[Federal Register: November 12, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 218)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 64006-64008]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr12no03-14]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2001-NM-359-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, DC-
10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40,
DC-10-40F, MD-10-10F, MD-10-30F, MD-11, and MD-11F Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model
DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10),
DC-10-40, DC-10-40F, MD-10-10F, MD-10-30F, MD-11, and MD-11F airplanes.
This proposal would require repetitive operation of the exterior
emergency door handle of the forward passenger door to determine if
binding exists in the exterior emergency control handle mechanism, and
corrective action, if necessary. This action is necessary to prevent
the failure of the exterior emergency control handle mechanism of the
forward passenger door, which could delay an emergency evacuation. This
action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
DATES: Comments must be received by December 29, 2003.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NM-359-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this
location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232.
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 9-anm-nprmcomment@faa.gov. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must
contain ``Docket No. 2001-NM-359-AD'' in the subject line and need not
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 or 2000 or
ASCII text.
The service information referenced in the proposed rule 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 FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ken Sujishi, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California
90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5353; fax (562) 627-5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the
proposed 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 above. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments,
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this action may be changed in
light of the comments received.
Submit comments using the following format:
[sbull] Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
[sbull] For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed
AD is being requested.
[sbull] Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each
request.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 2001-NM-359-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped
and returned to the commenter.
Availability of NPRMs
Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules
Docket No. 2001-NM-359-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055-4056.
Discussion
The FAA has received a report indicating that the exterior
emergency function of one of the passenger doors was inoperative on a
McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 airplane. The exterior emergency door
handle would not move and activate the emergency function of the
forward passenger door. The cause was revealed to be six corroded
bearings that seized in the exterior door handle mechanism. This
condition, if not corrected, could result in the failure of the
exterior emergency control handle mechanism of the forward passenger
door, which could delay an emergency evacuation.
Similar Models
The subject area on certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, DC-
10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40,
DC-10-40F, MD-10-10F, MD-10-30F, and MD-11F airplanes is almost
identical to that on the affected Model MD-11 airplanes. Therefore, all
of these models may be subject to the same unsafe condition.
Other Related Rulemaking
The FAA is aware of a similar unsafe condition on the mid,
overwing, and aft service doors on certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-
10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10),
DC-10-40, DC-10-40F, MD-10-10F, MD-10-30F, MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes.
We may consider future rulemaking actions to address the identified
unsafe conditions.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
The FAA has reviewed and approved McDonnell Douglas Service
Bulletin MD11-52-046, Revision 02, dated October 8, 2002 (for Model MD-
11 and MD-11F airplanes); and McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC10-
52-221,
[[Page 64007]]
Revision 01, dated May 6, 2002 (for Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-
15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, DC-10-40F, MD-
10-10F, and MD-10-30F airplanes). Both service bulletins describe
procedures for repetitive operation of the exterior emergency door
handle of the forward passenger door to determine if binding exists in
the exterior emergency control handle mechanism, and corrective action,
if necessary. The corrective action is replacing the six bearings in
the exterior emergency control handle mechanism of the forward
passenger door with bearings made from corrosion resistant materials.
Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletins is
intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition.
Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other products of this same type design, the
proposed AD would require accomplishment of the actions specified in
the service bulletins described previously, except as discussed below.
Differences Between Proposed Rule and Service Bulletins
Operators should note that, although the service bulletins include
a procedure to replace the lower torque shaft bearings, this proposed
AD does not mandate such replacement. Replacement of the lower torque
shaft bearings does not address the identified unsafe condition of this
AD.
Operators should also note that, although the service bulletins
would require the replacement of seven bearings in the exterior
emergency control handle mechanism, this proposed AD would require the
replacement of only six bearings. The manufacturer has informed the FAA
that a typographical error was made in the service bulletin, and that
there are only six bearings that need to be replaced in the exterior
emergency control handle mechanism. The manufacturer is planning to
issue a new revision of the service bulletins to indicate this change.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 604 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 396 airplanes of U.S. registry
would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately
1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the proposed repetitive
operation of the exterior emergency door handle of the forward
passenger door, and that the average labor rate is $65 per work hour.
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S.
operators is estimated to be $25,740, or $65 per airplane, per
operation.
The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements
of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions
in the future if this proposed 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 proposed herein would 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 proposal would not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed
regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
and (3) if promulgated, 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 copy of the draft
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend
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:
McDonnell Douglas: Docket 2001-NM-359-AD.
Applicability: Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes; as listed in
Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-52-046, Revision 02, dated October 8,
2002; and Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F
(KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, DC-10-40F, MD-10-10F, and MD-10-30F
airplanes; as listed in Boeing Service Bulletin DC10-52-221,
Revision 01, dated May 6, 2002; certificated in any category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent the failure of the exterior emergency control handle
mechanism of the forward passenger door, which could delay an
emergency evacuation, accomplish the following:
Note 1: Where there are differences between the referenced
service bulletins and the AD, the AD prevails.
Initial Operation
(a) Within 6,000 flight hours or 18 months after the effective
date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Operate the exterior
emergency door handle of the forward passenger door to determine if
binding exists in the exterior emergency control handle mechanism,
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service
Bulletin MD11-52-046, Revision 02, dated October 8, 2002 (for Model
MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes); or Boeing Service Bulletin DC10-52-221,
Revision 01, dated May 6, 2002 (for Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-
10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, DC-10-40F,
MD-10-10F, and MD-10-30F airplanes); as applicable.
Condition 1--No Binding
(b) If there is no binding in the exterior emergency control
handle mechanism during the operation required by paragraph (a) of
this AD: Perform the action in either paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of
this AD in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Service Bulletin MD11-52-046, Revision 02, dated October 8, 2002
(for Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes); or Boeing Service Bulletin
DC10-52-221, Revision 01, dated May 6, 2002 (for Model DC-10-10, DC-
10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40,
DC-10-40F, MD-10-10F, and MD-10-30F airplanes); as applicable:
(1) Repeat the operation of the exterior emergency door handle
of the forward passenger door thereafter at intervals not to exceed
6,000 flight hours or 18 months, whichever occurs later.
(2) Replace the six bearings in the exterior emergency control
handle mechanism of the
[[Page 64008]]
forward passenger door with bearings made from corrosion resistant
materials. Accomplishment of the replacement constitutes terminating
action for the requirements of this AD.
Condition 2--Binding
(c) If there is binding in the exterior emergency control handle
mechanism during any operation required by paragraph (a) or (b)(1)
of this AD: Before further flight, replace the six bearings in the
exterior emergency control handle mechanism of the forward passenger
door with bearings made from corrosion resistant materials in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service
Bulletin MD11-52-046, Revision 02, dated October 8, 2002 (for Model
MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes); or Boeing Service Bulletin DC10-52-221,
Revision 01, dated May 6, 2002 (for Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-
10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, DC-10-40F,
MD-10-10F, and MD-10-30F airplanes); as applicable. Accomplishment
of the replacement constitutes terminating action for the
requirements of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(d) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Los Angeles
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, is authorized to approve
alternative methods of compliance for this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 4, 2003.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-28325 Filed 11-10-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P