Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-10, -30, -30F, and -40 Series Airplanes, and Model C-9 Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 131 (Tuesday, July 9, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45293-45295]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-16677]



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Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 131 / Tuesday, July 9, 2002 / Rules 
and Regulations

[[Page 45293]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NM-36-AD; Amendment 39-12800; AD 2002-13-12 ]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-10, -30, -
30F, and -40 Series Airplanes, and Model C-9 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-10, -30, and -
40 series airplanes and Model C-9 airplanes, that currently requires an 
inspection to detect chafing of the wiring of the attendants' work 
light of the aft cabin, and repair of chafed wiring. That AD also 
requires modification and reidentification of the attendants' work 
light assemblies of the aft cabin. This amendment revises the 
applicability of the existing AD. The actions specified by this AD are 
intended to prevent chafing of the ground wire against the positive 
contact of the lamp of the attendants' work light of the aft cabin, and 
consequent arcing or arcing damage to the wiring of the attendants' 
work light and transformer of the aft cabin. Such arcing or arcing 
damage could result in short circuits and consequent smoke and fire in 
the aft cabin area. The actions of this AD are intended to address the 
identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective August 13, 2002.
    The incorporation by reference of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin DC9-33A058, Revision 03, dated November 21, 2001, as listed in 
the regulations, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of August 13, 2002.
    The incorporation by reference of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin DC9-33A058, Revision 02, dated January 27, 2000, as listed in 
the regulations, was approved previously by the Director of the Federal 
Register as of January 16, 2002 (66 FR 64133, December 12, 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 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:
    Technical Information: Elvin Wheeler, Aerospace Engineer, Systems 
and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137; 
telephone (562) 627-5344; fax (562) 627-5210.
    Other Information: Sandi Carli, Airworthiness Directive Technical 
Editor/Writer; telephone (425) 687-4243, fax (425) 227-1232. Questions 
or comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following 
address: [email protected]. Questions or comments sent via the 
Internet as attached electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft 
Word 97 for Windows or ASCII text.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 2001-24-15, 
amendment 39-12532 (66 FR 64133, December 12, 2001), which is 
applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-10, -30, and -40 
series airplanes, and Model C-9 airplanes, was published in the Federal 
Register on March 18, 2002 (67 FR 11952). The action proposed to 
continue to require an inspection to detect chafing of the wiring of 
the attendants' work light of the aft cabin, and repair of chafed 
wiring; and modification and reidentification of the attendants' work 
light assemblies of the aft cabin; and to revise the applicability of 
the existing AD.

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.

Changes to the Final Rule

    Note 3 in the final rule has been revised to more specifically 
define the general visual inspection.
    New subparagraph (c)(2) of this AD has been added to explain that 
certain alternative methods of compliance that have been approved for 
AD 2001-24-15, amendment 39-12532, are approved for the corresponding 
requirements of this AD.
    The applicability section of this AD has been revised to more 
clearly identify the affected airplanes.
    The Cost Impact section of the proposed AD incorrectly identified 
176 airplanes in the worldwide affected fleet. This figure has been 
revised in the final rule.

Conclusion

    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 387 Model DC-9-10, -30, and -40 series 
airplanes, and Model C-9 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 278 airplanes of U.S. registry 
will be affected by this AD.
    The actions that are currently required by AD 2001-24-15 take 
approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the currently required actions is estimated to be $60 per 
airplane.
    This AD adds no new actions or requirements, but only revises the

[[Page 45294]]

applicability of the existing AD. Therefore, the estimated cost impact 
for this AD is unchanged.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is 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 removing amendment 39-12532 (66 FR 
64133, December 12, 2001), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), amendment 39-12800, to read as follows:

2002-13-12  McDonnnel Douglas: Amendment 39-12800. Docket 2002-NM-
36-AD. Supersedes AD 2001-24-15, Amendment 39-12532.

    Applicability: Model DC-9-10, -30, -30F, and -40 series 
airplanes, and Model C-9 airplanes; certificated in any category; as 
listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin DC9-33A058, 
Revision 03, dated November 21, 2001; and equipped with an 
attendants' work light in the aft cabin.

    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)(1) 
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 arcing or arcing damage to the wiring of the 
attendants' work light of the aft cabin due to chafing of the ground 
wire against the positive contact of the lamp of the attendants' 
work light and transformer of the aft cabin, which could result in 
short circuits and consequent smoke and fire in the aft cabin area, 
accomplish the following:

    Note 2: Paragraph (a) of this AD merely restates the 
requirements of paragraph (a) of AD 2001-24-15, amendment 39-12532. 
As allowed by the phrase, ``unless accomplished previously,'' if 
those requirements of AD 2001-24-15 have already been accomplished, 
this AD does not require that those actions be repeated.

Restatement of AD 2001-24-15

    (a) For airplanes listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin DC9-33A058, Revision 02, dated January 27, 2000: Within 1 
year after January 16, 2002 (the effective date of AD 2001-24-15), 
do the actions specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD, 
per McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin DC9-33A058, Revision 
02, dated January 27, 2000.
    (1) Do a general visual inspection to detect chafing of the 
wiring of the attendants' work light of the aft cabin. If any 
chafing is detected, before further flight, repair chafed wiring per 
the service bulletin.

    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 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.''

    (2) Modify and reidentify the attendants' work light assemblies 
of the aft cabin.

New Requirements of This AD

    (b) For airplanes listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin
    DC9-33A058, Revision 03, dated November 21, 2001: Within 1 year 
after the effective date of this AD, do the actions specified in 
paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this AD, per McDonnell Douglas Alert 
Service Bulletin DC9-33A058, Revision 03, dated November 21, 2002.
    (1) Do a general visual inspection to detect chafing of the 
wiring of the attendants' work light of the aft cabin. If any 
chafing is detected, before further flight, repair chafed wiring per 
the service bulletin.
    (2) Modify and reidentify the attendants' work light assemblies 
of the aft cabin.

    Note 4: Inspections, repairs, modifications, and 
reidentifications done before the effective date of this AD per 
McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC9-33-058, dated June 5, 1973; 
Revision 1, dated November 26, 1975; or Revision 02, dated January 
27, 2000; are considered acceptable for compliance with the 
requirements of this AD.

 1Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (c)(1) 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, 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.
    (2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in 
accordance with AD 2001-24-15, are approved as alternative methods 
of compliance with paragraph (a) of this AD.

    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 DC9-33A058, Revision 02, dated 
January 27, 2000; and McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin DC9-
33A058, Revision 03, dated November 21, 2001; as applicable.

[[Page 45295]]

    (1) The incorporation by reference of McDonnell Douglas Alert 
Service Bulletin DC9-33A058, Revision 03, dated November 21, 2001, 
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 DC9-33A058, Revision 02, dated January 27, 2000, 
was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of January 16, 2002 (66 FR 64133, December 12, 2001).
    (3) 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, 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

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on August 13, 2002.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 26, 2002.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-16677 Filed 7-8-02; 8:45 am]
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