[Federal Register: January 12, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 8)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 2062-2064]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr12ja05-19]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-20034; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-178-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, DC-
10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40,
DC-10-40F, MD-10-10F, MD-10-30F, MD-11, and MD-11F Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain McDonnell Douglas transport category airplanes. This
proposed AD would require doing repetitive detailed inspections for
accumulation of debris (blockage) of the drain holes of the pitot
tubes, and cleaning if any evidence of debris is found. This proposed
AD is prompted by reports of blocked drain holes of the pitot tubes. We
are proposing this AD to prevent blocked drain holes of the pitot
tubes, which could result in the accumulation of water in the pitot-
static system and consequent failure of that system. Failure of the
pitot-static system could result in erroneous airspeed indications in
the cockpit and consequent loss of airspeed control.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 28,
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-2005-20034; the directorate identifier for this
docket is 2004-NM-178-AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Technical information: 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.
Plain language information: Marcia Walters, marcia.walters@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Docket Management System (DMS)
The FAA has implemented new procedures for maintaining AD dockets
electronically. As of May 17, 2004, new AD actions are posted on DMS
and assigned a docket number. We track each action and assign a
corresponding directorate identifier. The DMS AD docket number is in
the form ``Docket No. FAA-2005-99999.'' The Transport Airplane
Directorate identifier is in the form ``Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-
999-AD.'' Each DMS AD docket also lists the directorate identifier
(``Old Docket Number'') as a cross-reference for searching purposes.
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-
[[Page 2063]]
2005-20034; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-178-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 website, 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.
We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of
our communications that affect you. You can get more information about
plain language at http://www.faa.gov/language and http://www.plainlanguage.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
On November 6, 1996, a McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 airplane
departed the end of the runway after landing in instrument
meteorological conditions in Buenos Aires, Argentina. During approach
to landing, the flight crew had several in-flight advisories, and the
airplane excessively vibrated. The vibration was attributed to a flap
overspeed condition caused by erroneous airspeed indications.
Investigation revealed that the pitot-static system had accumulated a
significant amount of water. The drain holes on two of the three pitot
tubes were completely blocked by debris. The third pitot tube had one
drain hole totally blocked and the other hole partially blocked.
In 1997, a similar incident of blocked drain holes of the pitot
tubes occurred on another Model MD-11 airplane. Although the design of
the pitot-static system was reviewed and found to meet FAA regulations,
we determined that the maintenance task cards used by operators lacked
sufficient detail about inspecting the drain holes of the pitot tubes.
To correct this, in 2002, Boeing issued a report recommending
additional maintenance actions. Since then there have been additional
similar incidents, indicating that the manufacturer's recommendations
have not been fully implemented.
Blocked drain holes of the pitot tubes, if not corrected, could
result in the accumulation of water in the pitot-static system and
consequent failure of that system. Failure of the pitot-static system
could result in erroneous airspeed indications in the cockpit and
consequent loss of airspeed control.
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 doing repetitive detailed inspections (i.e., visual and
forced-air checks) for accumulation of debris (blockage) of the drain
holes of the pitot tubes, and cleaning if any evidence of debris is
found. These inspections must be done by certificated maintenance
personnel.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 314 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. This proposed AD would affect about 216 airplanes of
U.S. registry. The proposed inspections would take about 2 work hours
per airplane, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on
these figures, the estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators
is $28,080, or $130 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
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 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):
McDonnell Douglas: Docket No. FAA-2005-20034; Directorate Identifier
2004-NM-178-AD.
[[Page 2064]]
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive
comments on this AD action by February 28, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, DC-
10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40,
DC-10-40F, MD-10-10F, MD-10-30F, MD-11, and MD-11F airplanes;
certificated in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by reports of blocked drain holes of
the pitot tubes. We are issuing this AD to prevent blocked drain
holes of the pitot tubes, which could result in the accumulation of
water in the pitot-static system and consequent failure of that
system. Failure of the pitot-static system could result in erroneous
airspeed indications in the cockpit and consequent loss of airspeed
control.
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.
Repetitive Inspections
(f) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, do a
detailed inspection for accumulation of debris (blockage) of the
drain holes of the pitot tubes in accordance with paragraphs (g) and
(h) of this AD. The actions required by paragraph (g) must be done
before those in paragraph (h) of this AD. Repeat the inspection
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 650 flight hours.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is
``an intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or
assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available
lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good
lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as
mirrors magnifying lenses, etc. may be necessary. Surface cleaning
and elaborate procedures may be required.''
Visual Check
(g) Do a visual check in accordance with paragraphs (g)(1)
through (g)(3) of this AD. The visual check must be done by
certificated maintenance personnel.
(1) Make certain that the pitot heat is off and the pitot tubes
are not hot.
Note 2: Caution. Exercise care in checking pitot tubes to
prevent severe burns to your hands.
(2) Attempt to look through the left and right drain holes of
each pitot tube.
(3) Make sure that ambient light (or flashlight) is visible
through both drain holes of each pitot tube.
Forced Air Check
(h) Do a forced air check in accordance with paragraphs (h)(1)
through (h)(3) of this AD. The forced air check must be done by
certificated maintenance personnel.
Note 3: Exercise care in checking pitot tubes to prevent severe
burns to your hands.
(1) Make certain that the pitot heat is off and the pitot tubes
are not hot.
Note 4: Excessive, as well as sudden, pressurization or
depressurization applied to a pitot system by either method can
cause damage to instruments. Do not exceed 9.0 pounds per square
inch (psi) or 550 knots when pressurizing the system. Do not exceed
1.0 psi per second or 90 knots per second when pressurizing or
depressurizing the system.
(2) Three methods are given in Table 1 of this AD. Only one test
must be done and all are equivalent.
Table 1.--Three Test Methods
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Method Description
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(i) 1.................................. (A) Install a 9/16 inch (14
millimeter (mm)) inner
diameter hose approximately
three feet (1 meter) long to
the end of the pitot tube; and
(B) Use the hose to carefully
blow air (using your mouth)
into the pitot tube.
(ii) 2................................. (A) Connect an air pressure
source (dry Nitrogen) to the
pitot tubes; and
(B) Adjust the pressure source
to 5-psi maximum.
(iii) 3................................ (A) Connect a pitot static test
set; and
(B) Adjust it to 450 knots at 0-
feet altitude maximum.
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(3) Check for airflow out of each drain hole. Make sure that you
do not cover the drain holes when checking.
Special Test Equipment
(i) If test method 3 in paragraph (h)(2)(iii) of this AD is
used, an air data line tester with pitot and static port adapters is
required.
Corrective Action
(j) If any evidence of drain hole blockage (e.g., air exiting
from any pitot drain hole cannot be felt on the hand) is found
during any inspection required by paragraph (f), (g), or (h) of this
AD, before further flight, clean the hole in accordance with a
method approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification
Office (ACO), FAA. Chapter 34-11-02 of the applicable Boeing
airplane maintenance manual is one approved method.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(k) The Manager, Los Angeles 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 December 30, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-615 Filed 1-11-05; 8:45 am]
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