[Federal Register: November 26, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 228)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 70684-70686]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr26no02-7]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2001-NM-84-AD; Amendment 39-12961; AD 2002-23-17]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-90-30
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to all McDonnell Douglas Model MD-90-30 airplanes, that
requires one-time inspections to detect discrepancies of electrical
wiring installations in various areas of the airplane; and corrective
actions, if necessary. The actions specified by this AD are intended to
prevent electrical arcing and/or heat-damaged wiring due to improper
wire installations or maintenance practices, which could result in fire
and smoke in various areas of the airplane. This action is intended to
address the identified unsafe condition.
DATES: Effective December 31, 2002.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of December 21, 2002.
ADDRESSES: 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: 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: George Mabuni, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount
Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5341;
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 all McDonnell Douglas Model MD-90-
30 airplanes was published in the Federal Register on June 12, 2002 (67
FR 40249). That action proposed to require one-time inspections to
detect discrepancies of electrical wiring installations in various
areas of the airplane; and corrective actions, if necessary.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.
Explanation of Minor Changes to the Proposed AD
Because the language in Notes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 of the
proposed AD is regulatory in nature, those notes have been redesignated
(and consolidated) as new paragraph (c) of this final rule. The
remaining lettered paragraphs and Notes have been reidentified
accordingly.
The identity of each service bulletin in the proposed AD has been
changed in this final rule from ``* * * including Appendix A'' to ``* *
* excluding Appendix and Evaluation Form.'' The Appendix and Evaluation
Form normally attached to the service bulletins are excluded because
they do not contain information necessary to accomplish the
requirements of this AD. Further, the Appendix was misidentified in the
proposed AD as ``Appendix A.''
Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, the FAA has determined
that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the
rule with the changes described previously. The FAA has determined that
these changes will neither increase the economic burden on any operator
nor increase the scope of the AD.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 115 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 25 airplanes of U.S. registry
will be affected by this AD, that it will take
[[Page 70685]]
approximately 49 work hours per airplane to accomplish all of the
inspections, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour.
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the inspections required by
this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $73,500, or $2,940 per
airplane. Warranty remedies may be available from the airplane
manufacturer for labor costs associated with this AD. As a result, the
costs attributable to the AD may be less than stated above.
The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that
no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD,
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.
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
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:
2002-23-17 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-12961. Docket 2001-NM-84-
AD.
Applicability: All Model MD-90-30 airplanes, 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 (d) 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.
Note 2: The FAA recommends that the actions required by this AD
be accomplished after the replacement of the metallized
polyethyleneteraphthalate (MPET) insulation blankets required by AD
2000-11-01, amendment 39-11749.
To prevent electrical arcing and/or heat-damaged wiring due to
improper wire installations or maintenance practices, which could
result in fire and smoke in various areas of the airplane,
accomplish the following:
One-Time Detailed Inspections
(a) Within 5 years after the effective date of this AD,
accomplish the actions specified in paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2),
(a)(3), (a)(4), (a)(5), (a)(6), and (a)(7) of this AD.
(1) Do a one-time detailed inspection of all electrical wiring
installations in the flight compartment and forward drop ceiling
area, according to the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service
Bulletin MD90-24-066, excluding Appendix and Evaluation Form,
Revision 01, dated February 8, 2001.
Note 3: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is
defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a specific
structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage,
failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally
supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity
deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror,
magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate
access procedures may be required.''
(2) Do a one-time detailed inspection of all electrical wiring
installations in the electronic/electrical (E/E) compartment
according to the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service
Bulletin MD90-24-067, excluding Appendix and Evaluation Form,
Revision 01, dated February 8, 2001.
(3) Do a one-time detailed inspection of all electrical wiring
installations in the forward passenger compartment from stations
Y=260.000 to Y=902.000 according to the Accomplishment Instructions
of Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-24-068, excluding Appendix and
Evaluation Form, Revision 01, dated February 8, 2001.
(4) Do a one-time detailed inspection of all electrical wiring
installations in the aft passenger compartment from stations
Y=902.000 to Y=1395.000 according to the Accomplishment Instructions
of Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-24-069, excluding Appendix and
Evaluation Form, Revision 01, dated February 8, 2001.
(5) Do a one-time detailed inspection of all electrical wiring
installations in the forward and mid cargo compartments from
stations Y=218.000 to Y=845.000 according to the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-24-070, excluding
Appendix and Evaluation Form, Revision 01, dated February 8, 2001.
(6) Do a one-time detailed inspection of all electrical wiring
installations in the aft cargo compartment from stations Y=1064.000
to Y=1369.000 according to the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Service Bulletin MD90-24-071, excluding Appendix and Evaluation
Form, Revision 01, dated February 8, 2001.
(7) Do a one-time detailed inspection of all electrical wiring
installations in the forward accessory compartment from stations
Y=41.000 to Y=70.000 according to the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-24-072, excluding Appendix and
Evaluation Form, Revision 01, dated February 8, 2001.
Corrective Action
(b) If any discrepancy is detected during any inspection
required by paragraph (a) of this AD: Before further flight,
accomplish the applicable corrective action(s) according to the
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletins
listed in paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), (b)(3), (b)(4), (b)(5), (b)(6),
and (b)(7) of this AD. Corrective actions that may be necessary
include repairing cracked, split, or torn wiring insulation; re-
attaching nylon (caterpillar) grommets; installing smaller-sized
clamps; adjusting, replacing, or tightening sta-straps;
repositioning certain wiring or clamps; tightening or securing
clamps, terminals, or wire bundles; re-torquing screw terminals of
the flag lug bus bar; repairing or replacing certain wiring,
terminals, splices, or connectors; installing protective sleeving
over wiring; and installing a silicone glass cloth over conduit
ends.
(1) Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-24-066, excluding Appendix and
Evaluation Form, Revision 01, dated February 8, 2001.
[[Page 70686]]
(2) Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-24-067, excluding Appendix and
Evaluation Form, Revision 01, dated February 8, 2001.
(3) Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-24-068, excluding Appendix and
Evaluation Form, Revision 01, dated February 8, 2001.
(4) Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-24-069, excluding Appendix and
Evaluation Form, Revision 01, dated February 8, 2001.
(5) Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-24-070, excluding Appendix and
Evaluation Form, Revision 01, dated February 8, 2001.
(6) Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-24-071, excluding Appendix and
Evaluation Form, Revision 01, dated February 8, 2001.
(7) Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-24-072, excluding Appendix and
Evaluation Form, Revision 01, dated February 8, 2001.
Note 4: The Appendix of the service bulletins referenced in
paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), (b)(3), (b)(4), (b)(5), (b)(6), and
(b)(7) of this AD contains a form to report inspection findings.
This AD does NOT require such reports to be submitted to the FAA.
Credit for Previous Accomplishment per Earlier Service Bulletin Version
(c) Inspections and corrective actions done before the effective
date of this AD according to the Accomplishment Instructions of the
applicable service bulletins listed in the following table are
acceptable for compliance with the applicable paragraphs of this AD:
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McDonnell Douglas service bulletin Applicable paragraphs of this AD
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MD90-24-066, excluding Appendix (a)(1) and (b)(1)
and Evaluation Form, dated July
28, 2000.
MD90-24-067, excluding Appendix (a)(2) and (b)(2)
and Evaluation form, dated July
28, 2000.
MD90-24-068, excluding Appendix (a)(3) and (b)(3)
and Evaluation Form, dated July
28, 2000.
MD90-24-069, excluding Appendix (a)(4) and (b)(4)
and Evaluation Form, dated July
28, 2000.
MD90-24-070, excluding Appendix (a)(5) and (b)(5)
and Evaluation Form, dated July
28, 2000.
MD90-24-071, excluding Appendix (a)(6) and (b)(6)
and Evaluation Form, dated July
28, 2000.
MD90-24-072, excluding Appendix (a)(7) and (b)(7)
and Evaluation Form, dated July
28, 2000.
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Alternative Methods of Compliance
(d) 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. 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 5: 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
(e) 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
(f) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be
done in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-24-066,
excluding Appendix and Evaluation Form, Revision 01, dated February
8, 2001; Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-24-067, excluding Appendix and
Evaluation Form, Revision 01, dated February 8, 2001; Boeing Service
Bulletin MD90-24-068, excluding Appendix and Evaluation Form,
Revision 01, dated February 8, 2001; Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-
24-069, excluding Appendix and Evaluation Form, Revision 01, dated
February 8, 2001; Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-24-070, excluding
Appendix and Evaluation Form, Revision 01, dated February 8, 2001;
Boeing Service Bulletin MD90-24-071, excluding Appendix and
Evaluation Form, Revision 01, dated February 8, 2001; and Boeing
Service Bulletin MD90-24-072, excluding Appendix and Evaluation
Form, Revision 01, dated February 8, 2001; as applicable. 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: 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 ACO, 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 December 31, 2002.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 14, 2002.
Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-29805 Filed 11-25-02; 8:45 am]
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