Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model MD-11 and MD-11F Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 12, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1983-1985]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-271]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0228; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-252-AD; 
Amendment 39-16574; AD 2011-02-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model MD-11 and MD-
11F Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This AD requires a one-time inspection to detect 
damage of the wire assemblies of the tail tank fuel system, a wiring 
change, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also requires, for 
certain airplanes, a general visual inspection for correct installation 
of the self-adhering high-temperature electrical insulation tape; 
installation of a wire assembly support bracket and routing wire 
assembly; changing wire supports; and installation of a wire protection 
bracket. This AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the 
manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct a potential 
of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with 
flammable vapors, could result in a fuel tank fire or explosion, and 
consequent loss of the airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective February 16, 2011.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of February 16, 
2011.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
3855 Lakewood Boulevard, MC D800-0019, Long Beach, California 90846-
0001; telephone 206-544-5000, extension 2; fax 206-766-5683; e-mail 
[email protected]; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may 
review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 425-227-1221.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The address for the 
Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is Document Management Facility, 
U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West 
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., 
Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Serj Harutunian, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137; 
phone: (562) 627-5254; fax: (562) 627-5210; e-mail: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) to 
amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that 
would apply to the specified products. That SNPRM published in the 
Federal Register on November 17, 2010 (75 FR 70150). The original NPRM 
(75 FR 12464, March 16, 2010) proposed to require a one-time inspection 
to detect damage of the wire assemblies of the tail tank fuel system, a 
wiring change, and corrective actions if necessary. The SNPRM proposed 
to revise the original NPRM by adding, for certain airplanes, a general 
visual inspection for correct installation of the self-adhering high-
temperature electrical insulation tape; installation of a wire assembly 
support bracket and routing wire assembly; changing wire supports; and 
installation of a wire protection bracket.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We have considered the comment received. FedEx supports the 
SNPRM.

Explanation of Change Made to the AD

    We have revised this AD to identify the legal name of the 
manufacturer as published in the most recent type certificate data 
sheet for the affected airplane models.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the 
AD as proposed except for minor editorial changes and the change 
described previously. We have determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
SNPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the SNPRM.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 110 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 1984]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          Cost per
             Action                      Labor cost         Parts cost    product       Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection of tail tank fuel      1 work-hour x $85 per             $0          $85  $9,350.
 system wire assembly.             hour = $85.
Inspection of electrical          1 work-hour x $85 per              0           85  $9,350.
 insulation tape.                  hour = $85.
Change wire supports............  3 work-hours x $85 per             9          264  Up to $29,040.
                                   hour = $255.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary installations 
and repairs that would be required based on the results of the 
inspection. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that 
might need these installations and repairs.

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Action                        Labor cost             Parts cost            Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Installation/repair...............  Up to 23 work-hours x $85            $11,829  Up to $13,784.
                                     per hour = $1,955.
Adjust tape installation..........  1 x $85 per hour = $85....                 0  $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
subtitle VII, part A, subpart III, section 44701: ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2011-02-01 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-16574 ; Docket No. FAA-
2010-0228; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-252-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD is effective February 16, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model MD-11 and MD-11F 
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin MD11-28A124, Revision 1, dated August 24, 
2010.

Subject

    (d) Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport 
Association (ATA) of America Code 28: Fuel.

Unsafe Condition

    (e) This AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the 
manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct a 
potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in 
combination with flammable vapors, could result in a fuel tank fire 
or explosion, and consequent loss of the airplane.

Compliance

    (f) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

Action

    (g) For airplanes in Group 1, Configuration 1; and Group 2, 
Configuration 1: Within 60 months after the effective date of this 
AD, perform a general visual inspection to detect damage of wire 
assemblies of the tail tank fuel system, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-
28A124, Revision 1, dated August 24, 2010.
    (1) For airplanes in Group 1, Configuration 1: If no damage is 
found, before further flight, apply self-adhering high-temperature 
electrical insulation tape on the wire assemblies, install wire 
assembly support brackets, route wire assemblies, install extruded 
channel wire supports, and install a wire protection bracket, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin MD11-28A124, Revision 1, dated August 24, 2010.
    (2) For airplanes in Group 1, Configuration 1: If damage is 
found, before further flight, repair or replace the wire assemblies, 
apply

[[Page 1985]]

self-adhering high-temperature electrical insulation tape on the 
wire assemblies, install wire assembly support brackets, route wire 
assemblies, install extruded channel wire supports, and install a 
wire protection bracket, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-28A124, Revision 
1, dated August 24, 2010.
    (3) For airplanes in Group 2, Configuration 1: If no damage is 
found, before further flight, install wire assembly support 
brackets, route wire assemblies, install extruded channel wire 
supports, and install a wire protection bracket, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
MD11-28A124, Revision 1, dated August 24, 2010.
    (4) For airplanes in Group 2, Configuration 1: If damage is 
found, before further flight, repair or replace the wire assemblies, 
install wire assembly support brackets, route wire assemblies, 
install extruded channel wire supports, and install a wire 
protection bracket, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-28A124, Revision 
1, dated August 24, 2010.
    (h) For airplanes in Group 1, Configuration 2: Within 60 months 
after the effective date of this AD, do a general visual inspection 
for correct installation of the self-adhering high-temperature 
electrical insulation tape, and change the wire supports, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin MD11-28A124, Revision 1, dated August 24, 2010. If 
the self-adhering high-temperature electrical insulation tape is 
installed incorrectly, before further flight, adjust the tape 
installation to achieve the correct dimensions, in accordance with 
Figure 1 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-28A124, Revision 1, 
dated August 24, 2010.
    (i) For airplanes in Group 2, Configuration 2: Within 60 months 
after the effective date of this AD, change the wire supports, in 
accordance with Figure 2 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-
28A124, Revision 1, dated August 24, 2010.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (j)(1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if 
requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance 
with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or 
local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending 
information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in the Related Information 
section of this AD.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

Related Information

    (k) For more information about this AD, contact Serj Harutunian, 
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140L, FAA, Los Angeles 
Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, 
California 90712-4137; phone: (562) 627-5254; fax: (562) 627-5210; 
e-mail: [email protected].

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (l) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-28A124, 
Revision 1, dated August 24, 2010, to do the actions required by 
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information, under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
3855 Lakewood Boulevard, MC D800-0019, Long Beach, California 90846-
0001; telephone 206-544-5000, extension 2; fax 206-766-5683; e-mail 
[email protected]; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
    (4) You may also review copies of the service information that 
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at an NARA facility, call 202-741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 3, 2011.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-271 Filed 1-11-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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