96-8917. Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10 and DC-10-15 Series Airplanes  

  • [Federal Register Volume 61, Number 70 (Wednesday, April 10, 1996)]
    [Proposed Rules]
    [Pages 15904-15906]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 96-8917]
    
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    14 CFR Part 39
    
    [Docket No. 96-NM-39-AD]
    
    
    Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10 and 
    DC-10-15 Series Airplanes
    
    AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
    
    ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
    
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    SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
    directive (AD) that is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model 
    DC-10-10 and DC-10-15 series airplanes. This proposal would require an 
    inspection for evidence of missing chrome and for corrosion on the 
    chrome surfaces, or verification that the forward trunnion bolts have 
    been chrome plated in a specific manner; and rework or replacement of 
    the bolts, if necessary. This proposal is prompted by a report of 
    chrome flaking on the bearing surface of the trunnion bolts due to 
    improper cleaning of the base material prior to chrome plating. The 
    actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent premature 
    failure of the trunnion bolts and subsequent collapse of the main 
    landing gear (MLG) as a result of chrome flaking and severe corrosion 
    on the bearing surface and in the mechanical fuse.
    
    DATES: Comments must be received by June 4, 1996.
    
    ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
    Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
    Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-NM-39-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
    Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this location 
    between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
    holidays.
        The service information referenced in the proposed rule 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, Transport Airplane 
    Directorate, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount 
    Boulevard, Lakewood, California.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Maureen Moreland or Ron Atmur, 
    Aerospace Engineers, Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles 
    Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, 
    California 90712; telephone (310) 627-5238 or (310) 627-5224; fax (310) 
    627-5210.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    Comments Invited
    
        Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
    proposed 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
    
    [[Page 15905]]
    specified above. All communications received on or before the closing 
    date for comments, specified above, will be considered before taking 
    action on the proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may 
    be changed in light of the comments received.
        Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
    economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
    the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
        Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
    submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
    stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
    to Docket Number 96-NM-39-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
    returned to the commenter.
    
    Availability of NPRMs
    
        Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
    to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, Attention: Rules 
    Docket No. 96-NM-39-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
    98055-4056.
    
    Discussion
    
        On January 23, 1996, the FAA issued AD 96-03-05, amendment 39-9502 
    (61 FR 5281, February 12, 1996), which is applicable to certain 
    McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes and Model DC-10-30, DC-
    10-40, and KC-10A (military) airplanes. For Model MD-11 series 
    airplanes, that AD requires an inspection to determine the serial 
    number of the forward trunnion bolts on the main landing gear (MLG), 
    and rework or replacement of the bolts, if necessary. For Model DC-10-
    30, DC-10-40, and KC-10A (military) airplanes, that AD requires an 
    inspection for evidence of missing chrome and for corrosion on the 
    chrome surfaces, or verification that the forward trunnion bolts have 
    been chrome plated in a specific manner; and rework or replacement of 
    the bolts, if necessary. That AD was prompted by reports of chrome 
    flaking on the bearing surface of the trunnion bolts due to improper 
    cleaning of the base material prior to chrome plating. The actions 
    specified by that AD are intended to prevent premature failure of the 
    trunnion bolts and subsequent collapse of the MLG as a result of severe 
    corrosion on the bearing surface and in the mechanical fuse due to 
    chrome flaking.
        Since the issuance of AD 96-03-05, the FAA has received reports 
    indicating that the trunnion bolts on certain Model DC-10-10 and DC-10-
    15 series airplanes were chrome plated during the same time frame using 
    the same process as the trunnion bolts installed on airplanes affected 
    by AD 96-03-05. Additionally, the FAA has received a report of chrome 
    flaking on the bearing surface of the trunnion bolt installed on the 
    MLG of a Model DC-10-10 series airplane.
        Subsequently, the FAA has reviewed and approved McDonnell Douglas 
    Service Bulletin DC10-32-241, dated December 13, 1995, which describes 
    procedures for a visual inspection for evidence of missing chrome and 
    for corrosion on the chrome surfaces of the trunnion bolts, or 
    verification that the forward trunnion bolts have been chrome plated in 
    a specific manner. The service bulletin also provides procedures for 
    certain rework or replacement of the bolts with serviceable parts, if 
    necessary. Accomplishment of the rework or replacement will minimize 
    the possibility of chrome flaking on the forward trunnion bolts.
        Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
    exist or develop on other products of this same type design, the 
    proposed AD would require a visual inspection for evidence of missing 
    chrome and for corrosion on the chrome surfaces, or verification that 
    the forward trunnion bolts have been chrome plated in a specific 
    manner; and rework or replacement of the bolts, if necessary. The 
    inspection, verification, and certain corrective actions would be 
    required to be accomplished in accordance with the service bulletin 
    described previously. A portion of the rework would be required to be 
    accomplished in accordance with the Component Maintenance Manual or a 
    method approved by the FAA.
        There are approximately 139 McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10 and 
    DC-10-15 series airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide 
    fleet. The FAA estimates that 121 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
    affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 1 work 
    hour per airplane to accomplish the proposed actions, and that the 
    average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the 
    cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
    $7,260, or $60 per airplane.
        The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
    no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements of 
    this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in 
    the future if this AD were not adopted.
        The regulations proposed herein would 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 
    proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
    the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
        For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this 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) if promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft 
    regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
    Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting 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.
    
    The Proposed Amendment
    
        Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
    Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
    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:
    
    McDonnell Douglas: Docket 96-NM-39-AD.
    
        Applicability: Model DC-10-10 and DC-10-15 series airplanes, as 
    listed in McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC10-32-241, dated 
    December 13, 1995; 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
    
    [[Page 15906]]
    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 premature failure of the trunnion bolts and 
    subsequent collapse of the main landing gear (MLG), accomplish the 
    following:
        (a) For airplanes on which the forward trunnion bolts, part 
    number (P/N) ARG7557-501, installed on the left and right MLG's, 
    have accumulated 6,000 or more total flight hours, or 2,000 or more 
    total flight cycles, as of the date of the inspection or 
    verification required by paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2), respectively, 
    of this AD: Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, 
    accomplish either paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, in 
    accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC10-32-241, 
    dated December 13, 1995.
        (1) Remove the bolts and perform a visual inspection for 
    evidence of missing chrome and for corrosion on the chrome surfaces, 
    in accordance with the service bulletin.
        (i) If no evidence of missing chrome and no corrosion on the 
    chrome surfaces are found, no further action is required by this AD.
        (ii) If any evidence of missing chrome or any corrosion on the 
    chrome surfaces is found, prior to further flight, accomplish either 
    paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(A) or (a)(1)(ii)(B) of this AD.
        (A) Remove the chrome plating on the trunnion bolt in accordance 
    with the service bulletin; replace the plating in accordance with 
    the Component Maintenance Manual (CMM), Chapter 20-10-02, Revision 
    31, dated September 1, 1991, or in accordance with a method approved 
    by a McDonnell Douglas Designated Engineering Representative (DER) 
    who has been given a special delegation by the Manager, Los Angeles 
    Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane 
    Directorate, to make such a finding; and reinstall the reworked bolt 
    in accordance with the service bulletin.
        (B) Replace the trunnion bolt with a serviceable part in 
    accordance with the service bulletin.
        (2) Verify whether the forward trunnion bolts, P/N ARG7557-501, 
    installed on the left and right MLG's, have been chrome plated since 
    original manufacture, in accordance with the CMM, Chapter 20-10-02, 
    Revision 31, dated September 1, 1991, or in accordance with a method 
    approved by a McDonnell Douglas DER who has been given a special 
    delegation by the Manager, Los Angeles ACO, to make such a finding.
        (i) If the bolts have been chrome plated since original 
    manufacture, in accordance with the CMM, Chapter 20-10-02, Revision 
    31, dated September 1, 1991, or in accordance with a method approved 
    by a McDonnell Douglas DER who has been given a special delegation 
    by the Manager, Los Angeles ACO, to make such a finding: No further 
    action is required by this AD.
        (ii) If any bolt has not been chrome plated since original 
    manufacture, in accordance with the CMM, Chapter 20-10-02, Revision 
    31, dated September 1, 1991, or in accordance with a method approved 
    by a McDonnell Douglas DER who has been given a special delegation 
    by the Manager, Los Angeles ACO, to make such a finding: Prior to 
    further flight, accomplish the requirements of either paragraph 
    (a)(1)(ii)(A) or (a)(1)(ii)(B) of this AD in accordance with the 
    service bulletin.
        (b) For airplanes other than those identified in paragraph (a) 
    of this AD: Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, 
    verify whether the forward trunnion bolts, P/N ARG7557-501, 
    installed on the left and right MLG's, have been chrome plated since 
    original manufacture, in accordance with the CMM, Chapter 20-10-02, 
    Revision 31, dated September 1, 1991, or in accordance with a method 
    approved by a McDonnell Douglas DER who has been given a special 
    delegation by the Manager, Los Angeles ACO, to make such a finding.
        (1) If the bolts have been chrome plated since original 
    manufacture, in accordance with the CMM, Chapter 20-10-02, Revision 
    31, dated September 1, 1991, or in accordance with a method approved 
    by a McDonnell Douglas DER who has been given a special delegation 
    by the Manager, Los Angeles ACO, to make such a finding: No further 
    action is required by this AD.
        (2) If any bolt has not been chrome plated since original 
    manufacture, in accordance with the CMM, Chapter 20-10-02, Revision 
    31, dated September 1, 1991, or in accordance with a method approved 
    by a McDonnell Douglas DER who has been given a special delegation 
    by the Manager, Los Angeles ACO, to make such a finding: Prior to 
    further flight, accomplish the requirements of either paragraph 
    (b)(2)(i) or (b)(2)(ii) of this AD in accordance with McDonnell 
    Douglas Service Bulletin DC10-32-241, dated December 13, 1995.
        (i) Remove the chrome plating on the trunnion bolt in accordance 
    with the service bulletin; replace the plating in accordance with 
    the Component Maintenance Manual (CMM), Chapter 20-10-02, Revision 
    31, dated September 1, 1991, or in accordance with a method approved 
    by a McDonnell Douglas Designated Engineering Representative (DER) 
    who has been given a special delegation by the Manager, Los Angeles 
    ACO, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, to make such a finding; 
    and reinstall the reworked bolt in accordance with the service 
    bulletin. Or
        (ii) Replace the trunnion bolt with a serviceable part in 
    accordance with the service bulletin.
        (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. 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.
    
        Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 4, 1996.
    Darrell M. Pederson,
    Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
    Service.
    [FR Doc. 96-8917 Filed 4-9-96; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
    
    

Document Information

Published:
04/10/1996
Department:
Transportation Department
Entry Type:
Proposed Rule
Action:
Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Document Number:
96-8917
Dates:
Comments must be received by June 4, 1996.
Pages:
15904-15906 (3 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 96-NM-39-AD
PDF File:
96-8917.pdf
CFR: (1)
14 CFR 39.13