[Federal Register: January 31, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 21)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 4900-4902]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr31ja03-4]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2001-NM-277-AD; Amendment 39-13032; AD 2003-03-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-10, DC-9-
20, DC-9-30, DC-9-40, and DC-9-50 Series 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 DC-9-10, DC-9-20, DC-9-
30, DC-9-40, and DC-9-50 series airplanes, that requires a one-time
inspection at a certain disconnect panel in the left forward cargo
compartment to find contamination of electrical connectors and to
determine if a dripshield is installed over the disconnect panel, and
corrective actions if necessary. The actions specified by this AD are
intended to find and fix contamination of certain electrical connectors
and prevent future contamination of these connectors, which could cause
electrical arcing that could result in a fire on the airplane. This
action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
DATES: Effective March 7, 2003.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of March 7, 2003.
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: Elvin K. Wheeler, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California
90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5344; 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
DC-9-10, DC-9-20, DC-9-30, DC-9-40, and DC-9-50 series airplanes was
published in the Federal Register on August 23, 2002 (67 FR 54597).
That action proposed to require a one-time inspection at a certain
disconnect panel in the left forward cargo compartment to find
contamination of electrical connectors and to determine if a dripshield
is installed over the disconnect panel, and corrective actions 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 comments received.
Request To Clarify Applicability
One commenter asks that the applicability in the proposed AD be
clarified, in that it only applies to airplanes with forward lavatories
installed. The commenter notes that Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC9-
24A190, Revision 01, dated November 21, 2001 (which is referenced as
the appropriate source of service information for accomplishment of the
actions specified in the proposed AD), specifies airplanes that had
forward lavatories installed. The commenter adds that such
clarification would eliminate the need for an alternative method of
compliance for airplanes without a forward lavatory.
The FAA agrees with the commenter. We have changed the
applicability section in this final rule to clarify that it applies
only to airplanes with forward lavatories installed.
Request To Extend Compliance Time
One commenter asks that the compliance time in the proposed AD be
extended from 18 to 24 months after the effective date of the AD. The
commenter states that per the 18 month compliance time, 159 airplanes
in the DC-9 fleet must be modified during normal ``L,'' ``H,'' and
``M'' maintenance checks. The commenter adds that meeting the 18-month
compliance time may require special maintenance visits, and changing
the compliance time to 24 months would allow time for accomplishment of
the inspection and for the airplane manufacturer to provide parts to
support replacement of the dripshield, if necessary, during normal
maintenance visits.
We do not agree with the commenter. The commenter provides no
technical data to justify its statement that the proposed compliance
time should be extended. In developing an appropriate compliance time
for this AD, we considered not only the safety implications, but the
manufacturer's recommendations, availability of spare parts, and the
practical aspect of accomplishing the inspection within an interval of
time that parallels normal scheduled maintenance for affected
operators. In consideration of all of these factors, we have determined
that the compliance time, as proposed, represents an appropriate
interval in which the inspection can be
[[Page 4901]]
accomplished in a timely manner within the fleet and still maintain an
adequate level of safety. However, under the provisions of paragraph
(c) of the final rule, we may approve requests for adjustments to the
compliance time if data are submitted to substantiate that such an
adjustment would provide an acceptable level of safety. No change to
the final rule is necessary in this regard.
Request To Change Cost Impact Section
One commenter does not agree with the manpower estimates in the
Cost Impact section of the proposed AD. The commenter states that,
under the worst conditions, an airplane will have blue water
contamination and no dripshield installed. The commenter adds that it
will take one sheet metal mechanic 6 hours to install the dripshield
and all open/close access requirements; and it will take one electrical
technician 8 hours to clean each electrical connector and do affected
system checks. The commenter notes that these estimates are based on
actual labor done on one of its airplanes. The commenter also provided
estimates of the inflated cost of parts ordered with a 300-day lead-
time.
From this comment, we infer that the commenter is asking that the
cost impact estimate be revised. We do not agree. The economic analysis
of the AD is limited only to the cost of actions actually required by
the rule. It does not consider the costs of ``on condition'' actions,
such as installation of an electrical connector or a dripshield if
discrepancies are found during a required inspection (``corrective
actions, if necessary''). Such ``on-condition'' corrective actions
would be required to be accomplished, regardless of AD direction, to
correct an unsafe condition identified in an airplane and to ensure
operation of that airplane in an airworthy condition, as required by
the Federal Aviation Regulations. Therefore, no change to the final
rule is necessary in this regard.
Explanation of Editorial Change
We have changed the service bulletin citation throughout this final
rule to exclude the Evaluation Form. (The form is intended to be
completed by operators and submitted to the manufacturer to provide
input on the quality of the service bulletin; however, this AD does not
include such a requirement.)
Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, including the comments
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public
interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes previously
described. 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 80 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 51 airplanes of U.S. registry
will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 1 work
hour per airplane to accomplish the required inspection, and that the
average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the
cost impact of the inspection on U.S. operators is estimated to be
$3,060, or $60 per airplane.
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.
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:
2003-03-08 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-13032. Docket 2001-NM-
277-AD.
Applicability: Model DC-9-11, DC-9-12, DC-9-13, DC-9-14, DC-9-
15, DC-9-15F, DC-9-21, DC-9-31, DC-9-32, DC-9-32 (VC-9C), DC-9-32F,
DC-9-32F (C-9A, C-9B), DC-9-33F, DC-9-34, DC-9-34F, DC-9-41, and DC-
9-51 airplanes equipped with forward lavatories; as listed in Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin DC9-24A190, Revision 01, dated November 21,
2001; 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 (c) 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 find and fix contamination of certain electrical connectors
and prevent future contamination of these connectors, which could
cause electrical arcing and result in a fire on the airplane,
accomplish the following:
One-Time Inspection and Corrective Actions
(a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD,
perform a one-time general visual inspection of the disconnect panel
at station Y=237.000 in the left forward cargo compartment to find
evidence of contamination (e.g., staining or corrosion) of
electrical connectors by blue water, and to determine if a
dripshield is installed over the
[[Page 4902]]
disconnect panel. Do this inspection according to the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC9-24A190, Revision
01, excluding Evaluation Form, dated November 21, 2001.
(1) If no evidence of contamination of electrical connectors is
found, and a dripshield is installed, no further action is required
by this AD.
(2) If any evidence of contamination of any electrical connector
is found: Before further flight, remove each affected connector, and
install a new or serviceable connector according to the service
bulletin.
(3) If no dripshield is installed over the disconnect panel:
Before further flight, install a dripshield according to the service
bulletin.
Previously Accomplished Inspections and Corrective Actions
(b) Inspections and corrective actions accomplished before the
effective date of this AD in accordance with Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin DC9-24A190, dated July 31, 2001, are considered acceptable
for compliance with the corresponding action specified in this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(c) 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 2: 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
(d) 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
(e) Unless otherwise specified by this AD, the actions shall be
done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC9-24A190,
Revision 01, excluding Evaluation Form, dated November 21, 2001.
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 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
(f) This amendment becomes effective on March 7, 2003.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 22, 2003.
Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-1954 Filed 1-30-03; 8:45 am]
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