[Federal Register: April 19, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 75)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 20818-20819]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr19ap04-6]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-NM-292-AD; Amendment 39-13573; AD 2004-08-04]
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 adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and MD-11F
airplanes, that requires repetitive inspections of the transfer pipe
assembly installation for the tail tank for damage and cracks, and
corrective action, if necessary. This action is necessary to detect and
correct damage and cracks to the transfer pipe assembly installation
for the tail tank, which could result in fuel leakage and possible
ignition. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe
condition.
DATES: Effective May 24, 2004.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of May 24, 2004.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplanes, 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: Samuel Lee, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification
Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137;
telephone (562) 627-5262; fax (562) 627-5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model
MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes was published in the Federal Register on
November 28, 2003 (68 FR 66768). That action proposed to require
repetitive inspections of the transfer pipe assembly installation for
the tail tank for damage and cracks, and corrective action, if
necessary.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the single comment received.
The commenter supports the proposed rule.
[[Page 20819]]
Conclusion
The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
Interim Action
This AD is considered to be interim action. The manufacturer has
advised that it currently is developing Service Bulletin MD11-28-111
that will address the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. Once this
new service bulletin is developed, approved, and available, the FAA may
consider additional rulemaking.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 187 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 60 airplanes of U.S. registry
will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 2 work
hours per airplane to accomplish the required inspection, and that the
average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the
cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $7,800, or
$130 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
The cost impact figure discussed above is 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. Manufacturer warranty remedies may be available
for labor costs associated with this AD. As a result, the costs
attributable to the AD may be less than stated above.
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
0
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
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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2004-08-04 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-13573. Docket 2002-NM-
292-AD.
Applicability: Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes, as listed in
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-28A110, dated May 2,
2000; certificated in any category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To detect and correct damage and cracks to the transfer pipe
assembly installation for the tail tank, which could result in fuel
leakage and possible ignition, accomplish the following:
Service Bulletin References
(a) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the
Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service
Bulletin MD11-28A110, dated May 2, 2000. Although the service
bulletin referenced in this AD specifies to submit certain
information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include such a
requirement.
Initial Inspection
(b) Within 700 flight hours from the effective date of this AD,
perform a general visual inspection to detect any damage and
cracking on the transfer pipe assembly installation for the tail
tank, in accordance with the service bulletin.
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.''
Condition 1 (No Damage/Cracking)
(c) If no damage or cracking to the transfer pipe assembly
installation for the tail tank is found during the inspection
required by paragraph (b) of this AD, repeat that inspection
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 700 flight hours.
Condition 2 (Damage/Cracking found)
(d) If any damage or cracking to the transfer pipe assembly
installation for the tail tank is found during the inspection
required by paragraph (b) of this AD, before further flight, repair
and/or replace any damaged or cracked part with a servicable part,
per the service bulletin. Repeat that inspection thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 700 flight hours.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(e) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Los Angeles
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, is authorized to approve
alternative methods of compliance (AMOCs) for this AD.
Incorporation by Reference
(f) The actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell
Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-28A110, dated May 2, 2000. 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 Airplanes, 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
(g) This amendment becomes effective on May 24, 2004.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 6, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-8539 Filed 4-16-04; 8:45 am]
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