[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 237 (Thursday, December 10, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 68172-68174]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-32791]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-NM-348-AD; Amendment 39-10937; AD 98-25-11]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
is applicable to all McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes.
This action requires a one-time inspection to detect discrepancies at
certain areas around the entry light connector of the sliding ceiling
panel above the forward passenger doors, and repair, if necessary. This
amendment is prompted by a report indicating that damaged electrical
wires were found above the forward passenger doors due to flapper
panels moving inboard and chafing the electrical wire assemblies of
this area. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent
such chafing, which could result in an electrical fire in the passenger
compartment.
DATES: Effective December 28, 1998.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before February 8, 1999.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-NM-348-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
Information pertaining to this amendment 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brett Portwood, Aerospace Engineer,
[[Page 68173]]
ANM-130L, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California
90712; telephone (562) 627-5347; 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 that damaged electrical wires
were found above the forward left- and right-hand passenger doors on a
McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplane during a regularly
scheduled heavy maintenance visit. Investigation revealed that, when
the passenger doors are raised to the open position, the flapper panels
above the passenger doors move inboard and chafe the electrical wire
assemblies of this area. This condition, if not corrected, could lead
to an electrical fire in the passenger compartment.
This incident is 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.
Explanation of the Requirements of the Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series
airplanes of the same type design, this AD is being issued to prevent
chafing of the electrical wires above the forward passenger doors,
which could result in an electrical fire in the passenger compartment.
This AD requires a one-time visual inspection to detect discrepancies
(including, but not limited to, frayed, chafed, or nicked wires and
wire insulation) in the areas listed below; and repair, if necessary:
1. At the area around the entry light connector of the sliding
ceiling panel above the forward left passenger door (1L) at station
location x = 24.75, y = 435, and z = 64.5; and
2. At the area above the forward right passenger door (1R) at
station location x = -30, y = 430, and z = 70 in the area of bracket
part number 4225419-1.
This AD also requires operators to submit a report of the
inspection results to the FAA.
Interim Action
This is considered to be interim action until final action is
identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking.
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-348-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, 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:
98-25-11 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-10937. Docket 98-NM-348-
AD.
Applicability: All Model MD-11 series airplanes, 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 (d) 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 chafing of certain electrical wires above the forward
passenger doors, which could result in an electrical fire in the
passenger compartment, accomplish the following:
[[Page 68174]]
(a) Within 10 days after the effective date of this AD, perform
a visual inspection to detect discrepancies that include but are not
limited to frayed, chafed, or nicked wires and wire insulation in
the areas specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD.
(1) At the area around the entry light connector of the sliding
ceiling panel above the forward left passenger door (1L) at station
location x = 24.75, y = 435, and z = 64.5; and
(2) At the area above the forward right passenger door (1R) at
station location x = -30, y = 430, and z = 70 in the area of bracket
part number 4225419-1.
(b) If any discrepancy is detected during the visual inspection
required by paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight,
repair in accordance with Chapter 20, Standard Wiring Practices of
the MD-11 Wiring Diagram Manual, dated January 1, 1998.
(c) Within 10 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, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood,
California 90712; telephone (562) 627-5350; fax (562) 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.
(d) 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. 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.
(e) 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.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on December 28, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 3, 1998.
John W. McGraw,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-32791 Filed 12-9-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
