Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 233 (Monday, December 4, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 75620-75623]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-30440]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-36-AD; Amendment 39-12022; AD 2000-24-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes, 
that requires a one-time detailed visual inspection to detect 
discrepancies of all electrical wiring installations in various areas 
of the airplane; and corrective actions, if necessary. This amendment 
is necessary to prevent electrical arcing and/or heat damaged wires due 
to improper wire installations during manufacture and/or maintenance of 
the airplane, and consequent fire and smoke in various areas of the 
airplane. This amendment is intended to address the identified unsafe 
condition.

DATES: Effective January 8, 2001.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of January 8, 2001.

ADDRESSES: 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 Federal Aviation Administration 
(FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, 
SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, 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, Los Angeles Aircraft 
Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 
90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5350; fax (562) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model 
MD-11 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on July 
27, 2000 (65 FR 46218). That action proposed to require a one-time 
detailed visual inspection to detect discrepancies of all electrical 
wiring installations in various areas of the airplane; and corrective 
actions, if necessary.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comments received.

Request for Reporting Requirement

    One commenter requests that the FAA add a reporting requirement for 
the inspection findings. The commenter states that serious reporting is 
not possible using the reporting sheet attached to the referenced 
Boeing service bulletin. The commenter believes that it is important to 
collect the details of the inspection results using a database.
    The FAA does not concur. The FAA understands the need to collect 
useful data in a consistent, detailed manner when investigating 
possible wiring service difficulties. However, the FAA has already 
conducted an extensive investigation of the wiring on McDonnell Douglas 
Model MD-11 series airplanes. As part of the investigation, the FAA has 
performed its own inspections on numerous in-service and in-production 
airplanes. The FAA has analyzed the data from the inspections and 
incorporated follow-on actions as part of a comprehensive corrective 
action plan; this AD is part of that plan. Therefore, the FAA has 
determined that the need for a reporting requirement for the required 
inspections to detect and correct minor wiring discrepancies in various 
areas of the airplane is not necessary.

Revise Corrective Action

    One commenter notes that paragraph (c) of the NPRM reads, ``If no 
gap between the wire bundle and blanket can be seen when pressure is 
applied to the blanket, before further flight, reposition wires or 
clamps so that a gap can been seen when pressure is applied to the 
blanket.'' The commenter asks, ``Will this requirement be valid for all 
the wire gauges in every area? Does this requirement replace the 
existing DPS 1.834-7, Par. 4.1.12.1?''
    From these questions, the FAA infers that the commenter is 
requesting that the scope of the corrective action specified in 
paragraph (c) of the NPRM apply only to wiring that is routed over 
structural frames. The FAA concurs. In its attempt to provide 
instructions for accomplishing certain corrective actions, which were 
not provided in the referenced service bulletin (discussed in the 
preamble of the NPRM), the FAA did not carry forward the scope of the 
test requirement into the corrective action specified in paragraph (c) 
of the AD. For clarification purposes, the FAA has revised paragraph 
(c) of the final rule to read, ``If no gap between the wire bundle and 
blanket can be seen where the wiring is routed over structural frames * 
* * .''

Actions Since Issuance of the NPRM

    The FAA has reviewed and approved the following service bulletins:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Service bulletin         Revision level            Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
McDonnell Douglas Service      Revision 01....  November 6, 2000.
 Bulletin MD11-24-171.
McDonnell Douglas Service      Revision 01....  November 6, 2000.
 Bulletin MD11-24-170.
Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-  Revision 01....  November 6, 2000.
 24-167, including Appendix.
Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-  Revision 01....  November 6, 2000.
 24-165, including Appendix.
Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-  Revision 01....  November 6, 2000.
 24-163, including Appendix.
McDonnell Douglas Service      Revision 01....  November 6, 2000.
 Bulletin MD11-24-188.
McDonnell Douglas Service      Revision 01....  November 6, 2000.
 Bulletin MD11-24-161.
McDonnell Douglas Service      Revision 01....  November 6, 2000.
 Bulletin MD11-24-162.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 75621]]

    The procedures described in these service bulletins are identical 
to those described in the original issue of the service bulletins 
(which were referenced in the NPRM as the appropriate sources of 
service information for doing the proposed actions), but contain 
certain editorial changes. No additional work is necessary on airplanes 
changed per the original issue of the service bulletins. Therefore, the 
FAA has revised the final rule to include Revision 01 of these service 
bulletins as additional sources of service information.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes previously 
described. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither 
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
the AD.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 182 Model MD-11 series airplanes of the 
affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 60 
airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD.
    It will take approximately 10 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
each of the six inspections specified in paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), 
(a)(3), (a)(4), (a)(5), and (a)(6) of this AD, at an average labor rate 
of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of these 
indicated inspections required by this AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $216,000, or $3,600 per airplane.
    It will take approximately 5 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the inspection specified in paragraph (a)(7) of this AD, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of this indicated inspection required by this AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $18,000, or $300 per airplane.
    It will take approximately 12 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the inspection specified in paragraph (a)(8) of this AD, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of this indicated inspection required by this AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $43,200, or $720 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this 
AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed 
in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform 
the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures 
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to 
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other 
administrative actions.

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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

2000-24-15 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-12022. Docket 2000-NM-36-
AD.

    Applicability: Model MD-11 series airplanes, manufacturer's 
fuselage numbers 0447 through 0449 inclusive, 0451 through 0464 
inclusive, 0466 through 0489 inclusive, 0491 through 0517 inclusive, 
0519 through 0552 inclusive, 0554 through 0556 inclusive, 0557, 0558 
through 0633 inclusive, and 0635; 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.

    Note 2: The FAA recommends that the actions required by this AD 
be accomplished immediately after accomplishing the replacement of 
metallized polyethyleneteraphthalate (MPET) insulation blankets, as 
required by AD 2000-11-02, amendment 39-11750 (65 FR 34341, May 26, 
2000).

    To prevent electrical arcing and/or heat damaged wires due to 
improper wire installations during manufacture and/or maintenance of 
the airplane, and consequent fire and smoke in various areas of the 
airplane, accomplish the following:

One-Time Detailed Visual Inspection

    (a) Within 5 years after the effective date of this AD, 
accomplish the actions specified in paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), 
(a)(3), (a)(4), (a)(5), (a)(6), (a)(7), and (a)(8) of this AD, as 
applicable.
    (1) For all airplanes: Perform a one-time detailed visual 
inspection to detect discrepancies of all electrical wiring 
installations in the center and aft cargo compartments from stations 
Y=1521.000 to Y=2007.000, in accordance with paragraph 3.B., ``Work 
Instructions,'' of the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell 
Douglas service Bulletin MD11-24-171, dated April 4, 2000, or 
Revision 01, dated November 6, 2000.

    Note 3: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual 
inspection is defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a 
specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to 
detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is 
normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at 
intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such 
as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc. may be used. Surface cleaning and 
elaborate access procedures may be required.''

    (2) For all airplanes: Perform a one-time detailed visual 
inspection to detect discrepancies of all electrical wiring 
installations in the forward cargo compartment from stations 
Y=595.000 to Y=6-73.500, in accordance with the paragraph 3.B., 
``Work Instructions,'' of the

[[Page 75622]]

Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin 
MD11-24-170, dated April 12, 2000, or Revision 01, dated November 6, 
2000.
    (3) For all airplanes: Perform a one-time detailed visual 
inspection to detect discrepancies of all electrical wiring 
installations in the forward passenger compartment from stations 
Y=5-11.000 to Y=2007.000, in accordance with the paragraph 3.B., 
``Work instructions,'' of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
McDonnell Douglas Service bulletin MD11-24-167, dated April 4, 2000, 
or Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-24-167, revision 01, including 
Appendix 1, dated November 6, 2000.
    (4) For all airplanes: Perform a one-time detailed visual 
inspection to detect discrepancies of all electrical wiring 
installations in the forward passenger compartment from stations 
Y=756.000 to Y=1501.000, in accordance with the paragraph 3.B., 
``Work instructions,'' of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-165, dated April 4, 2000, 
or Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-24-165, Revision 01, including 
Appendix, dated November 6, 2000.
    (5) For all airplanes: Perform a one-time detailed visual 
inspection to detect discrepancies of all electrical wiring 
installations in the forward passenger compartment from stations 
Y=465.000 to Y=755.000, in accordance with the paragraph 3.B., 
``Work instructions,'' of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-163, dated April 4, 2000, 
or Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-24-163, Revision 01, including 
Appendix 1, dated November 6, 2000.
    (6) For all airplanes: Perform a one-time detailed visual 
inspection to detect discrepancies of all electrical wiring 
installations in the flight compartment and forward drop ceilings 
areas from stations Y=275.000 to Y=464.000, in accordance with the 
paragraph 3.B., ``Work Instructions,'' of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-188, 
dated April 28, 2000, or Revision 01, dated november 6, 2000.
    (7) For airplanes having manufacturer's fuselage numbers 0447 
through 0449 inclusive, 0451 through 0464 inclusive, 0466 through 
0489 inclusive, 0491 through 0517 inclusive, 0519 through 0552 
inclusive, 0554 through 0556 inclusive, 0557, 0558 through 0633 
inclusive: Perform a one-time detailed visual inspection to detect 
discrepancies of all electrical wiring installations in the center 
accessory compartment from stations y=6-50.000 to Y=1179.000, in 
accordance with the paragraph 3.B., ``Work Instructions,'' of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin 
MD11-24-161, dated April 10, 2000, or Revision 01, dated November 6, 
2000.
    (8) For airplanes having manufacturer's fuselage numbers 0447 
through 0449 inclusive, 0451 through 0464 inclusive, 0466 through 
0489 inclusive, 0491 through 0517 inclusive, 0519 through 0552 
inclusive, 0554 through 0556 inclusive, 0557, 0558 through 0633 
inclusive: Perform a one-time detailed visual inspection to detect 
discrepancies of all electrical wiring installations in the main 
avionics compartment from stations y=275.000 to Y=464.000, in 
accordance with the paragraph 3.B., ``Work Instructions,'' of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin 
MD11-24-162, dated April 10, 2000, or Revision 01, dated November 6, 
2000.

Corrective Action

    (b) If any discrepancy is detected during the inspection 
required by paragraph (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(4), (a)(5), 
(a)(6), (a)(7), or (a)(8) of this AD, before further flight, 
accomplish the applicable corrective action(s) in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of the following applicable service 
bulletins, except as provided in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this AD, 
as applicable:
    (1) McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-171, dated April 
4, 2000, or Revision 01, dated November 6, 2000;
    (2) McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-170, dated April 
12, 2000, or Revision 01, dated November 6, 2000;
    (3) McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-167, dated April 
4, 2000;
    (4) Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-24-167, dated April 4, 2000, 
Revision 01, including Appendix, dated November 6, 2000;
    (5) McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-165, dated April 
4, 2000;
    (6) Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-24-165, Revision 01, including 
Appendix, dated November 6, 2000;
    (7) McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-163, dated April 
4, 2000;
    (8) Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-24-163, Revision 01, including 
Appendix 1, dated November 6, 2000;
    (9) McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-188, dated April 
28, 2000, or Revision 01, dated November 6, 2000;
    (10) McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-161, dated April 
10, 2000, or Revision 01, dated November 6, 2000; or
    (11) McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-162, dated April 
10, 2000, or Revision 01, dated November 6, 2000.

    Note 4: Where there are differences between the AD and the 
referenced service bulletins, the AD prevails.

    (c) If no gap between the wire bundle and blanket can be seen 
where the wiring is routed over the structural frames when pressure 
is applied to the blanket, before further flight, reposition wires 
or clamps so that a gap can be seen when pressure is applied to the 
blanket.
    (d) If any screw terminal of the flag lug bus bar is loose, 
before further flight, retorque to 10 to 11 inch-pounds.

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. 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 5: 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 
sections 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) Except as provided by paragraphs (c) and (d) of this AD, the 
actions shall be done in accordance with the following applicable 
service bulletins:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Service bulletin         Revision level            Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
McDonnell Douglas Service      Original.......  April 4, 2000.
 Bulletin MD11-24-171.
McDonnell Douglas Service      Revision 01....  November 6, 2000.
 Bulletin MD11-24-171.
McDonnell Douglas Service      Original.......  April 12, 2000.
 Bulletin MD11-24-170.
McDonnell Douglas Service      Revision 01....  November 6, 2000.
 Bulletin MD11-24-170.
McDonnell Douglas Service      Original.......  April 4, 2000.
 Bulletin MD11-24-167.
Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-  Revision 01....  November 6, 2000.
 24-167, including Appendix.
McDonnell Douglas Service      Original.......  April 4, 2000.
 Bulletin MD11-24-165.
Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-  Revision 01....  November 6, 2000.
 24-165, including Appendix.
McDonnell Douglas Service      Original.......  April 4, 2000.
 Bulletin MD11-24-163.
Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-  Revision 01....  November 6, 2000.
 24-163, including Appendix.
McDonnell Douglas Service      Original.......  April 28, 2000.
 Bulletin MD11-24-188.
McDonnell Douglas Service      Revision 01....  November 6, 2000.
 Bulletin MD11-24-188.
McDonnell Douglas Service      Original.......  April 10, 2000.
 Bulletin MD11-24-161.
McDonnell Douglas Service      Revision 01....  November 6, 2000.
 Bulletin MD11-24-161.
McDonnell Douglas Service      Original.......  April 10, 2000.
 Bulletin MD11-24-162.

[[Page 75623]]

 
McDonnell Douglas Service      Revision 01....  November 6, 2000.
 Bulletin MD11-24-162.
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    This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of 
the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR 
part 51. 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, 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 January 8, 2001.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 22, 2000.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-30440 Filed 12-1-00; 8:45 am]
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