[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 219 (Friday, November 13, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63402-63404]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-30531]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-NM-304-AD; Amendment 39-10889; AD 98-24-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series
airplanes. This action requires a one-time inspection to identify the
part numbers of two dimmer controls for the overhead instrument panel
light and circuit breaker lightplate located in the flight compartment.
For airplanes on which a dimmer control having an incorrect part number
is installed, this action also requires replacing the dimmer control
with a new part; modifying and reinstalling the existing dimmer
control; or reinstalling a dimmer control following modification of the
part by the part manufacturer. This amendment is prompted by reports of
smoke emitting from the overhead panels in the cockpit area. The
actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent an electrical
failure in the overhead dimmer control due to overheating of a printed
circuit board capacitor in the dimmer control, which could result in
rupture of the capacitor and smoke in the flight compartment.
DATES: Effective November 30, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of November 30, 1998.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before Janaury 12, 1999.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-NM-304-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from
The Boeing Company, Douglas Products Division, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard,
Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Technical Publications
Business Administration, Dept. C1-L51 (2-60). This information may be
examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue,
SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
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: Brett Portwood, Technical Specialist,
Systems Safety and Integration, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L,
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification
Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137;
telephone (562) 627-5350; fax (562) 627-5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: As part of its practice of re-examining all
aspects of the service experience of a particular aircraft whenever an
accident occurs, the FAA has become aware of several incidents of
dimmer switches overheating and emitting smoke. These incidents
occurred on McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes.
Investigation has revealed that, when a need for higher lighting in
the cockpit occurs (such as during a thunderstorm) and increased
voltage is required, a strong burning odor could occur due to
overheating of a capacitor within the dimmer unit. The dimmer unit is
located in the overhead switch panel to the rear of the firewall shut
off handles. This component is well protected by a unit housing and
additional cover that separates the unit from other components in the
cockpit overhead compartment.
There is no evidence from any of the in-service events that any
overheated capacitor has led to further aircraft damage beyond the
capacitor. These incidents are not considered to be related to a recent
accident that occurred off the coast of Nova Scotia involving a
McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplane. The cause of that
accident is still under investigation.
Overheating of a capacitor inside the dimmer controls of the
overhead instrument panel light and circuit breaker lightplate in the
cockpit could cause an electrical failure in the overhead dimmer
control, and consequent rupture of the PCB capacitor and smoke in the
flight compartment.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
The FAA has reviewed and approved McDonnell Douglas Service
Bulletin
MD11-33-045, dated June 14, 1995, which describes the following
procedures:
Replacing any dimmer control, part number (P/N) 263-1, of
the overhead instrument panel light and circuit breaker lightplate in
the flight compartment with a new dimmer control, P/N 263-2.
Modifying any dimmer control, P/N 263-1, of the overhead
instrument panel light and circuit breaker lightplate to improve
reliability and to extend the service life of dimmer controls by
replacing one capacitor (C2) of the PCB assembly with a new, higher
voltage capacitor that is more thermal resistant, reidentifying the
existing dimmer control, and installing a new unit nameplate; and
reinstalling the modified part.
Returning the incorrect dimmer control, P/N 263-1, to the
manufacturer of the part for modification and reidentification, and
reinstalling the modified part.
[[Page 63403]]
Accomplishment of either the replacement or modification specified
in the service bulletin is intended to adequately address the
identified unsafe condition.
Explanation of the Requirements of the Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design, this AD is
being issued to prevent an electrical failure in the overhead dimmer
control due to overheating of a PCB capacitor in the dimmer control,
which could result in rupture of the capacitor and smoke in the flight
compartment. This AD requires a one-time visual inspection to identify
the part numbers of two dimmer controls for the overhead instrument
panel light and circuit breaker lightplate located in the flight
compartment. For airplanes on which a dimmer control having a certain
part number installed, this action also requires replacing the dimmer
control with a new part; or replacing the existing dimmer control with
a modified dimmer control.
The FAA has been notified by the manufacturer that a 30-day lead
time for obtaining the required parts will be required, following the
30 days specified for inspection of the dimmer controls. The FAA
considers that the 30-day lead time will accommodate the time necessary
for affected operators to order and obtain the necessary parts required
for the replacement of the dimmer controls, without adversely affecting
safety.
Determination of Rule's Effective Date
Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire.
Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be
needed.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 98-NM-304-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct
effects 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, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket.
A copy of it, if filed, 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
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
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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
98-24-02 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-10889. Docket 98-NM-304-AD.
Applicability: Model MD-11 series airplanes, serial numbers 447
through 597 inclusive; certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified,
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to
address it.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent an electrical failure in the dimmer control for the
overhead instrument panel light and circuit breaker lightplate due
to overheating of a printed circuit board (PCB) capacitor in the
dimmer control, which could result in rupture of the capacitor and
smoke in the flight compartment, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform
a one-time visual inspection of the two dimmer controls for the
overhead instrument panel light and circuit breaker lightplate
located in the flight compartment to identify the part numbers of
the dimmer controls.
(1) If all dimmer controls are identified as part number (P/N)
263-2, no further action is required by this AD.
(2) If any dimmer control is identified as P/N 263-1, within 30
days after accomplishing the inspection specified by paragraph (a)
of this AD, accomplish the actions required by paragraph (a)(2)(i),
(a)(2)(ii), or (a)(2)(iii) of this AD, in accordance with McDonnell
Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-33-045, dated June 14, 1995.
(i) Replace any dimmer control, P/N 263-1, with a new dimmer
control, P/N 263-2. Or
[[Page 63404]]
(ii) Modify any dimmer control, P/N 263-1, and reinstall the
modified and reidentified dimmer control in the flight compartment.
Or
(iii) Remove any dimmer control, P/N 263-1; return it for
modification and reidentification to Olin Aerospace Company, 11441
Willows Road NE, Redmond, Washington, 98073-9745; and reinstall the
modified and reidentified dimmer control in the flight compartment.
(b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install
on any McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplane, a dimmer
control, P/N 263-1, unless that dimmer control has been modified and
reidentified to P/N 263-2 in accordance with McDonnell Douglas
Service Bulletin MD11-33-045, dated June 14, 1995.
(c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification
Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall
submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the
Manager, Los Angeles ACO.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Los Angeles ACO.
(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
(e) Except as provided by paragraph (a) of this AD, the actions
shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin
MD11-33-045, dated June 14, 1995. 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
The Boeing Company, Douglas Products Division, 3855 Lakewood
Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Technical
Publications Business Administration, Dept. C1-L51 (2-60). Copies
may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 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.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on Novemebr 30, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 9, 1998.
Vi L. Lipski,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-30531 Filed 11-12-98; 8:45 am]
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