[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 213 (Friday, November 3, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55785-55787]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-27075]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 95-NM-205-AD; Amendment 39-9421; AD 95-22-13]
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 an inspection to determine proper
clamping and to detect damage of a wire bundle in the avionics
compartment, and repair, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by a
report of smoke and fire in the avionics compartment floor area that
was caused by electrical arcing that occurred as the result of chafed
wiring. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent smoke
and fire in the avionics compartment due to such electrical arcing in
the wire bundle; that condition could pose a hazard to the continued
safe flight of the airplane.
DATES: Effective November 20, 1995.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of November 20, 1995.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before January 2, 1995.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
[[Page 55786]]
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 95-NM-205-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
Washington 98055-4056.
The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from
McDonnell Douglas Corporation, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach,
California 90846, Attention: Technical Publications Business
Administration, Department 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, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California
90712; telephone (310) 627-5347; fax (310) 627-5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Recently, an operator of a McDonnell Douglas
Model MD-11 series airplane reported that chafing and subsequent
electrical arcing of wires in the avionics compartment floor area
caused damage to wiring, insulation blankets, and equipment rack
structure. The arcing also caused fire and smoke in the avionics
compartment. Investigation revealed that the wire bundle was outside of
the wire clamp, which was the result of improper clamping during
manufacturing. This condition allowed the wiring to chafe against the
clamp hardware and equipment rack structure. Chafing and subsequent
electrical arcing of the wire bundle, if not corrected, could result in
fire and smoke in the avionics compartment area. This condition could
pose a hazard to the continued safe flight of the airplane.
The FAA has reviewed and approved McDonnell Douglas Alert Service
Bulletin MD11-24A094, dated October 12, 1995, which describes
procedures for a visual inspection of the wire bundle in the avionics
compartment for improper clamping or damage to the wiring. The service
bulletin also contains procedures for repositioning of improperly
clamped wire assemblies; and either splicing and replacing, or
repairing damaged wiring. The alert service bulletin recommends that
these actions be accomplished within six months.
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other McDonnell Douglas MD-11 series airplanes of
the same type design, this AD is being issued to prevent fire and/or
smoke due to chafing and arcing of the wire bundle in the avionics
compartment area. This AD requires a one-time visual inspection of the
wire bundle in the avionics compartment to determine proper clamping of
the wire bundle and to detect any damage of the wiring. Improperly
clamped wire bundles must be properly repositioned. Damaged wiring must
be repaired. The actions are required to be accomplished in accordance
with the alert service bulletin described previously.
Operators should note that, although the alert service bulletin
recommends accomplishing the visual inspection within six months (after
the release of the service bulletin), the FAA has determined that an
interval of six months would not address the identified unsafe
condition in a timely manner. In developing an appropriate compliance
time for this AD, the FAA considered not only the manufacturer's
recommendation, but the degree of urgency associated with addressing
the subject unsafe condition, the average utilization of the affected
fleet, and the time necessary to perform the inspection (less than one
hour). In light of all of these factors, the FAA finds 30 days to be an
appropriate compliance time for initiating the required actions in that
it represents the maximum interval of time allowable for affected
airplanes to continue to operate without compromising safety.
This AD also requires that operators report positive and negative
results of the inspection to the FAA.
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 95-NM-205-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
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.
[[Page 55787]]
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), 40101, 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
95-22-13 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-9421. Docket 95-NM-205-AD.
Applicability: Model MD-11 series airplanes having
manufacturer's fuselage numbers 0447 through 0527, 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 use the authority
provided in paragraph (c) of this AD to request approval from the
FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current
configuration eliminates the unsafe condition; or different actions
necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such
a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed
configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no
case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair
remove any airplane from the applicability of this AD.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent smoke and fire in the avionics compartment due to
electrical arcing that results from chafing damage to wires,
accomplish the following:
(a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform
a visual inspection of the wire bundle in the avionics compartment
for improper clamping and/or damage of the wiring, in accordance
with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A094, dated
October 12, 1995.
(1) If the wire bundle is properly clamped and no damage is
detected, no further action is required by this AD.
(2) If the wire bundle is improperly clamped, prior to further
flight, reposition the wire in the clamp in accordance with the
alert service bulletin.
(3) If any wiring is damaged, prior to further flight,
accomplish either paragraph (a)(3)(i) or (a)(3)(ii) of this AD, as
applicable:
(i) For wires (Loop A and B) having damage to any one fire
detector controller (engines 1, 2, 3, and APU): Prior to further
flight, splice one loop and replace the wire for the other loop in
accordance with the alert service bulletin.
(ii) For wiring having damage other than that identified in
paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this AD: Prior to further flight, repair the
wiring in accordance with the alert service bulletin.
(b) Within 15 days after accomplishing the visual inspection
required by paragraph (a) of this AD, submit a report of the
inspection results (both positive and negative findings) to the
Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 3960
Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712; telephone (310)
627-5200; fax (310) 627-5210. Information collection requirements
contained in this regulation have been approved by the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been
assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
(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 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) The actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell
Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A094, dated October 12, 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 McDonnell Douglas Corporation, 3855
Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention:
Technical Publications Business Administration, Department C1-L51
(2-60). 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, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 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 November 20, 1995.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 26, 1995.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 95-27075 Filed 11-2-95; 8:45 am]
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