[Federal Register: July 13, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 133)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 41990-41992]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr13jy04-25]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2004-18573; Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-71-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 airplanes. This proposed AD
would require revising the cable connection stackups for mid-cabin
terminal strips, replacing the terminal strips, and removing a
nameplate, as applicable. This proposed AD also would require an
inspection for arcing damage in the mid-cabin area, and corrective
actions if necessary. This proposed AD is prompted by an incident in
which arcing occurred between the power feeder cables and support
bracket of the terminal strips. We are proposing this AD to prevent
arcing damage to the terminal strips and damage to the adjacent
structure, which could result in smoke and/or fire in the mid-cabin
compartment.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 27, 2004.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590.
By fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400
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Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
You can get the service information identified in this proposed AD
from Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Long Beach Division, 3855 Lakewood
Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Data and Service
Management, Dept. C1-L5A (D800-0024).
You may examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at
http://dms.dot.gov, or at the Docket Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401, on
the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Docket Management System (DMS)
The FAA has implemented new procedures for maintaining AD dockets
electronically. As of May 17, 2004, new AD actions are posted on DMS
and assigned a docket number. We track each action and assign a
corresponding directorate identifier. The DMS AD docket number is in
the form ``Docket No. FAA-2004-99999.'' The Transport Airplane
Directorate identifier is in the form ``Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
999-AD.'' Each DMS AD docket also lists the directorate identifier
(``Old Docket Number'') as a cross-reference for searching purposes.
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any written relevant data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2004-18573;
Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-71-AD'' in the subject line of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments submitted by the closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov
, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of
that website, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union,
etc.). You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you
may visit http://dms.dot.gov.
We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of
our communications that affect you. You can get more information about
plain language at http://www.faa.gov/language and http://www.plainlanguage.gov.Examining
the Docket
You may examine the AD docket in person at the Docket Management
Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility office
(telephone (800) 647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif
Building at the DOT street address stated in the ADDRESSES section.
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS
receives them.
Discussion
As part of our practice of re-examining all aspects of the service
experience of a particular aircraft whenever an accident occurs, we
have become aware of an incident in which arcing occurred between the
power feeder cables and support bracket of the terminal strips on a
McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 airplane. Investigation revealed that
inadequate clearance exists between the terminal strips and associated
support brackets in the center and aft cargo compartments. This
condition, if not corrected, could result in arcing damage to the
terminal strips and damage to the adjacent structure, which could
result in smoke and/or fire in the mid-cabin compartment.
Other Related Rulemaking
In conjunction with Boeing and operators of Model MD-11 airplanes,
we have reviewed all aspects of the service history of those airplanes
to identify potential unsafe conditions and to take appropriate
corrective actions. This proposed AD is one of a series of corrective
actions identified during that process. We have previously issued
several other ADs and may consider further rulemaking actions to
address the remaining identified unsafe conditions.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-
24A176, dated May 27, 2003. The service bulletin describes procedures
for revising the cable connection stackups for mid-cabin terminal
strips, replacing the terminal strips, and removing a nameplate, as
applicable. The service bulletin also describes procedures for
inspecting for arcing damage in the mid-cabin area, and corrective
actions if damage is found. Corrective actions include repair of the
damaged part or replacement with a new part. We have determined that
accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletin will
adequately address the unsafe condition.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes
of this same type design. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which
would require accomplishment of the actions specified in the service
bulletin described previously, except as discussed under ``Differences
Between the Proposed AD and Service Bulletin.''
Differences Between the Proposed AD and Service Bulletin
Operators should note that the service bulletin specifies to repair
damaged structure in accordance with the Structural Repair Manual
(SRM). However, the SRM does not provide procedures for repair of
certain structural material. Therefore, this proposed AD would require
the repair of damaged structure that is not covered in the SRM to be
done in accordance with a method approved by the FAA.
Although McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A176,
dated May 27, 2003, including paragraph 4, ``Appendix,'' and Evaluation
Form, specifies to submit information to the manufacturer, this
proposed AD does not include that requirement.
Costs of Compliance
This proposed AD would affect about 23 airplanes of U.S. registry
and 90 airplanes worldwide. The proposed actions would take between 5
and 6 work hours per airplane, depending on the airplane configuration,
at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Required parts would
cost between $673 and $975 depending on the airplane configuration. The
airplane
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configuration group requiring the fewest number of work hours requires
parts that cost approximately $710. Based on these figures, the
estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators is between $1,035
and $1,365 per airplane depending on the airplane configuration.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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. 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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location
to examine the regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
McDonnell Douglas: Docket No. FAA-2004-18573; Directorate Identifier
2003-NM-71-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive
comments on this AD action by August 27, 2004.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series
airplanes, as listed in paragraph 1.A.1. of McDonnell Douglas Alert
Service Bulletin MD11-24A176, dated May 27, 2003; certificated in
any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by an incident in which arcing occurred
between the power feeder cables and support bracket of the terminal
strips. We are issuing this AD to prevent arcing damage to the
terminal strips and damage to the adjacent structure, which could
result in smoke and/or fire in the mid-cabin compartment.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Revise Wire Connection Stackups; Remove Nameplate, as Applicable; and
Inspect for Damage
(f) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, do the
actions specified in (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service
Bulletin MD11-24A176, dated May 27, 2003. Although the service
bulletin specifies to submit information to the manufacturer in
paragraph 4, ``Appendix,'' this AD does not include that
requirement.
(1) Revise the wire connection stackups, replace the terminal
strips for the power feeder cables, and remove nameplates, as
applicable, at the affected mid-cabin locations.
(2) Do a general visual inspection to detect arcing damage of
the surrounding structure, adjacent system component, and electrical
cables in the mid-cabin area.
Note 1: 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.''
Corrective Action If Necessary
(g) If any damage is detected during the inspection required by
paragraph (f) of this AD, before further flight, repair damage or
replace the damaged part with a new part, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service
Bulletin MD11-24A176, dated May 27, 2003. If the type of structural
material that has been damaged is not covered in the Structural
Repair Manual, before further flight, repair in accordance with a
method approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification
Office (ACO), FAA.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(h) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found
in 14 CFR 39.19.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 30, 2004.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-15762 Filed 7-12-04; 8:45 am]
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