                78A057, Revision
 systems, and applicable                             01, dated February
 corrective actions.                                 18, 1999.
A modification of the         Paragraph (a) of AD   McDonnell Douglas
 indication light system for   2001-17-19,           Service Bulletin
 the thrust reversers.         amendment 39-12410.   DC10-78-060, dated
                                                     December 17, 1999;
                                                     or McDonnell
                                                     Douglas Service
                                                     Bulletin DC10-78-
                                                     060, Revision 01,
                                                     dated June 30,
                                                     2003.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (j) For Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes: Prior to or 
concurrently 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--                         In accordance with--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
An update of the program software of     McDonnell Douglas Service
 display electronic units.                Bulletin MD11-31-091, dated
                                          November 5, 1998.
A modification of the wing pylon         Rohr Service Bulletin MD-11 54-
 harnesses.                               200, Revision 1, dated May 14,
                                          2001.
A modification of the pylon thrust       Rohr Service Bulletin MD-11 54-
 reverser harnesses and J-box.            201, Revision 2, dated
                                          December 12, 2005.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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; Rohr Service Bulletin MD-11 54-201, dated November 30, 1999; 
or Rohr Service Bulletin MD-11 54-201, Revision 1, dated November 
23, 2005; are considered acceptable for compliance with the 
applicable corresponding actions specified in this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (l)(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.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (m) You must use the service bulletins listed in Table 4 of this 
AD to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the 
AD specifies otherwise.

                                Table 4.--All Material Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Service Bulletin                       Revision level                             Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-   4...................................  February 22, 2007.
 78A007.
Boeing Service Bulletin DC10-78-066.  01..................................  November 30, 2001.
Boeing Service Bulletin DC10-78-067.  Original............................  October 30, 2002.
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service       01..................................  February 18, 1999.
 Bulletin DC10-78A057, including
 Attachment A.
McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin    Original............................  December 17, 1999.
 DC10-78-060.
McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin    01..................................  June 30, 2003.
 DC10-78-060.
McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin    Original............................  June 24, 2003.
 DC10-78-064.
McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin    Original............................  November 5, 1998.
 MD11-31-091.
Rohr Service Bulletin MD-11 54-200..  1...................................  May 14, 2001.

[[Page 71210]]

 
Rohr Service Bulletin MD-11 54-201..  2...................................  December 12, 2005.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

                                Table 5.--New Material Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Service Bulletin                       Revision level                             Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-   4...................................  February 22, 2007.
 78A007.
Boeing Service Bulletin DC10-78-066.  01..................................  November 30, 2001.
Boeing Service Bulletin DC10-78-067.  Original............................  October 30, 2002.
McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin    01..................................  June 30, 2003.
 DC10-78-060.
McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin    Original............................  June 24, 2003.
 DC10-78-064.
McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin    Original............................  November 5, 1998.
 MD11-31-091.
Rohr Service Bulletin MD-11 54-200..  1...................................  May 14, 2001.
Rohr Service Bulletin MD-11 54-201..  2...................................  December 12, 2005.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) On October 1, 2001 (66 FR 44950, August 27, 2001), the 
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC10-78-060, dated 
December 17, 1999.
    (3) On April 25, 2001 (66 FR 15785, March 21, 2001), the 
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin DC10-78A057, 
Revision 01, including Attachment A, dated February 18, 1999.
    (4) 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 
Boeing and McDonnell Douglas service information. Contact Rohr, 
Inc., 850 Lagoon Drive, Chula Vista, California 91910-2098, for a 
copy of Rohr service information. You may review copies at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 29, 2007.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Assistant Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
 [FR Doc. E7-23934 Filed 12-14-07; 8:45 am]
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