Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 66 (Wednesday, April 5, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17763-17766]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-8133]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-86-AD; Amendment 39-11656; AD 2000-07-02]
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 adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is

[[Page 17764]]

applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes. 
This action requires deactivation of the map light assemblies; or 
modification and reidentification of the insulation blankets adjacent 
to certain map light assemblies, if applicable, a general visual 
inspection to detect damage of the Captain, First Officer, and Right 
Observer map light assemblies, and follow-on actions. This amendment is 
prompted by incidents in which a broken or cracked light bulb housing 
of the First Officer map light was found. The actions specified in this 
AD are intended to detect a broken light bulb housing, which could 
expose the power contactor. An exposed power contactor could cause the 
Captain, First Officer, or Right Observer map light to short or 
overheat, which could result in smoke or fire in the cockpit.

DATES:  Effective April 20, 2000.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of April 20, 2000.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before June 5, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-86-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
    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 90712; or at the Office of 
the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, 
Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brett Portwood, Technical Specialist, 
Systems Safety and Integration, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712; telephone 
(562) 627-5350; fax (562) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  As part of its practice of re-examining all 
aspects of the service experience of a particular aircraft whenever an 
accident occurs, the FAA has become aware of an incident in which a 
broken light bulb housing of the First Officer map light was found on a 
McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplane. This breakage exposed 
the power contactor that goes to the base of the light bulb and allowed 
the contactor to short circuit to the lamp housing mounting plate. In 
another incident on the same airplane model, the light bulb housing 
cracked without exposing the contactor. The cause of the breakage/
cracking has not been determined. A broken light bulb housing, if not 
corrected, could expose the power contactor and cause the Captain, 
First Officer, or Right Observer map light to short or overheat, which 
could result in smoke or fire in the cockpit.
    These incidents are 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 Relevant 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.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin MD11-33A069, dated March 10, 2000, which describes procedures 
for accomplishing either of the following actions:
    <bullet> Deactivation of the map light assemblies by disconnecting, 
coiling, and stowing power wires to the Captain, First Officer, and 
Right Observer map light assemblies; or
    <bullet> Modification and reidentification of the insulation 
blankets adjacent to the Captain and First Officer map light assemblies 
(for certain airplanes); a general visual inspection to detect damage 
of the Captain, First Officer, and Right Observer map light assemblies; 
and follow-on actions. The follow-on actions include repetitive 
inspections, replacement of the map light assembly with a new or 
serviceable light assembly; or deactivation of damaged map light 
assemblies; as applicable.

Explanation of the Requirements of the Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series 
airplanes of the same type design, this AD is being issued to detect a 
broken light bulb housing, which could expose the power contactor. An 
exposed power contactor could result in the Captain, First Officer, or 
Right Observer map light shorting or overheating, and consequent smoke 
or fire in the cockpit. This AD requires accomplishment of the actions 
specified in the alert service bulletin described previously.

Interim Action

    This is considered to be interim action. The FAA is continuing to 
investigate the existing design of the map light assemblies of certain 
configuration crew rest areas. In addition, the manufacturer has 
advised that it currently is developing a modification that will 
positively address the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. Once 
final action is identified, or once the modification is developed, 
approved, and available, the FAA may consider additional rulemaking.

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.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic,

[[Page 17765]]

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-86-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.

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:

2000-07-02 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-11656. Docket 2000-NM-86-
AD.

    Applicability: Model MD-11 series airplanes, as listed in 
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-33A069, dated March 
10, 2000; 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 (b) 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 detect a broken light bulb housing and the resultant exposed 
power contactor, which could cause the Captain, First Officer, or 
Right Observer map light to short or overheat, and consequent smoke 
or fire in the cockpit, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, 
accomplish the actions specified in either paragraph (a)(1), or 
(a)(2) or (a)(3) of this AD, as applicable, in accordance with 
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-33A069, March 10, 
2000.

Option 1 (Deactivate Map Light Assemblies)

    (1) For Groups 1 and 2 airplanes identified in the alert service 
bulletin: Disconnect, coil, and stow power wires to each Captain, 
First Officer, and Right Observer map light assembly, until the 
requirements of paragraph (a)(2) or (a)(3) of this AD, as 
applicable, have been accomplished.

    Note 2: Repetitive inspections of the deactivated map light 
assemblies are not required.

Option 2 (Inspect/Replace/Deactivate Map Light Assemblies)

    (2) For Group 1 airplanes identified in the alert service 
bulletin: Modify and reidentify the insulation blankets adjacent to 
the Captain and First Officer map light assemblies; and perform a 
general visual inspection to detect damage of the Captain, First 
Officer, and Right Observer map light assemblies.

    Note 3:  For the purposes of this AD, a general visual 
inspection is defined as ``A visual examination of an interior or 
exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, 
failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made under 
normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar 
lighting, flashlight, or drop-light, and may require removal or 
opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may 
be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.''

    (i) Condition 1 (No Damage Found). If no damage is detected, 
repeat the general visual inspection of the map light assemblies and 
adjacent insulation blankets thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
700 flight hours.
    (ii) Condition 2 (Damage Found). If any damage is detected, 
prior to further flight, accomplish the actions specified in either 
paragraph (a)(2)(ii)(A) or (a)(2)(ii)(B) of this AD in accordance 
with the alert service bulletin.
    (A) Option 1 (Replace Damaged Map Light Assemblies). Replace the 
map light assembly with a new or serviceable light assembly. Repeat 
the general visual inspection of the map light assemblies and 
adjacent insulation blankets thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
700 flight hours.
    (B) Option 2 (Deactivate Damaged Map Light Assemblies). 
Disconnect, coil, and stow power wires to each damaged Captain, 
First Officer, and Right Observer map light assembly, until the 
requirements of paragraph (a)(2)(ii)(A) of this AD have been 
accomplished.
    (3) For Group 2 airplanes identified in the alert service 
bulletin: Perform a general visual inspection to detect damage of 
the Captain, First Officer, and Right Observer map light assemblies, 
and perform the actions specified in either paragraph (a)(2)(i) or 
(a)(2)(ii) of this AD, as applicable, at the time(s) indicated in 
that paragraph.

    Note 4:  For Group 2 airplanes identified in McDonnell Douglas 
Alert Service Bulletin MD11-33A069, dated March 10, 2000: 
Modification and reidentification of the insulation blankets are not 
required. Prior to delivery of Group 2 airplanes, the insulation 
blankets were modified.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (b) 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 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

    (c) 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.

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Incorporation by Reference

    (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell 
Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-33A069, dated March 10, 2000. 
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, Transport Airplane Directorate, Los Angeles Aircraft 
Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 
90712; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol 
Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (e) This amendment becomes effective on April 20, 2000.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 28, 2000.
John J. Hickey,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-8133 Filed 4-4-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

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