[Federal Register: September 22, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 183)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 56680-56682]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr22se04-5]
[[Page 56680]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2003-NM-69-AD; Amendment 39-13799; AD 2004-19-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and -11F
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive
(AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and MD-11F
airplanes, that currently requires replacing terminal strips and
supports above the main cabin area and avionics compartment with new
strips and supports, as applicable. That AD also requires performing an
inspection to detect arcing damage of the surrounding structure of the
terminal strips and electrical cables in the avionics compartment, and
repairing or replacing any damaged component with a new component. This
amendment expands the applicability of the existing AD to include
additional airplanes. For certain airplanes, this action also requires
replacement of the terminal board for the applicable item numbers in
the aft passenger compartment. The actions specified by this AD are
intended to prevent electrical arcing caused by power feeder cable
terminal lugs grounding against terminal strip support brackets, which
could result in smoke and fire in the main cabin or avionics
compartment. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe
condition.
DATES: Effective October 27, 2004.
The incorporation by reference of a certain publication, as listed
in the regulations, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register
as of October 27, 2004.
The incorporation by reference of a certain other publication, as
listed in the regulations, was approved previously by the Director of
the Federal Register as of August 23, 2002 (67 FR 47647, July 19,
2002).
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 National
Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the
availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to:
http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html
.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brett Portwood, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California
90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5350; fax (562) 627-5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 2002-14-09,
amendment 39-12809 (67 FR 47647, July 19, 2002), which is applicable to
certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes, was
published in the Federal Register on May 27, 2004 (69 FR 30245). The
action proposed to expand the applicability of the existing AD to
include additional airplanes. For certain airplanes, the action also
proposed to require replacement of the terminal board for the
applicable item numbers in the aft passenger compartment.
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.
Conclusion
The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
Explanation of Change Made to Final Rule
Because the language in Note 2 of the proposed AD is regulatory in
nature, that note has been included in paragraph (d) of this final
rule.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 154 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A178.
The FAA estimates that 61 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected
by this AD. The cost estimate for those airplanes is as follows:
1. The actions that are currently required by AD 2002-14-09 and
retained in this AD take approximately 3 or 4 work hours per airplane
(depending on airplane configuration) to accomplish, at an average
labor rate of $65 per work hour. Required parts cost approximately
$1,142 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the
currently required actions on U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,337
or $1,420 per airplane (depending on airplane configuration).
2. For Group 3 and 4 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin MD11-24A178, the new actions that are required in this AD
action take approximately 4 (kit/part number SA11240178-3) or 5 (kit/
part number SA11240178-5) work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an
average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Required parts will cost
approximately $3,031 (kit/part number SA11240178-3) or $617 per
airplane (kit/part number SA11240178-5). Based on these figures, the
cost impact of these new requirements of this AD on U.S. operators is
estimated to be $3,291 (kit/part number SA11240178-3) or $942 (kit/part
number SA11240178-5) per airplane.
There are approximately 103 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin
MD11-24A177. The FAA estimates that 33 airplanes of U.S. registry will
be affected by this AD.
For airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-
24A177, the new replacement that is required in this AD action takes
between 1 and 3 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average
labor rate of $65 per work hour. Required parts will cost between $114
and $876 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the
new replacement requirements of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated
to be between $5,907 and $35,343, or between $179 and $1,071 per
airplane.
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.
[[Page 56681]]
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 removing amendment 39-12809 (67 FR
47647, July 19, 2002), and by adding a new airworthiness directive
(AD), to read as follows:
2004-19-05 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-13799. Docket 2003-NM-69-
AD. Supersedes AD 2002-14-09, Amendment 39-12809.
Applicability: Model MD-11 and -11F airplanes, as listed in
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A178, Revision 02, dated March
11, 2003, and McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A177,
dated July 18, 2003; certificated in any category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent electrical arcing caused by power feeder cable
terminal lugs grounding against terminal strip support brackets,
which could result in smoke and fire in the main cabin or avionics
compartment, accomplish the following:
Certain Requirements of AD 2002-14-09, Amendment 39-12809
Replacement, Inspection, and Corrective Action If Necessary
(a) For airplanes listed in the effectivity of McDonnell Douglas
Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A178, Revision 01, dated December 17,
2001: Within 18 months after August 23, 2002 (the effective date of
AD 2002-14-09, amendment 39-12809), do the actions specified in
paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD per the service bulletin.
(1) Replace the applicable terminal strips in the avionics
compartment with new terminal strips (including inspecting wires for
damage, repairing any damaged wire, and removing the nameplate); and
(2) Perform a general visual inspection to detect arcing damage
of the surrounding structure of the terminal strips and electrical
cables in the avionics compartment. If any damage is detected,
before further flight, repair or replace any damaged component with
a new component, per the service bulletin; except if the type of
structural material of the surrounding structure that has been
affected is not covered in the Structural Repair Manual, repair per
a method approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification
Office (ACO), FAA.
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 under normally
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting,
flashlight, or drop-light, 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.''
(b) Accomplishment of the replacement, inspection, and
corrective action, before the effective date of this AD, per
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A178, dated May 14,
2001, is considered acceptable for compliance with the applicable
actions specified in paragraph (a) of this AD.
New Requirements of This AD
Replacement, Inspection, and Corrective Action If Necessary
(c) For Groups 3 and 4 airplanes listed in the effectivity of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A178, Revision 02, dated March
11, 2003: Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, do
the actions specified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD per
the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. Although
the service bulletin specifies to report inspection findings to the
airplane manufacturer, this AD does not include such a requirement.
(1) Replace the applicable terminal strips in the avionics
compartment with new terminal strips (including inspecting wires for
damage, repairing any damaged wire, and removing the nameplate); and
(2) Perform a general visual inspection to detect arcing damage
of the surrounding structure of the terminal strips and electrical
cables in the avionics compartment. If any damage is detected,
before further flight, repair or replace any damaged component with
a new component, per the service bulletin; except if the type of
structural material of the surrounding structure that has been
affected is not covered in the Structural Repair Manual, repair per
a method approved by the Manager, Los Angeles ACO, FAA.
(d) For airplanes listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service
Bulletin MD11-24A177, dated July 18, 2003: Within 18 months after
the effective date of this AD, replace the terminal board for the
applicable item numbers in the aft passenger compartment, per the
Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. Boeing Service
Bulletin Information Notice MD11-24A177 IN 01, dated August 7, 2003,
revises service kit numbers specified in paragraph 2.B., ``Post-
Warranty,'' of the service bulletin.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(e)(1) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Los Angeles
ACO, FAA, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance
for this AD.
(2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously per
AD 2002-14-09, amendment 39-12809, are approved as alternative
methods of compliance with paragraph (a) of this AD.
Incorporation by Reference
(f) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be
done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin
MD11-24A178, Revision 01, dated December 17, 2001; Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin MD11-24A178, Revision 02, excluding Appendix A,
dated March 11, 2003; and McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin
MD11-24A177, dated July 18, 2003, as revised by Boeing Service
Bulletin Information Notice MD11-24A177 IN 01, dated August 7, 2003;
as applicable.
(1) The incorporation by reference of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin MD11-24A178, Revision 02, excluding Appendix A, dated March
11, 2003; and McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A177,
dated July 18, 2003, as revised by Boeing Service Bulletin
Information Notice MD11-24A177 IN 01, dated August 7, 2003; as
applicable; is approved by the Director of the Federal Register in
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) The incorporation by reference of McDonnell Douglas Alert
Service Bulletin MD11-24A178, Revision 01, dated December 17, 2001,
was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as
of August 23, 2002 (67 FR 47647, July 19, 2002).
(3) 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 National Archives and
Records Administration
[[Page 56682]]
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html
.
Effective Date
(g) This amendment becomes effective on October 27, 2004.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 13, 2004.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-21175 Filed 9-21-04; 8:45 am]
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