[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 77 (Thursday, April 22, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19689-19691]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-10178]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 99-NM-44-AD; Amendment 39-11135; AD 99-09-03]
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 applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series
airplanes. This action requires a one-time inspection of the wiring and
wire bundles of the aft main avionics rack (MAR) to determine if the
wires are damaged, or riding or chafing on structure, clamps, braces,
standoffs, or clips, and to detect damaged or out of alignment rubber
cushions inserts of the wiring clamps; and corrective actions, if
necessary. This amendment is prompted by an incident in which the
automatic and manual cargo door test in the cockpit was inoperative
during dispatch of the airplane, due to the wiring of the MAR chafing
against clamps as a result of the wire bundles being installed
improperly during production of the airplane. The actions specified in
this AD are intended to ensure that the wires that route from the main
wire bundles to the MAR and associated brackets, clamps, braces,
standoffs, and clips are installed properly. Improper installation of
such wiring and structure could cause chafing of the wire/wire bundles,
which could result in electrical arcing, smoke, and possible fire in
the MAR.
DATES: Effective May 7, 1999.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of May 7, 1999.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before June 21, 1999.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-44-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; or at the Office of the
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington,
DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brett Portwood, Aerospace Engineer,
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 the
automatic and manual cargo door test in the cockpit was inoperative.
This incident occurred on a McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series
airplane during dispatch.
Investigation revealed the insulation of a wire located on the aft
main avionics rack (MAR) was worn through, and that the wire shorted to
a coax cable clamp. The wires that route from the main wire bundles to
the MAR also were found contacting clamps at other locations of the
MAR. The cause of such chafing has been attributed to improper
installation of the wire bundles in the MAR during production of the
airplane. (This incident is 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.)
Improper installation of the wires that route from the main wire
bundles to the MAR or improper installation of associated brackets,
clamps, braces, standoffs, or clips could cause chafing of the wire/
wire bundles, which could result in electrical arcing, smoke, and
possible fire in the MAR.
Other Related 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 airworthiness directive
(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 MD11-24A146, dated February 1, 1999. The alert service
bulletin describes procedures for a one-time inspection of the wiring
and wire bundles of the aft MAR to determine if the wires are damaged,
or riding or chafing on structure, clamps, braces, standoffs, or clips,
and to detect damaged or out of alignment rubber cushions inserts of
the wiring clamps; and corrective actions, if necessary. The corrective
actions include repairing damaged wiring; routing and tying all wires/
wire bundles so that they are not in contact with adjacent wire
bundles, clamps, or structure; installing silicone rubber coated glass
cloth wrapping on wiring; and inspecting all brackets, clamps, braces,
standoffs, and clips to make sure they are not bent or twisted and come
in contact with wires/wire bundles.
Accomplishment of the actions specified in the alert service
bulletin is intended to adequately address the identified unsafe
condition.
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 ensure
that the wires that route from the main wire bundles to the MAR and
associated brackets, clamps, braces, standoffs, and clips are installed
properly. Improper installation of such wiring and structure could
cause chafing of the wire/wire bundles, which could result in
electrical arcing, smoke, and possible fire in the MAR. This AD
requires accomplishment of the actions specified in the alert service
bulletin described previously, except as
[[Page 19690]]
discussed below. This AD also requires that operators submit a report
of the inspection results to the FAA.
Differences Between the AD and the Referenced Alert Service
Bulletin
The alert service bulletin specifies the following corrective
actions for certain conditions: realigning rubber cushion and replacing
clamp. However, the alert service bulletin does not provide any
instructions for accomplishment of those procedures or reference other
service information. The FAA has verified with the manufacturer that
the appropriate source of service information for accomplishment of
those procedures is Chapter 20-30-01 of McDonnell Douglas MD-11
Airplane Maintenance Manual (AMM), dated February 1, 1999. Therefore,
this AD requires that those actions be accomplished in accordance with
the AMM.
Operators should note that, although the alert service bulletin
recommends accomplishing the one-time inspection within 6 months (after
the release of the service bulletin), the FAA has determined that an
interval of 6 months would not address the identified unsafe condition
in a timely manner. In developing an appropriate compliance time for
this AD, the FAA considered not only the manufacturer's recommendation,
but the degree of urgency associated with addressing the subject unsafe
condition, the average utilization of the affected fleet, and the time
necessary to perform the inspection (two work hours). In light of all
of these factors, the FAA finds a 60-day compliance time for initiating
the required actions to be warranted, in that it represents an
appropriate interval of time allowable for affected airplanes to
continue to operate without compromising safety.
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, 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 99-NM-44-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct
effects 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, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
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:
99-09-03 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-11135. Docket 99-NM-44-AD.
Applicability: Model MD-11 series airplanes, manufacturer's
fuselage numbers 0447 through 0464 inclusive, 466 through 0552
inclusive, 0554 through 0596 inclusive, and 0597 through 0628
inclusive; 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 (g) 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 ensure that the wires that route from the main wire bundles
to the MAR and associated brackets, clamps, braces, standoffs, and
clips are installed properly, accomplish the following:
One-Time Inspection
(a) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, perform
a one-time inspection of the wiring and wire bundles of the aft main
avionics rack (MAR) to determine if the wires are damaged, or riding
or chafing on structure, clamps, braces, standoffs, or clips, and to
detect damaged or out of alignment rubber cushions inserts of the
wiring clamps; in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service
Bulletin MD11-24A146, dated February 1, 1999.
Note 2: Where there are differences between this AD and the
referenced alert service bulletin, the AD prevails.
[[Page 19691]]
Corrective Actions
(b) If any damaged wiring is detected during the inspection
required by paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight,
repair in accordance with the alert service bulletin.
(c) If any wire/wire bundle is detected to be riding or chafing
on the subject areas during the inspection required by paragraph (a)
of this AD, prior to further flight, accomplish paragraphs (c)(1),
(c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD.
Note 3: Operators should note that paragraph 3.A.2. of the
Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service
Bulletin MD11-24A146, dated February 1, 1999, incorrectly states,
``* * * as outlined in paragraph 3.B.2 . . . .'' The correct
reference is paragraph 3.A.2.
(1) Route and tie all wires/wire bundles so that they are not in
contact with adjacent wire bundles, clamps, or structure, and if
necessary, install silicone rubber coated glass cloth wrapping on
wiring; in accordance with the alert service bulletin.
(2) Perform an inspection of all brackets, clamps, braces,
standoffs, and clips to make sure they are not bent or twisted and
do not come in contact with wires/wire bundles, in accordance with
the alert service bulletin. If any of these parts is bent or twisted
or is in contact with wires/wire bundles, prior to further flight,
reposition in accordance with the alert service bulletin.
(3) Perform an inspection of the clamps for proper alignment or
for damage of the rubber cushion, in accordance with alert service
bulletin. If any clamp is not aligned properly, prior to further
flight, realign clamp in accordance with the alert service bulletin.
If any rubber cushion is damaged, prior to further flight, replace
the clamp with a new or serviceable clamp in accordance with Chapter
20-30-01 of McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Airplane Maintenance Manual
(AMM), dated February 1, 1999.
(d) If any damaged rubber cushion insert is detected during the
inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further
flight, replace the clamp with a new or serviceable clamp in
accordance with Chapter 20-30-01 of McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Airplane
Maintenance Manual, dated February 1, 1999.
(e) If any rubber cushion insert is out of alignment, prior to
further flight, visually realign the cushion.
Reporting Requirement
(f) Within 10 days after accomplishing the inspection required
by paragraph (a) of this AD, submit a report of the inspection
results (both positive and negative findings) to the Manager, Los
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-
4137; fax (562) 627-5210. Information collection requirements
contained in this regulation have been approved by the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been
assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(g) 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 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
(h) 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
(i) Except as provided by paragraphs (c)(2), (c)(3), (d), and
(e) of this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A146, dated February
1, 1999. 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; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800
North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
(j) This amendment becomes effective on May 7, 1999.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 13, 1999.
John J. Hickey,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-10178 Filed 4-21-99; 8:45 am]
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