[Federal Register: January 24, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 14)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 3296-3299]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr24ja05-2]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-20117; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-248-AD;
Amendment 39-13949; AD 2005-02-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-10-10F, MD-
10-30F, MD-11F, DC-10-10F, and DC-10-30F Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
McDonnell Douglas airplanes listed above. This AD requires identifying
the part number of the cargo compartment smoke detectors and, if
necessary, revising the Limitations section of the airplane flight
manual to include procedures for testing the smoke detection system
after the last engine is started. This AD also provides for the
optional replacement of the subject smoke detectors with modified smoke
detectors, which would terminate the operational limitation. This AD is
prompted by a report indicating that the cargo smoke detectors can
``lock up'' during electrical power transfer from the auxiliary power
unit to the engines. We are issuing this AD to identify and provide
corrective action for a potentially inoperative smoke detector in the
cargo compartment and ensure that the flightcrew is alerted in the
event of a cargo compartment fire.
DATES: Effective February 8, 2005.
We must receive comments on this AD by March 25, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this 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.
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.
[[Page 3297]]
For service information identified in this 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 this information 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
.
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-2005-20117; the directorate identifier for this docket is
2004-NM-248-AD.
Examining the Dockets
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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chip Adam, Flight Test Pilot, Flight
Test Branch, ANM-160L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office,
3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137; telephone
(562) 627-5369; fax (562) 627-5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We have received a report indicating an
unsafe condition may exist on all McDonnell Douglas Model MD-10-10F,
MD-10-30F, MD-11F, DC-10-10F, and DC-10-30F airplanes. Testing
indicated a design discrepancy involving the operation of cargo smoke
detectors manufactured by Meggitt Safety Systems Inc. (formerly
Whittaker). During a test on Model MD-11F airplanes, 31 of 33 smoke
detectors ``locked up''--with no indication to the flightcrew--when the
power was interrupted during power transfer from the auxiliary power
unit (APU) to the engines. Investigation revealed that the smoke
detector circuit does not meet power interrupt requirements during a
power transfer between ground power, APU power, or main engine power
sources on the airplane. The flightcrew is unaware of the inoperative
smoke detector unless they test the smoke detection system. The smoke
detector remains inoperative until power to the unit is cycled off and
on. Under these conditions, the flightcrew would not be alerted in the
event of a cargo compartment fire.
This lock-up condition may be produced by electrical power transfer
on McDonnell Douglas Model MD-10-10F, MD-10-30F, MD-11F, DC-10-10F, and
DC-10-30F airplanes. Therefore, all these airplanes may be subject to
the identified unsafe condition.
Relevant Service Information
The Boeing interim operating procedures (IOPs) listed in the
following table advise the flightcrew of procedures for testing the
smoke detection system after the last engine is started, if any Meggitt
Model 602 smoke detector, part number (P/N) 8930, is installed. We have
approved these procedures.
Service Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
IOP-- Dated-- To the--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2-212.1....................... November 9, 2004. Boeing MD-11 Flight
Crew Operations
Manual.
2-34.1........................ November 9, 2004. Boeing MD-10 Flight
Crew Operations
Manual.
2-70.......................... November 24, 2004 Boeing DC-10 Flight
Crew Operating
Manual.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have reviewed Meggitt Safety Systems Service Information Letter
(SIL) 8930-26-01, dated November 8, 2004. The SIL provides procedures
for replacing the P/N 8930 smoke detectors with modified smoke
detectors.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or
develop on other airplanes of the same type design. Therefore, we are
issuing this AD to identify and provide corrective action for a
potentially inoperative smoke detector in the cargo compartment and
ensure that the flightcrew is alerted in the event of a cargo
compartment fire. This AD requires determining the part number(s) of
the cargo smoke detectors and, if necessary, revising the Limitations
section of the applicable airplane flight manual (AFM) to include the
information in the IOPs described above. This AD also provides for the
optional replacement of P/N 8930 smoke detectors with modified smoke
detectors, which would terminate the AFM operational limitation.
Interim Action
We consider this AD interim action because we may later require
installation of the modified smoke detectors, which would terminate the
operational limitation required by this AD. However, the planned
compliance time for this action would allow enough time to provide
notice and opportunity for prior public comment on the merits of the
modification.
In addition, we are investigating potential problems with the
subject smoke detectors on other transport category airplanes. We might
consider further rulemaking to require modified smoke detectors on
airplanes in addition to those affected by this AD.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD; therefore, providing notice and opportunity for public comment
before the AD is issued is impracticable, and good cause exists to make
this AD effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any relevant written
data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an
address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-20117;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-248-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD. We will consider
all comments received by the closing date and may amend the 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. Comments
will be available in the AD docket
[[Page 3298]]
shortly after the DMS receives them. We will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel
concerning this AD. Using the search function of our docket 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 the 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
.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. 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.
We are issuing this rulemaking 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 AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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 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.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 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. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2005-02-04 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-13949. Docket No. FAA-
2005-20117; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-248-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective February 8, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all McDonnell Douglas Model MD-10-10F,
MD-10-30F, MD-11F, DC-10-10F, and DC-10-30F airplanes; certificated
in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD is prompted by a report indicating that cargo smoke
detectors can ``lock up'' during electrical power transfer from the
auxiliary power unit (APU) to the engines. We are issuing this AD to
identify and provide corrective action for a potentially inoperative
smoke detector in the cargo compartment and ensure that the
flightcrew is alerted in the event of a cargo compartment fire.
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.
Part Number Identification
(f) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD,
determine the make, model, and part number (P/N) of the smoke
detectors in the cargo compartment.
(g) If no smoke detector identified in paragraph (f) of this AD
is Meggitt Model 602, P/N 8930-( ): No further action is required by
this AD.
Revision of Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)
(h) If any smoke detector identified in paragraph (f) of this AD
is Meggitt Model 602, P/N 8930-( ): Before further flight, revise
the Limitations section of the AFM to include the information in
paragraph (h)(1), (h)(2), or (h)(3), as applicable, of this AD. This
AFM revision may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD into
the AFM. This AFM revision advises the flightcrew of procedures for
testing the smoke detection system after the last engine is started.
Operate the airplane according to these limitations and procedures
until the actions specified in paragraph (i) of this AD have been
done.
(1) For Model MD-10-10F and MD-10-30F airplanes: Include the
following information (also found in Boeing Interim Operating
Procedure (IOP) 2-34.1, dated November 9, 2004, to the Boeing MD-10
Flight Crew Operations Manual):
``Add procedural step after HYD Control
Panel:
Manual Cargo Fire Test............... CHECKED
Push and hold CARGO FIRE MANUAL TEST switch until `CARGO FIRE
TEST' alert is displayed on EAD.
NOTES: During the test, on some Series 30 aircraft, the `CRG FLO
FWD DISAG' alert may be displayed.
If `CRG FIRE TST FAIL' alert is displayed, select AIR synoptic.
Failed heat or smoke detectors are displayed as amber rectangles
with an ``F'' inside. Passed heat detectors are displayed as amber
circles and passed smoke detectors are displayed as amber triangles.
If there is one or more failed smoke detector(s), pull circuit
breakers D-12 (CARGO SMK DET & LTS) and D-13 (CARGO OVHT) on left
overhead circuit breaker panel. Reset after 2 seconds.
Re-accomplish `Manual Cargo Fire Test' and confirm `CRG FIRE TST
FAIL' alert is not displayed. If `CRG FIRE TST FAIL' alert is again
displayed, contact maintenance.''
(2) For Model MD-11F airplanes: Insert the following information
(also found in Boeing IOP 2-212.1, dated November 9, 2004, to the
Boeing MD-11 Flight Crew Operations Manual):
``Add procedural step after HYD Control
Panel:
Manual Cargo Fire Test............... CHECKED
Push and hold CARGO FIRE MANUAL TEST switch until `CARGO FIRE
TEST' alert is displayed on EAD.
NOTES: During the test, the `CRG FLO FWD DISAG' and `CRG FLO AFT
DISAG' alerts may be displayed.
If `CRG FIRE TST FAIL' alert is displayed, select AIR synoptic.
Failed heat or smoke detectors are displayed as amber rectangles
with an `F' inside. Passed heat detectors are displayed as amber
circles and passed smoke detectors are displayed as amber triangles.
If there is one or more failed smoke detector(s), pull circuit
breakers D-12 (CARGO SMK DET & LTS) and D-13 (CARGO OVHT) on left
overhead circuit breaker panel. Reset after 2 seconds.
Re-accomplish `Manual Cargo Fire Test' and confirm `CRG FIRE TST
FAIL' alert is not displayed. If `CRG FIRE TST FAIL' alert is again
displayed, contact maintenance.''
(3) For Model DC-10-10F and DC-10-30F airplanes: Insert the
following information (also found in Boeing IOP 2-70, dated November
24, 2004, to the Boeing DC-10 Flight Crew Operating Manual):
``Annunciator/Door Lights................ NORMAL/OFF
C/M-2 and C/M-3 observe annunciator lights.
[[Page 3299]]
NOTE
If a light is on, check system configuration and take
appropriate action.
LWR CARGO FIRE/CREW REST AREA SMOKE TEST/ARM
Detectors.
Move FIRE/SMK DET switch to TEST and hold. Observe the REST AREA
SMK DET, FWD SMK DET, CREW REST AREA SMOKE, FWD CARGO FIRE, AFT SMK
DET, HEAT DET and AFT CARGO FIRE lights are on. At the pilot's
overhead annunciator panel, observe CARGO FIRE and CREW REST AREA
SMOKE lights are on. At the glareshield, observe both MASTER WARN
lights are on.
Release switch to ARM position.
If one or more lights failed to come on during the test, pull
circuit breakers D-3 (CARGO CREW REST SMOKE DETS & INDS) and D-4
(CARGO OVERHEAT). Reset after two seconds.
Re-accomplish test.
If test is not successful, contact maintenance.''
Optional Terminating Action
(i) Replacement of Meggitt Model 602 smoke detectors P/N 8930-(
) with modified smoke detectors in accordance with Meggitt Safety
Systems Service Information Letter 8930-26-01, dated November 8,
2004, terminates the operational limitation required by paragraph
(h) of this AD. After all P/N 8930-( ) smoke detectors have been
replaced on the airplane, the operational limitation specified in
paragraph (h) of this AD may be removed from the AFM.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(j) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA,
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(k) None.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 12, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-1206 Filed 1-21-05; 8:45 am]
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