Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-90-30 Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 123 (Wednesday, June 26, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42983-42985]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-15660]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-197-AD; Amendment 39-12788; AD 2002-13-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-90-30 
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-90-30 airplanes, that 
requires an inspection of the galley

[[Page 42984]]

power feeder cable above the main cabin ceiling supports for damage 
caused by chafing. The amendment also requires repairing any damage on 
the outer cable jacket or primary insulation, installing a splice on 
the power feeder cable to remove damage, installing sleeving along a 
portion of the cable, installing standoffs for the cable, re-routing 
the galley power feeder cable, and testing the galley equipment, as 
applicable. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent 
future damage to the galley power feeder cable as well as to detect and 
correct existing damage to the galley power feeder cable, which could 
result in electrical arcing, possibly leading to damage to adjacent 
structures and to fire in the airplane. This action is intended to 
address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective July 31, 2002.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of July 31, 2002.

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: Data 
and Service Management, Dept. C1-L5A (D800-0024). 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: George Y. Mabuni, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft 
Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 
90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5341; 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-90-30 airplanes was published in the Federal Register on April 5, 
2002 (67 FR 16335). That action proposed to require an inspection of 
the galley power feeder cable above the main cabin ceiling supports for 
damage caused by chafing. The action also proposed to require repairing 
any damage on the outer cable jacket or primary insulation, installing 
a splice on the power feeder cable to remove damage, installing 
sleeving along a portion of the cable, installing standoffs for the 
cable, re-routing the galley power feeder cable, and testing the galley 
equipment, as applicable.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Explanation of Changes Made to Proposal

    For clarification, the FAA has revised the definition of a 
``general visual inspection'' in this final rule. We also have 
corrected a typographical error in the docket number specified in the 
proposed rule in the section containing the manufacturer's name.

Conclusion

    The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule with the changes described above. 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

    The FAA estimates that 17 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by the requirement to accomplish McDonnell Douglas Alert 
Service Bulletin MD90-24A046, Revision 02, dated March 26, 2001. We 
estimate that 22 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by the 
requirement to accomplish McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin 
MD90-24A047, Revision 01, dated July 31, 2000.
    It will take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish 
the required inspection, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the inspection on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $1,020, or $60 per airplane.
    It will take approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the required installation of sleeving along a portion of the cable, at 
an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of the installation of sleeving on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $2,040, or $120 per airplane.
    It will take approximately 5 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the required modification of the installation of the galley power 
feeder cables and re-routing of the cables, at an average labor rate of 
$60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the 
modification and re-routing of the cable on U.S. operators is estimated 
to be $6,600, or $300 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:


[[Page 42985]]


    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:

2002-13-01  McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-12788, Docket 2000-NM-
197-AD.

    Applicability: Model MD-90-30 airplanes, as listed in McDonnell 
Douglas Alert Service Bulletins MD90-24A046, Revision 02, dated 
March 26, 2001; and MD90-24A047, Revision 01, dated July 31, 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 (c) 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 future damage to the galley power feeder cable as 
well as to detect and correct existing damage to the galley power 
feeder cable, which could result in electrical arcing, possibly 
leading to damage to adjacent structures and to fire in the 
airplane, accomplish the following:

Inspection and Follow-On Actions

    (a) For McDonnell Douglas Model MD-90-30 airplanes as identified 
in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD90-24A046, Revision 
02, dated March 26, 2001: Within 90 days after the effective date of 
this AD, do a one-time general visual inspection of the galley power 
feeder cable located above the main cabin ceiling supports in the 
overwing area on the left side for damage caused by chafing--
particularly near the ends of the ceiling supports--per the 
Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin MD90-24A046, Revision 02, dated March 26, 2001.

    Note 2: 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 from within 
touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be 
necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the 
inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally 
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, 
flashlight, or droplight 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.''

Condition 1: Damage to Outer Cable Jacket or Primary Insulation

    (1) If any damage to the outer cable jacket or the primary 
insulation is found, prior to further flight, repair the scuffed 
jacket or insulation and modify the galley power feeder cable 
installation by installing sleeving over the wire assembly per the 
alert service bulletin.

Condition 2: Damage to Power Feeder Cable Conductor

    (2) If any damage to the power feeder cable conductor is found, 
prior to further flight, repair the damaged cable by installing a 
splice at the damaged location, modify the galley power feeder cable 
installation by installing sleeving over the cable assembly, and do 
a functional test of the galley equipment per the alert service 
bulletin.

Condition 3: No Damage

    (3) If no damage is found, prior to further flight, modify the 
galley power feeder cable installation by installing sleeving over 
the cable assembly per the alert service bulletin.

    Note 3: Accomplishment of the applicable actions prior to the 
effective date of this AD per McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin MD90-24A046, dated July 31, 1997; or Revision 01, dated 
February 16, 1998; is acceptable for compliance with the 
requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD.

Modification of Installation and Re-Routing of Power Feeder Cable

    (b) For McDonnell Douglas Model MD-90-30 airplanes, as 
identified in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD90-24A047, 
Revision 01, dated July 31, 2000: Within one year after the 
effective date of this AD, modify the installation of the galley 
power feeder cables by installing standoffs and re-route the galley 
power feeder cable, as shown in Figure 1 of McDonnell Douglas Alert 
Service Bulletin MD90-24A047, Revision 01, dated July 31, 2000, per 
the alert service bulletin.

    Note 4: Accomplishment of the applicable actions prior to the 
effective date of this AD per McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin 
MD90-24-047, dated September 15, 1997, is acceptable for compliance 
with the requirements of paragraph (b) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (c) 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

    (d) 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

    (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell 
Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD90-24A046, Revision 02, dated March 
26, 2001; and McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD90-24A047, 
Revision 01, dated July 31, 2000; as applicable. 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: 
Data and Service Management, Dept. C1-L5A (D800-0024). 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

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on July 31, 2002.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 14, 2002.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-15660 Filed 6-25-02; 8:45 am]
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