[Federal Register: December 4, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 233)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 67794-67796]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr04de03-4]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2000-NM-150-AD; Amendment 39-13383; AD 2003-24-14]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-81 (MD-
81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), and MD-88
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 DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-
82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), and MD-88 airplanes. This action
requires one-time inspections to detect discrepancies of electrical
wiring installations in various areas of the airplane, and corrective
action if necessary. The actions specified by this AD are intended to
prevent smoke and fire in various areas of the airplane due to heat
damage and/or electrical arcing of improperly installed wiring. This
action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
DATES: Effective January 8, 2004.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of January 8, 2004.
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-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), and
MD-88 airplanes was published as a supplemental notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register on July 24, 2003 (68 FR
43690). That action proposed to require one-time inspections to detect
discrepancies of electrical wiring installations in various areas of
the airplane, 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 comments received.
Shorten Compliance Time
One commenter requests that the proposed six-year compliance time
for performing a detailed inspection to detect discrepancies of exposed
electrical wiring installations be shortened to between six months and
one year. This commenter suggests that the proposed compliance time may
be too long to fly safely with a potential unsafe condition for
passengers and for people living under the flight paths. The commenter
also suggests that airplane operators will likely delay necessary
repairs until the final part of the proposed compliance time.
The FAA does not agree with the need for a shorter compliance time.
In developing the proposed compliance time, we found that the six-year
compliance time accommodates operators' schedules while still
maintaining an adequate level of safety.
[[Page 67795]]
We also considered that if discrepancies are found during the proposed
inspections, corrective action must be taken before further flight. In
consideration of these factors, we determined that the compliance time,
as proposed, represents an appropriate interval. Operators are always
permitted to accomplish the requirements of an AD at a time earlier
than the specified compliance time. If additional data are presented
that would justify a shorter compliance time, we may consider further
rulemaking on this issue.
Revise Costs Based on Operator Experience
One commenter, on behalf of an airline operator, noted that the
cost estimate of 46 work hours per airplane presented in the
supplemental NPRM is too low and does not take into account operator
experience in accomplishing the required detailed inspections.
According to one commenter's experience, 92 work hours per airplane
better represents the amount of time needed to complete the detailed
inspections required by the proposed AD.
We infer that the commenter is requesting that the Cost Impact
section of the supplemental NPRM be revised. We partially agree with
the commenter's rationale. We agree that the specified work hours may
not always accurately reflect the amount of time necessary to complete
the required work for every airplane or for every operator. We also
recognize that material and labor costs to fix any discrepancy cannot
be accurately estimated for each airplane. However, as explained in the
Cost Impact section of the supplemental NPRM, the economic analysis of
the AD is limited to the cost of actions that would actually be
required by the AD. The economic analysis does not consider the costs
of conditional actions, such as repairing discrepancies found during a
required inspection. Such conditional 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. No change to this AD is necessary regarding this issue.
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 as proposed.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 1,191 airplanes of the affected design in
the worldwide fleet. Estimates of the costs of the required actions are
provided in the following table:
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Work hours Labor rate/ Cost per U.S. U.S. fleet
Service bulletin per airplane hour airplane airplanes cost
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MD80-24-176..................... 8 $65 $520 732 $380,640
MD80-24-177..................... 5 65 325 732 237,900
MD80-24-178..................... 8 65 520 732 380,640
MD80-24-179..................... 8 65 520 732 380,640
MD80-24-180..................... 8 65 520 732 380,640
MD80-24-181..................... 6 65 390 732 285,480
MD80-24-182..................... 3 65 195 732 142,740
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The cost impact figures discussed above are 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:
2003-24-14 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-13383. Docket 2000-NM-
150-AD.
Applicability: All Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-
83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), and MD-88 airplanes; certificated in
any category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
Note 1: The FAA recommends that the actions required by this AD
be accomplished after replacing the metallized
polyethyleneteraphthalate (MPET) insulation blankets, as required by
AD 2000-11-02, amendment 39-11750.
To prevent smoke and fire in various areas of the airplane due
to heat damage and/or electrical arcing of improperly installed
wiring, accomplish the following:
[[Page 67796]]
Inspection
(a) Within 6 years after the effective date of this AD: Perform
a detailed inspection to detect discrepancies of exposed electrical
wiring installations as specified in Table 1 of this AD. Specific
discrepancies are listed in paragraph 3.B.3. of each service
bulletin. Prior to further flight thereafter, perform corrective
actions in accordance with the service bulletin, as applicable.
Table 1.--Inspection Requirements
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In accordance with the
Inspect the electrical wiring following Boeing Service
installations in the-- Bulletin--
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(1) Flight compartment and forward drop MD80-24-176, Revision 02,
ceiling. Excluding Appendix, dated
January 21, 2003.
(2) Electrical/electronic compartment.. MD80-24-177, Revision 02,
Excluding Appendix, dated
January 21, 2003.
(3) Forward passenger compartment from MD80-24-178, Revision 02,
stations Y = 218.000 to Y = 846.000. Excluding Appendix, dated
January 21, 2003.
(4) Aft passenger compartment from MD80-24-179, Revision 02,
stations Y = 846.000 to Y = 1338.000. Excluding Appendix, dated
January 21, 2003.
(5) Forward and mid cargo compartments MD80-24-180, Revision 02,
from stations Y = 218.000 to Y = Excluding Appendix, dated
811.000. January 21, 2003.
(6) Aft cargo compartment from stations MD80-24-181, Revision 02,
Y = 1033.000 to Y = 1338.000. Excluding Appendix, dated
January 21, 2003.
(7) Forward accessory compartment from MD80-24-182, Revision 02,
stations Y = 41.000 to Y = 70.000. Excluding Appendix, dated
January 21, 2003.
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Note 2: 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.''
(b) Although the service bulletins identified in Table 1 of this
AD specify that operators provide a report of inspection findings,
this AD does not require such information.
(c) An inspection done before the effective date of this AD is
acceptable for compliance with the inspection requirements of this
AD, if accomplished in accordance with the corresponding service
bulletin identified in Table 1 of this AD, the original version,
dated July 14, 2000, or July 14, 2000; or Revision 01, dated June
12, 2001.
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.
Incorporation by Reference
(e) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be
done in accordance with the Boeing Service Bulletins in Table 2 of
this AD, as applicable:
Table 2.--Boeing Service Bulletins
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Revision
Service bulletin level Date
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MD80-24-176, Excluding Appendix 02 January 21, 2003.
MD80-24-177, Excluding Appendix 02 January 21, 2003.
MD80-24-178, Excluding Appendix 02 January 21, 2003.
MD80-24-179, Excluding Appendix 02 January 21, 2003.
MD80-24-180, Excluding Appendix 02 January 21, 2003.
MD80-24-181, Excluding Appendix 02 January 21, 2003.
MD80-24-182, Excluding Appendix 02 January 21, 2003.
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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 January 8, 2004.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 26, 2003.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-30111 Filed 12-3-03; 8:45 am]
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