Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and MD-11F Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 139 (Friday, July 19, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47647-47649]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-17536]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-63-AD; Amendment 39-12809; AD 2002-14-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and MD-
11F Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and MD-11F 
airplanes, that currently requires replacement of the existing terminal 
strips and supports above the main cabin area; and installation of 
spacers between terminal strips and mounting brackets in the avionics 
compartment; as applicable. This amendment requires replacing the 
applicable terminal strips in the avionics compartment with new 
terminal strips. This amendment also requires performing an inspection 
to detect arcing damage of the surrounding structure of the terminal 
strips and electrical cables in the avionics compartment, and repairing 
or replacing any damaged component with a new component. This amendment 
is prompted by reports of arcing between the power feeder cables and 
support brackets of the terminal strips on airplanes previously 
modified per the existing AD. The actions specified by this AD are 
intended to prevent electrical arcing caused by power feeder cable 
terminal lugs grounding against terminal strip support brackets, which 
could result in smoke and fire in the main cabin or avionics 
compartment.

DATES: Effective August 23, 2002.
    The incorporation by reference of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin MD11-24A178, Revision 01, dated December 17, 2001, as listed 
in the regulations, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register 
as of August 23, 2002.
    The incorporation by reference of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin MD11-24A150, dated March 25, 1999, as listed in the 
regulations, was approved previously by the Director of the Federal 
Register as of March 23, 2000 (65 FR 8025, February 17, 2000).

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: 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.
    Other Information: Sandi Carli, Airworthiness Directive Technical 
Writer/Editor; 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 2000-03-15, 
amendment 39-11574 (65 FR 8025, February 17, 2000), which is applicable 
to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes, was 
published in the Federal Register on October 5, 2001 (66 FR 50882). The 
action proposed to continue to require replacing the existing terminal 
strips and supports above the main cabin at station Y=5-32.000 with new 
terminal strips and supports. The action also proposed to replace the 
applicable terminal strips in the avionics compartment with new 
terminal strips. The action also proposed to require performing an 
inspection to detect arcing damage of the surrounding structure of the 
terminal strips and electrical cables in the avionics compartment, and 
repairing or replacing any damaged component with a new component.

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 Relevant New Service Bulletin

    Since issuance of the NPRM, the FAA has reviewed and approved 
Revision 01 of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A178, 
dated December 17, 2001. Revision 01 of the service bulletin is 
essentially identical to the original version of the service bulletin 
(which was referenced in the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) as an 
appropriate source of service information), but provides clarification 
of a manual required to accomplish a continuity test and corrects the 
quantity of washers and a certain item number. We have revised the 
final rule to reference Revision 01 of the service bulletin as the 
appropriate source of service information for accomplishing the new 
actions required by this AD. We

[[Page 47648]]

also have included a new Note 3 to give operators credit for 
accomplishing those actions per the original version of the service 
bulletin.

Explanation of Change to Applicability

    The FAA has revised the applicability of the existing AD to 
identify model designations as published in the most recent type 
certificate data sheet for the affected models.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, the FAA has determined 
that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the 
rule with the changes described previously. 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 133 Model MD-11 and -11F airplanes listed 
in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A178, Revision 01, 
dated December 17, 2001, of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. 
The FAA estimates that 52 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected 
by this AD.
    The new actions that are required in this AD action will take 
approximately 3 (for Group 1 airplanes) and 4 (for Group 2 airplanes) 
work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 
per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $1,142 per 
airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the new 
requirements of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,322 
(for Group 1 airplanes) and $1,382 (for Group 2 airplanes) 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. However, the FAA has been advised that 
manufacturer warranty remedies are available for labor costs associated 
with accomplishing the actions required by this AD. Therefore, the 
future economic cost impact of this rule on U.S. operators may be less 
than the cost impact figure indicated above.
    Currently, there are no Model MD-11 airplanes listed in McDonnell 
Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A150, dated March 25, 1999, on 
the U.S. Register. However, should an affected airplane be imported and 
placed on the U.S. Register in the future, it will require 
approximately 1 work hour to accomplish the replacement currently 
required by AD 2000-03-15, and retained in this AD, at an average labor 
rate of $60 per work hour. The cost of required parts will be $885. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of this AD for this replacement 
will be $945 per airplane.

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 39-11574 (65 FR 
8025, February 17, 2000), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), amendment 39-12809, to read as follows:

2002-14-09  McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-12809. Docket 2001-NM-
63-AD. Supersedes AD 2000-03-15, Amendment 39-11574.
    Applicability: Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes, as listed in 
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A150, dated March 
25, 1999; and McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A178, 
Revision 01, dated December 17, 2001; 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 electrical arcing caused by power feeder cable 
terminal lugs grounding against terminal strip support brackets, 
which could result in smoke and fire in the main cabin or avionics 
compartment, accomplish the following:

Restatement of Certain Requirements of AD 2000-03-15

Replacement of Terminal Strips and Supports

    (a) For airplanes listed in the effectivity of McDonnell Douglas 
Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A150, dated March 25, 1999, on which 
the modification specified in McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin 
MD11-24-085, dated August 1, 1995, has not been accomplished: Within 
1 year after March 23, 2000 (the effective date of AD 2000-03-15, 
amendment 39-11574), replace the existing terminal strips and 
supports above the main cabin at station Y=5-32.000 with new 
terminal strips and supports in accordance with McDonnell Douglas 
Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A150, dated March 25, 1999.

New Actions Required by This AD

Replacement, Inspection, and Corrective Action If Necessary

    (b) For airplanes listed in the effectivity of McDonnell Douglas 
Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A178, Revision 01, dated December 17, 
2001: Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, do the 
actions specified in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this AD per the 
service bulletin.
    (1) Replace the applicable terminal strips in the avionics 
compartment with new terminal strips (including inspecting wires

[[Page 47649]]

for damage, repairing any damaged wire, and removing the nameplate); 
and
    (2) Perform a general visual inspection to detect arcing damage 
of the surrounding structure of the terminal strips and electrical 
cables in the avionics compartment. If any damage is detected, 
before further flight, repair or replace any damaged component with 
a new component, per the service bulletin; except if the type of 
structural material of the surrounding structure that has been 
affected is not covered in the Structural Repair Manual, repair per 
a method approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA.

    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 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.''


    Note 3: Accomplishment of the replacement, inspection, and 
corrective action, before the effective date of this AD, per 
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A178, dated May 14, 
2001, is considered acceptable for compliance with the applicable 
actions specified in this amendment.

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 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 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

    (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) Except as provided by paragraph (b)(2) of this AD, the 
actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert 
Service Bulletin MD11-24A150, dated March 25, 1999; and McDonnell 
Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A178, Revision 01, dated 
December 17, 2001; as applicable.
    (1) The incorporation by reference of McDonnell Douglas Alert 
Service Bulletin MD11-24A178, Revision 01, dated December 17, 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 MD11-24A150, dated March 25, 1999, was approved 
previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of March 23, 
2000 (65 FR 8025, February 17, 2000).
    (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, 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 23, 2002.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 2, 2002.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-17536 Filed 7-18-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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