[Federal Register: June 16, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 115)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 35049-35053]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr16jn05-16]
========================================================================
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
========================================================================
[[Page 35049]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-21470; Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-45-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, DC-
10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30 and DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10) Airplanes;
Model DC-10-40 and DC-10-40F Airplanes; and Model MD-11 and MD-11F
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-
10-30 and DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10) airplanes; Model DC-10-40 and
DC-10-40F airplanes; and Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes. This
proposed AD would require for certain airplanes, modifying the thrust
reverser command wiring of the number 2 engine. For certain other
airplanes, this proposed AD would require modifying the thrust reverser
system wiring from the flight compartment to engines 1, 2, and 3 thrust
reversers. This proposed AD would also require installing thrust
reverser locking systems on certain airplanes. This proposed AD is
prompted by a determination that the thrust reverser systems on these
McDonnell Douglas airplanes do not adequately preclude unwanted
deployment of a thrust reverser. We are proposing this AD to prevent an
unwanted deployment of a thrust reverser during flight, which could
result in reduced controllability of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 15, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590.
By fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Long Beach Division, 3855 Lakewood
Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Data and Service
Management, Dept. C1-L5A (D800-0024).
You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at
http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., room PL-
401, on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC. This
docket number is FAA-2005-21470; the directorate identifier for this
docket is 2003-NM-45-AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Philip C. Kush, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification
Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137;
telephone (562) 627-5263; fax (562) 627-5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-21470;
Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-45-AD'' in the subject line of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments submitted by the closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov
, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of
that Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union,
etc.). You can review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you
can visit http://dms.dot.gov.
Examining the Docket
You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov
, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.
Discussion
In 1992, the FAA issued a document titled ``Criteria for Assessing
Transport Turbojet Fleet Thrust Reverser Safety.'' This document is
based upon the premise that no failure of thrust reverser components
anticipated to occur in-service should prevent continued safe flight
and landing of an airplane. In order to comply with the criteria in the
document, Boeing has developed a modification that increases the level
of safety of the thrust reverser system by incorporating wire
modifications on McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15,
DC-10-30 and DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10) airplanes; Model DC-10-40
and DC-10-40F airplanes; and Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes; and by
installing thrust reverser interlocks on Model DC-10-40 and DC-10-40F
airplanes. Based upon the Boeing safety evaluations, we have determined
that the existing thrust reverser systems on these McDonnell
[[Page 35050]]
Douglas airplanes do not adequately preclude unwanted deployment of a
thrust reverser. Such unwanted deployment of a thrust reverser during
flight could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.
This is the third in a series of planned rulemaking actions that
will encompass the entire fleet of McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10,
DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30 and DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10)
airplanes; Model DC-10-40 and DC-10-40F airplanes; and Model MD-11 and
MD-11F airplanes. This rulemaking action would be the final planned
action and would complete the FAA's review of these models based on the
1992 ``Criteria for Assessing Transport Turbojet Fleet Thrust Reverser
Safety'' for McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-
10-30 and DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10) airplanes; Model DC-10-40 and
DC-10-40F airplanes; and Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes.
Other Related Rulemaking
We have previously issued AD 2001-05-10, amendment 39-12147 (66 FR
15785, March 21, 2001), applicable to all McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10
and MD-11 series airplanes, and KC-10A (military) airplanes. That AD
requires installation of thrust reverser interlocks on certain
airplanes, inspections of the thrust reverser systems to detect
discrepancies on certain other airplanes, and corrective actions, if
necessary. The actions required by paragraphs (c) and (i) of AD 2001-
05-10 are done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service
Bulletin DC10-78A057, Revision 01, dated February 18, 1999.
We have also previously issued AD 2001-17-19, amendment 39-12410
(66 FR 44950, August 27, 2001), applicable to all McDonnell Douglas
Model DC-10 series airplanes, and KC-10A and KDC-10 (military)
airplanes. That AD requires certain modifications of the thrust
reverser control and indication system and wiring on each engine. The
actions required by paragraph (a) of AD 2001-17-19 are done in
accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC10-78-060, dated
December 17, 1999.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin DC10-78-066, Revision 01,
dated November 30, 2001 (for Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-
10-30 and DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10) airplanes); and Boeing Service
Bulletin DC10-78-067, dated October 30, 2002 (for Model DC-10-40 and
DC-10-40F airplanes). These service bulletins describe procedures for
modifying the thrust reverser command wiring of the number 2 engine,
located in the aft fuselage/pylon area, to provide wire separation. The
modification includes installing new tubes, revising the wiring, and
routing the wiring as specified in the service bulletins.
Boeing Service Bulletin DC10-78-067 also specifies prior or
concurrent accomplishment of the following service bulletins:
Concurrent Service Bulletins for Boeing Service Bulletin DC10-78-067
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
McDonnell Douglas Revision level Date Action
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alert Service Bulletin DC10- 01............................. February 18, 1999.............. Repetitive
78A057 (cited as a source of detailed
service information for AD visual
2001-05-10). inspections,
functional
checks, and
torque checks
of the thrust
reverser
systems and
applicable
corrective
actions.
Service Bulletin DC10-78-060 Original....................... December 17, 1999.............. Modification of
(cited as a source of the indication
service information for AD light system
2001-17-19). for the thrust
reversers.
Service Bulletin DC10-78-064. Original....................... June 24, 2003.................. Installation of
an additional
thrust
reverser
locking system
at each wing
position.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have also reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-78-007, Revision
02, dated August 22, 2001 (for Model MD-11 and -11F airplanes). This
service bulletin describes procedures for modifying the thrust reverser
system wiring from the flight compartment to engines 1, 2, and 3 thrust
reversers. The modification includes revising and routing the wiring;
and verifying the proper configuration code and revising the wiring if
required; as applicable. The modification also includes a test of the
thrust reverser system.
Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-78-007 also specifies prior or
concurrent accomplishment of the following service bulletins:
Concurrent Service Bulletins for Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-78-007
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Service bulletin Revision level Date Action
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
McDonnell Douglas Service Original....................... November 5, 1998............... Update program
Bulletin MD11-31-091. software of
display
electronic
units.
Rohr Service Bulletin MD-11 1.............................. May 14, 2001................... Modify wing
54-200. pylon
harnesses.
Rohr Service Bulletin MD-11 Original....................... November 30, 1999.............. Modify pylon
54-201. thrust
reverser
harnesses and
J-box.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is
intended to adequately address the unsafe condition.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes
of this same type design. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which
would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service
information described previously, except as discussed under
``Differences Between the Proposed AD and Service Information.''
Although AD 2001-05-10 and AD 2001-17-19 already provide certain
[[Page 35051]]
thrust reverser safety enhancements, this proposed AD is necessary to
ensure that failure of a thrust reverser component would not prevent
safe flight and landing.
Differences Between the Proposed AD and Service Information
Boeing Service Bulletin DC10-78-067, dated October 30, 2002,
specifies that McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC10-78-064, June 24,
2003, be done prior to or concurrently with Boeing Service Bulletin
DC10-78-067. We have determined that the installation of the thrust
reverser locking systems specified in McDonnell Douglas Service
Bulletin DC10-78-064 may be done after accomplishing the actions
specified Boeing Service Bulletin DC10-78-067 as long as the actions in
both service bulletins are done within 60 months. We have coordinated
this difference with the airplane manufacturer.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 612 airplanes of the affected designs in the
worldwide fleet. This proposed AD would affect about 245 airplanes of
U.S. registry. The following tables provide the estimated costs for
U.S. operators to comply with this proposed AD, for the applicable
actions, at an average hourly labor rate of $65.
Cost for Wiring Modification/Thrust Reverser Locking System Installation
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of
U.S.-
Action Work hours Parts Cost per airplane registered Fleet cost
airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modify wiring (Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10- 34 $1,562 $3,772 40 $150,880
15, DC-10-30 and DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10)
airplanes).....................................
Modify wiring (Model DC-10-40 and DC-10-40F 34 5,238 7,448 45 335,160
airplanes).....................................
Modify wiring (Model MD-11 and -11F airplanes).. 124-192 11,912-17,672 19,972-30,152 160 3,195,520-4,824,320
Install thrust reverser locking system (Model DC- 218 165,535-207,792 179,705-221,962 45 8,086,725-9,988,290
10-40 and DC-10-40F airplanes).................
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost of Concurrent Actions for Model MD-11 and MD-11F Airplanes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hourly Cost per
Action Work hours labor rate Parts airplane
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update program software, as applicable...................... 2 $65 (\1\) $130
Modify wing pylon harnesses, as applicable.................. 100 65 5,268 11,768
Modify pylon thrust reverser harnesses and J-box, as 52 65 4,397 7,777
applicable.................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ None.
Authority for This Rulemaking
The FAA's authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is
found in Title 49 of the United States Code. Subtitle I, Section 106
describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII,
Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the agency's
authority.
This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed
regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location
to examine the regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
[[Page 35052]]
McDonnell Douglas: Docket No. FAA-2005-21470; Directorate Identifier
2003-NM-45-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive
comments on this AD action by August 15, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to airplanes, certificated in any category,
as listed in Table 1 of this AD.
Table 1.--Applicability
------------------------------------------------------------------------
McDonnell Douglas airplane-- As identified in--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10- Boeing Service Bulletin DC10-78-
15, DC-10-30 and DC-10-30F (KC-10A and 066, Revision 01, dated
KDC-10) airplanes. November 30, 2001.
(2) Model DC-10-40 and DC-10-40F Boeing Service Bulletin DC10-78-
airplanes. 067, dated October 30, 2002.
(3) Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes... Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-78-
007, Revision 02, dated August
22, 2001.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by a determination that the thrust
reverser systems on these McDonnell Douglas airplanes do not
adequately preclude unwanted deployment of a thrust reverser. We are
issuing this AD to prevent an unwanted deployment of a thrust
reverser during flight, which could result in reduced
controllability of the airplane.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Wiring Modification
(f) For Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, and DC-
10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10) airplanes: Within 60 months after the
effective date of this AD, modify the thrust reverser command wiring
of the number 2 engine by doing all the actions specified in the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin DC10-78-066,
Revision 01, dated November 30, 2001.
(g) For Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes: Within 60 months after
the effective date of this AD, modify the thrust reverser system
wiring from the flight compartment to engines 1, 2, and 3 thrust
reversers by doing all the actions specified in the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-78-007, Revision 02,
dated August 22, 2001.
Wiring Modification/Installation of Thrust Reverser Locking System
(h) For Model DC-10-40 and DC-10-40F airplanes: Within 60 months
after the effective date of this AD, modify the thrust reverser
command wiring of the number 2 engine by doing all the actions
specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service
Bulletin DC10-78-067, dated October 30, 2002, and install thrust
reverser locking systems by doing all the applicable actions
specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas
Service Bulletin DC10-78-064, dated June 24, 2003.
Prior or Concurrent Actions
(i) For Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, and DC-
10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10) airplanes: Prior to or concurrent with
the actions required by paragraph (f) of this AD, do the actions
specified in Table 2 of this AD.
Table 2.--Prior or Concurrent Actions for Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-
10-15, DC-10-30, and DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), Airplanes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Do these actions-- Required by-- In accordance with--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repetitive detailed visual Paragraphs (c) McDonnell Douglas
inspections, functional and (i) of AD Alert Service
checks, and torque checks of 2001-05-10, Bulletin DC10-
the thrust reverser systems, amendment 78A057, Revision 01,
and applicable corrective Bulletin 39- dated February 18,
actions. 12147. 1999.
Modification of the indication Paragraph (a) of McDonnell Douglas
light system for the thrust AD 2001-17-19, Service Bulletin
reversers. amendment 39- DC10-78-060, dated
12410. December 17, 1999.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(j) For Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes: Prior to or concurrent
with the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD, do the
actions specified in Table 3 of this AD.
Table 3.--Prior or Concurrent Actions for Model MD-11 and MD-11F
Airplanes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Do these actions-- In accordance with--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update program software of display McDonnell Douglas Service
electronic units. Bulletin MD11-31-091, dated
November 5, 1998.
Modify wing pylon harnesses............ Rohr Service Bulletin MD-11-54-
200, Revision 1, dated May 14,
2001.
Modify pylon thrust reverser harnesses Rohr Service Bulletin MD-11-54-
and J-box. 201, dated November 30, 1999.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Actions Accomplished According to Previous Issues of Service Bulletins
(k) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD
according to Boeing Service Bulletin DC10-78-066, dated March 6,
2001; or Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-78-007, dated January 31,
2000; or Revision 01, dated June 6, 2001; are considered acceptable
for compliance with the applicable corresponding actions specified
in this AD.
[[Page 35053]]
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(l) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 3, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-11879 Filed 6-15-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P