[Federal Register: December 23, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 246)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 74166-74167]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr23de03-5]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-NM-08-AD; Amendment 39-13396; AD 2003-25-13]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, DC-
10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10),
DC-10-40, and DC-10-40F 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 airplanes, that requires a one-
time inspection for damage of the power feeder cables and surrounding
structure, and repair if necessary. For certain airplanes, this
amendment requires fabricating and installing a power feeder support
bracket assembly and clamps at station Y=595.000, left side. For
certain other airplanes, this amendment requires installing two power
feeder support brackets and clamps at station Y=606.000, left side.
This action is necessary to prevent chafing of the external ground
power feeder cables against the adjacent structure, which could result
in arcing and fire. This action is intended to address the identified
unsafe condition.
DATES: Effective January 27, 2004.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of January 27, 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: Natalie Phan-Tran, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California
90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5343; 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-10 airplanes was published in the Federal Register on September 8,
2003 (68 FR 52870). That action proposed to require a one-time
inspection for damage of the power feeder cables and surrounding
structure, and repair if necessary. For certain airplanes, that action
proposed to require fabricating and installing a power feeder support
bracket assembly and clamps at station Y=595.000, left side. For
certain other airplanes, that action proposed to require installing two
power feeder support brackets and clamps at station Y=606.000, left
side.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the comment received. The commenter supports the proposal.
Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, including the comment
noted above, we have determined that air safety and the public interest
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 59 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 44 airplanes of U.S. registry
will be affected by this AD.
It will take approximately 2 to 3 work hours per airplane to
accomplish the required actions, at an average labor rate of $65 per
work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $385 per airplane.
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is
estimated to be $22,660 to 25,520, or $515 to $580 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.
[[Page 74167]]
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:
2003-25-13 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-13396. Docket 2002-NM-08-
AD.
Applicability: Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30,
DC-10-30F, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, and DC-10-40F
airplanes; certificated in any category; as listed in Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin DC10-24A171, Revision 02, dated March 7, 2003.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent chafing of the external ground power feeder cables
against the adjacent structure, which could result in arcing and
fire, accomplish the following:
Inspection
(a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD: Perform
a general visual inspection for damage of the power feeder cables
and surrounding structure, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-24A171, Revision
02, dated March 7, 2003. If any damage is found, repair it before
further flight in accordance with the service bulletin. Inspections
and repairs done before the effective date of this AD in accordance
with Revision 01 of the service bulletin, dated November 6, 2002,
are also acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this
paragraph.
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.''
Bracket Installation
(b) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD: Perform
the actions specified in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this AD in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin DC10-24A171, Revision 02, dated March 7, 2003.
Accomplishment of the actions before the effective date of this AD
in accordance with Revision 01 of the service bulletin, dated
November 6, 2002, is also acceptable for compliance with the
requirements of this paragraph.
(1) For Group 1 and Group 3 airplanes: Fabricate and install a
new power feeder support bracket assembly and clamps at station
Y=595.000, left side. Bracket fabrication and installation done
before the effective date of this AD in accordance with the original
issue of the service bulletin, dated October 18, 2001, is also
acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (b)(1)
of this AD.
(2) For Group 2 airplanes: Install 2 power feeder support
brackets and clamps at station Y=606.000, left side.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(c) 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
(d) Unless otherwise specified by this AD, the actions shall be
done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-24A171,
Revision 02, dated March 7, 2003. 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
(e) This amendment becomes effective on January 27, 2004.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 11, 2003.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-31193 Filed 12-22-03; 8:45 am]
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