[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 85 (Friday, May 2, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24019-24021]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-10788]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 96-NM-278-AD; Amendment 39-10003; AD 97-09-07]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive
(AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series
airplanes, that currently requires inspections to detect damage of the
support brackets and clamps of the transfer pipe of the tail tank, and
of the transfer pipe assembly; and replacement of damaged parts, or
installation of a doubler, if necessary. This amendment adds a
requirement to install a fuel transfer pipe of the tail tank, and to
install support brackets and clamps of the fuel feed pipe of engine No.
2, which constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections.
This amendment also requires, for certain airplanes, removal of a
temporary protective doubler installed on the fuel pipe assembly. This
amendment is prompted by reports of cracking of the support brackets in
the refuel and fuel transfer lines of the tail fuel tank and damage to
the nylon clamps and transfer pipe assembly. The actions specified by
this AD are intended to prevent such cracking and damage, which could
result in further damage to the transfer pipe assembly and possible
fuel leakage.
DATES: Effective June 6, 1997.
The incorporation by reference of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service
Bulletin MD11-28A083, dated March 13, 1996, as listed in the
regulations, was approved previously by the Director of the Federal
Register as of May 24, 1996 (61 FR 21066, May 9, 1996).
The incorporation by reference of certain other publications listed
in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register
as of June 6, 1997.
ADDRESSES: 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport
Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 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: Raymond Vakili, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification
Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712; telephone
(310) 627-5262; fax (310) 627-5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 96-10-07,
amendment 39-9612 (61 FR 21066, May 9, 1996), which is applicable to
certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes, was published
in the Federal Register on February 18, 1997 (62 FR 7180). The action
proposed to supersede AD 96-10-07 to continue to require visual
inspections to detect cracking, bending, or stress of the support
brackets and damage to the nylon clamps of the transfer pipe of the
tail tank. It also proposed to continue to require repetitive
inspections to detect damage of the support brackets and clamps.
However, for certain airplanes, this AD adds a requirement to
remove certain clamps and the temporary protective doubler on the fuel
pipe assembly. It also requires installation of a fuel transfer pipe of
the tail tank, and installation of support brackets and pipe clamps of
the fuel feed pipe on engine No. 2, which constitutes terminating
action for the repetitive inspections.
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the two comments received.
Both commenters support the proposed rule.
Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, including the comments
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public
interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 145 Model MD-11 series airplanes of the
affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 40
airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this proposed AD.
The actions that are currently required by AD 96-10-07 take
approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost
impact of the currently required actions on U.S. operators is estimated
to be $4,800, or $120 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
The new actions that are required by this new AD will take
approximately 6 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately
$691 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the new
requirements of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $42,040,
or $1,051 per airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this
AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the
future if this AD were not adopted.
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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3)
[[Page 24020]]
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 final evaluation has been prepared for
this action and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it 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 removing amendment 39-9612 (61 FR
21066, May 9, 1996), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD),
amendment 39-10003, to read as follows:
97-09-07 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-10003. Docket 96-NM-278-
AD. Supersedes AD 96-10-07, Amendment 39-9612.
Applicability: Model MD-11 series airplanes; as listed in
McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-28-089, dated October 24,
1996; certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
otherwise 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)(1)
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 cracking of the support brackets in the refuel and
fuel transfer lines of the tail fuel tank and damage to the nylon
clamps and transfer pipe assembly, which, if not corrected, could
result in further damage to the transfer pipe assembly and possible
fuel leakage, accomplish the following:
Restatement of Requirements of AD 96-10-07
(a) For Group 1 airplanes listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert
Service Bulletin MD11-28A083, dated March 13, 1996: Within 90 days
after May 24, 1996 (the effective date of AD 96-10-07, amendment 39-
9612), accomplish the requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2)
of this AD in accordance with Paragraph 3. of the Accomplishment
Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-
28A083, dated March 13, 1996, or McDonnell Douglas Alert Service
Bulletin MD11-28A083, Revision 01, dated May 29, 1996.
(1) Perform a visual inspection for cracking, bending, or stress
of the support brackets and damage to the nylon clamps of the
transfer pipe of the tail tank, in accordance with the alert service
bulletin. If any damaged bracket or clamp is detected, prior to
further flight, replace it with a serviceable part in accordance
with the alert service bulletin.
(2) Perform a visual inspection for chafing and/or denting of
the transfer pipe assembly of the tail tank, in accordance with the
alert service bulletin.
(i) Condition 1. If no damage to the fuel pipe assembly is
detected, accomplish the requirements of either paragraph
(a)(2)(i)(A) or (a)(2)(i)(B) of this AD at the times specified in
that paragraph.
(A) Condition 1, Option 1. Thereafter, repeat the visual
inspections required by paragraph (a) of this AD at intervals not to
exceed 600 flight hours; or
(B) Condition 1, Option 2. Install a temporary doubler on the
fuel pipe assembly in accordance with the alert service bulletin
and, thereafter, repeat the visual inspections required by paragraph
(a) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 15 months.
(ii) Condition 2. If damage is found that is within the limits
specified by the alert service bulletin, prior to further flight,
install a temporary doubler on the fuel pipe assembly. Thereafter,
repeat the visual inspections required by paragraph (a) of this AD
at intervals not to exceed 15 months.
(iii) Condition 3. If damage is found that is outside the limits
specified by the alert service bulletin, prior to further flight,
replace the fuel pipe assembly with a new or serviceable assembly;
and accomplish the requirements of either paragraph (a)(2)(iii)(A)
or (a)(2)(iii)(B) of this AD at the time specified in that
paragraph.
(A) Condition 3, Option 1. Thereafter, repeat the visual
inspections required by paragraph (a) of this AD at intervals not to
exceed 600 flight hours; or
(B) Condition 3, Option 2. Install a temporary doubler on the
fuel pipe assembly; and repeat the visual inspections required by
paragraph (a) of this AD, thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 15
months. (Replacement of the fuel pipe assembly with a serviceable
pipe assembly that has been repaired by welding a doubler in the
area of potential damage, does not require the installation of a
temporary doubler.)
New Requirements of This AD
(b) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD,
accomplish the requirements of paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this
AD, as applicable.
(1) For airplanes on which the temporary protective doubler has
been installed on the fuel pipe assembly in accordance with
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-28A083, dated March
13, 1996: Remove the clamps and the temporary protective doubler
installed on the fuel transfer pipe, in accordance with McDonnell
Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-28-089, dated October 24, 1996. Prior
to further flight following accomplishment of the removal,
accomplish the requirements of paragraph (a)(2) of this AD.
(2) For all airplanes: Install the fuel transfer pipe of the
tail tank and support brackets and clamps of the fuel feed pipe of
engine No. 2, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin
MD11-28-089, dated October 24, 1996. Accomplishment of this
installation constitutes terminating action for the requirements of
this AD.
(c)(1) 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.
(2) Alternative methods of compliance that concern the use of an
alternate material in lieu of the specified temporary doubler, which
were approved previously in accordance with AD 96-10-07, amendment
39-9612, are not considered to be approved as alternative methods of
compliance with this AD.
(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 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.
(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) Certain actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell
Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-28A083, dated March 13, 1996, or
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-28A083, Revision 01,
dated May 29, 1996. Certain other actions shall be done in
accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-28-089,
dated October 24, 1996. The incorporation by
[[Page 24021]]
reference of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-28A083,
dated March 13, 1996, was approved previously by the Director of the
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part
51 as of May 24, 1996 (61 FR 21066, May 9, 1996). The incorporation
by reference of the remainder of the service documents listed above
is 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, 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.
(g) This amendment becomes effective on June 6, 1997.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 21, 1997.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-10788 Filed 5-1-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
