Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 153 (Tuesday, August 8, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 48360-48362]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-19813]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-218-AD; Amendment 39-11845; AD 2000-15-13]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series 
airplanes, that currently requires a one-time inspection to verify 
correct wire terminations of certain circuit breakers in the cockpit 
overhead switch panel; and correction of incorrect wire termination. 
That AD also requires that operators submit a report of the inspection 
results to the FAA. That AD was prompted by incidents in which the 
wiring of circuit breakers on the overhead switch panel lighting were 
found to be terminated improperly during production of the airplane, 
which bypassed the circuit breaker protection. This amendment expands 
the applicability of the existing AD to include additional airplanes, 
and removes the reporting requirement. The actions specified in this AD 
are intended to prevent smoke and possible fire in the overhead switch 
panel lighting circuitry due to an overload condition, as a result of 
lack of circuit breaker protection.

DATES: Effective August 23, 2000.
    The incorporation by reference of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin MD11-33A027, dated March 10, 1999, as listed in the 
regulations, was approved previously by the Director of the Federal 
Register as of May 7, 1999 (64 FR 19695, April 22, 1999).
    The incorporation by reference of certain other publications listed 
in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register 
as of August 23, 2000.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before October 10, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-218-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232. 
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 
[email protected]. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must 
contain ``Docket No. 2000-NM-218-AD'' in the subject line and need not 
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached 
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or 
ASCII text.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
Boeing Commercial Aircraft Group, Long Beach Division, 3855 Lakewood 
Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Technical 
Publications Business Administration, Dept. C1-L51 (2-60). This 
information may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 
Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California; or at the Office of the 
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., Suite 700, Washington, 
DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brett Portwood, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount

[[Page 48361]]

Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5350; 
fax (562) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On April 13, 1999, the FAA issued AD 99-09-
04, amendment 39-11136 (64 FR 19695, April 22, 1999), applicable to 
certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes, to require a 
one-time inspection to verify correct wire terminations of certain 
circuit breakers in the cockpit overhead switch panel; and correction 
of incorrect wire termination. That AD also requires that operators 
submit a report of the inspection results to the FAA. That action was 
prompted by incidents in which the wiring of circuit breakers on the 
overhead switch panel lighting were found to be terminated improperly 
during production of the airplane, which bypassed the circuit breaker 
protection. The actions required by that AD are intended to prevent 
smoke and possible fire in the overhead switch panel lighting circuitry 
due to an overload condition, as a result of lack of circuit breaker 
protection.
    The incident that prompted AD 99-09-04 is not considered to be 
related to an accident that occurred off the coast of Nova Scotia 
involving a McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplane. The cause of 
that accident is still under investigation.

Other Related Rulemaking

    The FAA, in conjunction with Boeing and operators of Model MD-11 
series airplanes, is continuing to review all aspects of the service 
history of those airplanes to identify potential unsafe conditions and 
to take appropriate corrective actions. This AD is one of a series of 
actions identified during that process. The process is continuing and 
the FAA may consider additional rulemaking actions as further results 
of the review become available.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

    The applicability statement of AD 99-09-04 lists the manufacturer's 
fuselage numbers of the affected airplanes, which were provided by the 
airplane manufacturer and referenced in the effectivity listing of 
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-33A027, dated March 10, 
1999 (which was referenced as the appropriate source of service 
information for accomplishment of the requirements of that AD). Since 
the issuance of that AD, the airplane manufacturer has informed the FAA 
that it inadvertently omitted manufacturer's fuselage numbers 0476 
through 0489 inclusive, and 0491 through 0509 inclusive, from the 
referenced service bulletin. The FAA has determined that airplanes 
having those manufacturer's fuselage numbers are subject to the 
identified unsafe condition in addition to those listed in the 
applicability of AD 99-09-04 (i.e., manufacturer's fuselage numbers 
0447 through 0464 inclusive, and 0466 through 0475 inclusive).
    The FAA has reviewed and approved McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin MD11-33A027, Revision 01, dated June 2, 1999, and Revision 02, 
dated June 12, 2000, which revise the effectivity listing of the 
original issue of the service bulletin by including additional 
manufacturer's fuselage numbers of affected airplanes. The inspection 
and corrective action are identical to those described in the original 
version of the service bulletin.

Explanation of Requirements of Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of this same type design, this AD 
supersedes AD 99-09-04 to continue to require a one-time inspection to 
verify correct wire terminations of certain circuit breakers in the 
cockpit overhead switch panel; and correction of incorrect wire 
termination. This AD also expands the applicability of the existing AD 
to include additional airplanes.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by 
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. 
Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted 
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will 
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments 
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and 
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the 
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be 
needed.
    Submit comments using the following format:
    <bullet> Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a 
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the 
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
    <bullet> For each issue, state what specific change to the AD is 
being requested.
    <bullet> Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each 
request.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be 
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the 
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2000-NM-218-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped 
and returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory 
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further 
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory 
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is 
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be 
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final 
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. 
A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the 
location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

[[Page 48362]]

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-11136 (64 FR 
19695, April 22, 1999), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), amendment 39-11845, to read as follows:

2000-15-13  McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-11845. Docket 2000-NM-
218-AD. Supersedes AD 99-09-04, Amendment 39-11136.

    Applicability: Model MD-11 series airplanes, manufacturer's 
fuselage numbers 0447 through 0464 inclusive, 0466 through 0475 
inclusive; 0476 through 0489 inclusive; and 0491 through 0509 
inclusive; certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent smoke and possible fire in the overhead switch panel 
lighting circuitry due to an overload condition, as a result of lack 
of circuit breaker protection, accomplish the following:

One-Time Inspection

    (a) For airplanes having manufacturer's fuselage numbers 0447 
through 0464 inclusive, and 0466 through 0475 inclusive: Within 60 
days after May 7, 1999 (the effective date AD 99-09-04), perform a 
one-time inspection to verify correct wire terminations of certain 
circuit breakers in the cockpit overhead switch panel, in accordance 
with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-33A027, dated 
March 10, 1999; Revision 01, dated June 2, 1999; or Revision 02, 
dated June 12, 2000. As of the effective date of this AD, only 
Revision 02 of the service bulletin shall be used.
    (b) For airplanes having manufacturer's fuselage numbers 0476 
through 0489 inclusive, and 0491 through 0509 inclusive: Within 60 
days after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time 
inspection to verify correct wire terminations of certain circuit 
breakers in the cockpit overhead switch panel, in accordance with 
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-33A027, Revision 02, 
dated June 12, 2000.

    Note 2: Inspection of certain circuit breakers in the cockpit 
overhead switch panel prior to the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-
33A027, dated March 10, 1999, or Revision 01, dated June 2, 1999; is 
considered acceptable for compliance with the requirements of 
paragraph (b) of this AD.

Condition 1 (Correct Wire Terminations)

    (c) If, during the inspection required by either paragraph (a) 
or (b) of this AD, all affected circuit breakers are found to have 
correct wire terminations, no further action is required by this AD.

Condition 2 (Incorrect Wire Terminations)

    (d) If, during the inspection required by either paragraph (a) 
or (b) of this AD, any affected circuit breaker is found to have an 
incorrect wire termination, prior to further flight, correct 
termination in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin MD11-33A027, Revision 02, dated June 12, 2000.

    Note 3: Correction of incorrect wire termination prior to the 
effective date of this AD in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert 
Service Bulletin MD11-33A027, dated March 10, 1999, or Revision 01, 
dated June 2, 1999; is considered acceptable for compliance with the 
requirements of paragraph (d) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall 
submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Los Angeles ACO.

    Note 4: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Los Angeles ACO.

Special Flight Permits

    (f) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Secs. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 
21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the 
requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

Incorporation by Reference

    (g) The actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell 
Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-33A027, dated March 10, 1999; 
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-33A027, Revision 01, 
dated June 2, 1999; or McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin 
MD11-33A027, Revision 02, dated June 12, 2000; as applicable.
    (1) The incorporation by reference of McDonnell Douglas Alert 
Service Bulletin MD11-33A027, Revision 01, dated June 2, 1999, and 
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-33A027, Revision 02, 
dated June 12, 2000, is approved by the Director of the Federal 
Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) The incorporation by reference of McDonnell Douglas Alert 
Service Bulletin MD11-33A027, dated March 10, 1999, was approved 
previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of May 7, 1999 
(64 FR 19695, April 22, 1999).
    (3) Copies may be obtained from Boeing Commercial Aircraft 
Group, Long Beach Division, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, 
California 90846, Attention: Technical Publications Business 
Administration, Dept. C1-L51 (2-60). Copies may be inspected at the 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Los 
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, 
Lakewood, California; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 
North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

Effective Date

    (h) This amendment becomes effective on August 23, 2000.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 28, 2000.
John J. Hickey,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-19813 Filed 8-7-00; 8:45 am]
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