96-13495. Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-80 Series Airplanes and Model MD-88 Airplanes  

  • [Federal Register Volume 61, Number 106 (Friday, May 31, 1996)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 27251-27253]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 96-13495]
    
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    
    Federal Aviation Administration
    
    14 CFR Part 39
    
    [Docket No. 96-NM-98-AD; Amendment 39-9638; AD 96-11-13]
    RIN 2120-AA64
    
    
    Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-80 Series 
    Airplanes and Model MD-88 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 DC-9-80 series 
    airplanes and Model MD-88 airplanes. This action requires a visual 
    inspection to determine the type of fluorescent light ballasts 
    installed in the cabin sidewall; and installation of a protective 
    cover, replacement, or removal/disconnection, if necessary. This action 
    also requires removal of the dust barriers from the outboard ceiling 
    panels, and installation of modified outboard ceiling panels. This 
    amendment is prompted by reports of smoke, fumes, and/or electrical 
    fire emitting from the baggage bin of the aft passenger compartment and 
    from the dust barriers of the outboard ceiling due to the failure of 
    the fluorescent light ballasts. The actions specified in this AD are 
    intended to prevent a fire in the passenger compartment, which could 
    result from failure of the fluorescent light ballast of the upper and 
    lower cabin sidewall, and subsequent failure of the dust barriers of 
    the outboard ceiling panel.
    
    DATES: Effective June 17, 1996.
        The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
    the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
    of June 17, 1996.
        Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
    before July 30, 1996.
    
    ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
    Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
    Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-NM-98-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: J. Kirk Baker, Aerospace Engineer, 
    Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft 
    Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 
    90712; telephone (310) 627-5345; fax (310) 627-5210.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has received two reports of smoke, 
    fumes, and/or electrical fire emitting from the baggage bin of the aft 
    passenger compartment and from the dust barriers of the outboard 
    ceiling panel on McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-82 (MD-82) series 
    airplanes. Investigation revealed that the existing design of the
    
    [[Page 27252]]
    
    light ballast assembly allows moisture condensation to ingress into the 
    ballast case during altitude changes. The effects of such moisture 
    subsequently contaminate the printed circuit card, which could result 
    in a short circuit that ruptures the ballast casing and emits fire. In 
    addition, investigation revealed that the failed light ballast assembly 
    generated enough heat to ignite the dust barriers of the outboard 
    ceiling panel; these barriers are flammable and have the potential to 
    spread a fire to adjacent interior components. These conditions, if not 
    corrected, could result in a fire in the passenger compartment.
    
    Explanation of Relevant Service Information
    
        The FAA has reviewed and approved McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
    Bulletin MD80-33A107, dated April 25, 1996, which describes the 
    following procedures:
        1. Performing a one-time visual inspection to determine the type of 
    fluorescent light ballasts installed in the upper and lower cabin 
    sidewall; and
        2. Installing a protective cover on any Day-Ray Products 
    Incorporated ballast, or replacing any Day-Ray Products Incorporated 
    ballast with a Bruce Industries Incorporated ballast. Accomplishment of 
    these actions will minimize the possibility of failure of the ballasts 
    due to uncontained smoke and flame.
        The FAA has also reviewed and approved McDonnell Douglas Alert 
    Service Bulletin MD80-25A353, dated March 14, 1996, which describes 
    procedures for removal of the dust barriers from the outboard ceiling 
    panels, and installation of modified outboard ceiling panels. 
    Accomplishment of this removal and installation will minimize the 
    possibility of smoke or fire spreading into the cabin.
    
    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 DC-9-80 series 
    airplanes and Model MD-88 airplanes of the same type design, this AD is 
    being issued to prevent a fire in the passenger compartment, which 
    could result from the failure of the fluorescent light ballast of the 
    upper and lower cabin sidewall, and the subsequent failure of the dust 
    barriers of the outboard ceiling panel. This AD requires a one-time 
    visual inspection to determine the type of fluorescent light ballasts 
    installed in the upper and lower cabin sidewall. For airplanes on which 
    any Day-Ray Products Incorporated ballast is installed, this AD also 
    requires accomplishment of one of the following actions:
    
    --Installation of a protective cover on the ballast; or
    --Replacement of that ballast with a Bruce Industries Incorporated 
    ballast.
    
    Additionally, for some airplanes, this AD requires removal of the dust 
    barriers from the outboard ceiling panels, and installation of modified 
    outboard ceiling panels. The actions are required to be accomplished in 
    accordance with the alert service bulletins described previously.
        Operators should note that, in addition to the recommendations of 
    McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD80-33A107, this AD provides 
    an additional option for airplanes on which any Day-Ray Products 
    Incorporated ballast is installed that involves removal or electrical 
    disconnection of the ballast, stowage of the ballast, and protection of 
    the loose wiring. The FAA finds that accomplishment of these actions 
    will eliminate the identified unsafe condition for those airplanes.
        In addition, the FAA is aware that parts availability may become a 
    problem in the future. However, under the provisions of paragraph (d) 
    of the final rule, the FAA may approve requests for adjustments to the 
    compliance time if data are submitted to substantiate that such an 
    adjustment would provide an acceptable level of 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 96-NM-98-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.
    
    [[Page 27253]]
    
    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:
    
    96-11-13  McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-9638. Docket 96-NM-98-AD.
    
        Applicability: Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 
    (MD-83), and DC-9-87 (MD-87) and Model MD-88 airplanes; as listed in 
    McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD80-33A107, dated April 
    25, 1996; and McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD80-25A353, 
    dated March 14, 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 (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 failure of the fluorescent light ballast of the upper 
    and lower cabin sidewall, and subsequent failure of the dust 
    barriers of the outboard ceiling panel, which could result in a fire 
    in the passenger compartment, accomplish the following:
        (a) For all airplanes: Within 90 days after the effective date 
    of this AD, perform a one-time visual inspection to determine the 
    type of fluorescent light ballasts installed in the upper and lower 
    cabin sidewall, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
    Bulletin MD80-33A107, dated April 25, 1996.
        (1) If any Bruce Industries Incorporated ballast is installed 
    (specified as Condition 1 in the alert service bulletin), no further 
    action is required by this paragraph for that ballast.
        (2) If any Day-Ray Products Incorporated ballast is installed 
    (specified as Condition 2 in the alert service bulletin), prior to 
    further flight, accomplish either paragraph (a)(2)(i), (a)(2)(ii), 
    or (a)(2)(iii) of this AD.
        (i) Install a protective cover on the ballast in accordance with 
    Condition 2, Option 1, of the alert service bulletin. Or
        (ii) Replace it with a Bruce Industries Incorporated ballast, in 
    accordance with Condition 2, Option 2, of the alert service 
    bulletin. Or
        (iii) Remove or disconnect it electrically, stow it, and protect 
    the loose wiring.
        (b) For airplanes having manufacturer's fuselage numbers listed 
    in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD80-25A353, dated March 
    14, 1996: Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, remove 
    the dust barriers from the outboard ceiling panels, and install 
    modified outboard ceiling panels, in accordance with McDonnell 
    Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD80-25A353, dated March 14, 1996.
        (c) As of the effective date of this AD, no Day-Ray Products 
    Incorporated ballast, having any part number identified in paragraph 
    1.2. of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD80-33A107, dated 
    April 25, 1996, shall be installed on any airplane unless that 
    ballast has been modified in accordance with that alert service 
    bulletin.
        (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) The inspection and replacement shall be done in accordance 
    with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD80-33A107, dated 
    April 25, 1996. The removal of the dust barriers and installations 
    shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
    Bulletin MD80-25A353, dated March 14, 1996. 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.
        (g) This amendment becomes effective on June 17, 1996.
    
        Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 22, 1996.
    James V. Devany,
    Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
    Service. -
    [FR Doc. 96-13495 Filed 5-30-96; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
6/17/1996
Published:
05/31/1996
Department:
Federal Aviation Administration
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule; request for comments.
Document Number:
96-13495
Dates:
Effective June 17, 1996.
Pages:
27251-27253 (3 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 96-NM-98-AD, Amendment 39-9638, AD 96-11-13
RINs:
2120-AA64: Airworthiness Directives
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/2120-AA64/airworthiness-directives
PDF File:
96-13495.pdf
CFR: (1)
14 CFR 39.13