[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 177 (Wednesday, September 11, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47804-47806]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-22918]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 95-NM-212-AD; Amendment 39-9751; AD 96-19-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10 and MD-11
Series Airplanes and KC-10A (Military) Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to all McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10 and MD-11 series
airplanes and KC-10A (military) airplanes, that requires repetitive
inspections to detect corrosion or failure of the steel Hi-Lok
fasteners at the inboard flap inboard track, and replacement of
corroded/failed steel Hi-Lok fasteners with inconel Hi-Lok fasteners.
This amendment also provides for termination of the repetitive
inspections by replacing all of the steel Hi-Lok fasteners with inconel
Hi-Lok fasteners. This amendment is prompted by reports of failed and/
or corroded steel fasteners found in the inboard flap inboard track due
to stress corrosion. The actions specified by this AD are intended to
prevent such stress corrosion, which could result in binding of the
flap and inability of the flap to extend or retract; this situation may
lead to asymmetric flap deployment and subsequent reduced
controllability of the airplane during flight.
DATES: Effective October 16, 1996.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of October 16, 1996.
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, 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: Ron Atmur, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification
Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712; telephone
(310) 627-5224; fax (310) 627-5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to all McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10
and MD-11 series airplanes and KC-10A (military) airplanes was
published in the Federal Register on April 19, 1996 (61 FR 17261). That
action proposed to require repetitive visual inspections to detect
corrosion or failure of the steel Hi-Lok fasteners at the inboard flap
inboard track. That action also proposed to require replacement of
corroded/failed steel Hi-Lok fasteners with inconel Hi-Lok fasteners.
In addition, that action proposed to provide for an optional
terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements by
replacing all the steel Hi-Lok fasteners with Hi-Lok fasteners made of
inconel.
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the comments received.
Support for the Proposal
One commenter supports the proposed rule.
Request To Allow Installation of Steel Hi-Lok Fasteners
One commenter requests that the proposal be revised to allow the
replacement of corroded or damaged steel fasteners with the same part-
numbered steel Hi-Lok fasteners, instead of inconel Hi-Lok fasteners.
This commenter raises concerns about the timely availability of
replacement fasteners. The commenter points out that procuring inconel
Hi-Lok fasteners may entail a lead time of several months, but steel
Hi-Lok fasteners are readily available. Mandating the use of only
inconel fasteners as replacement parts could result in many aircraft
being grounded unnecessarily due to the unavailability of parts.
The FAA concurs with this commenter's request. The FAA finds that
an acceptable level of safety will be maintained if failed or corroded
steel Hi-Lok fasteners are replaced with like steel fasteners and
repetitively inspected. (Additionally, the McDonnell Douglas service
bulletins referenced in the AD contain a statement indicating: ``If
inconel Hi-Loks are unavailable, operators may use same material steel
Hi-Loks as removed.'') This finding, however, does not affect the
terminating action provided in this AD, which, if accomplished,
requires the replacement of all fasteners with ones made of inconel.
Paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (b)(2)(i) of the final rule have been
revised to allow fasteners to be replaced with either steel or inconel
Hi-Lok fasteners (and
[[Page 47805]]
repetitively inspected until terminating action is accomplished).
Request To Extend Initial Compliance Time for Model MD-11's
One commenter requests that paragraph (b) of the proposal be
revised to extend the compliance time for the initial inspection of
Model MD-11 series airplanes from the proposed 18 months to 72 months.
As justification for this request, the commenter points out that there
have been no reports of failed fasteners on any Model MD-11 airplane;
the only reports of failures have occurred on Model DC-10 series
airplanes that had accumulated more than 18,000 total flight cycles. In
light of this record, the commenter considers an 18-month compliance
time unwarranted for the Model MD-11.
The FAA does not concur with the commenter's request. The flap
inboard tracks of both the Model MD-11 and Model DC-10 series airplanes
are similar in design; they also operate at similar stresses and in
similar environments. In light of this, the flaps of the Model MD-11
may experience the same corrosion problems as the Model DC-10 airplanes
have experienced. Additionally, stress corrosion is unpredictable;
neither the FAA nor McDonnell Douglas can predict the onset of this
phenomenon. Therefore, the FAA has determined that it is necessary to
begin inspections as early as is reasonably possible.
In developing an appropriate compliance time for the inspections,
the FAA considered not only the degree of urgency associated with
addressing the subject unsafe condition, but the availability of
required parts and the practical aspect of inspecting the fleet at
intervals of time that closely parallel normally scheduled maintenance
for the majority of affected operators. In consideration of all of
these factors, the FAA has determined that the compliance time, as
proposed, is not only appropriate, but warranted.
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 with the changes previously
described. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of
the AD.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 276 airplanes of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 2 work hours per
airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor
rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of
the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $33,120, or $120 per
airplane, per inspection cycle.
The cost impact figure discussed above is 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) 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 adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
96-19-03 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-9751. Docket 95-NM-212-AD.
Applicability: All Model DC-10 and MD-11 series airplanes, and
KC-10A (military) 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 (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 stress corrosion cracking in the fasteners in the
inboard flap inboard track, which could result in binding of the
flap and inability of the flap to extend or retract, accomplish the
following:
(a) For Model DC-10 series airplanes and KC-10A (military)
airplanes: Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD,
perform a visual inspection to detect corrosion or failure of the
steel Hi-Lok fasteners at the inboard flap inboard track in
accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC-10-57-134,
dated August 15, 1995.
(1) If no corrosion or failure is detected, accomplish either
paragraph (a)(1)(i) or (a)(1)(ii) of this AD.
(i) Repeat the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 18 months until paragraph
(a)(1)(ii) of this AD is accomplished.
(ii) Replace all steel Hi-Lok fasteners with inconel Hi-Lok
fasteners in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC-
10-57-134, dated August 15, 1995. Accomplishment of this replacement
constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspection
requirements of paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this AD.
(2) If any corrosion or failure is detected, prior to further
flight, accomplish either paragraph (a)(2)(i) or (a)(2)(ii) of this
AD, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC-10-57-
134, dated August 15, 1995.
(i) Replace all corroded/failed steel Hi-Lok fasteners with
either like steel Hi-Lok fasteners or inconel Hi-Lok fasteners, in
accordance with the service bulletin. Thereafter, repeat the visual
inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD at intervals not to
exceed 18 months until paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this AD is
accomplished.
(ii) Replace all steel Hi-Lok fasteners with inconel Hi-Lok
fasteners, in accordance with
[[Page 47806]]
McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC-10-57-134, dated August 15,
1995. Accomplishment of this replacement constitutes terminating
action for the repetitive inspection requirements of paragraph
(a)(2)(i) of this AD.
(b) For Model MD-11 series airplanes: Within 18 months after the
effective date of this AD, perform a visual inspection to detect
corrosion or failures of the steel Hi-Lok fasteners at the inboard
flap inboard track in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service
Bulletin MD11-57-031, dated August 15, 1995.
(1) If no corrosion or failures are detected, accomplish either
paragraph (b)(1)(i) or (b)(2)(ii) of this AD.
(i) Repeat the inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 18 months until paragraph
(b)(1)(ii) of this AD is accomplished.
(ii) Replace all steel Hi-Lok fasteners with inconel Hi-Lok
fasteners in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin
MD11-57-031, dated August 15, 1995. Accomplishment of this
replacement constitutes terminating action for the repetitive
inspection requirements of paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this AD.
(2) If any corrosion or failure is detected during the
inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD, prior to further
flight, accomplish either paragraph (b)(2)(i) or (b)(2)(ii) of this
AD, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-57-
031, dated August 15, 1995.
(i) Replace all corroded/failed steel Hi-Lok fasteners with
either like steel Hi-Lok fasteners or inconel Hi-Lok fasteners, in
accordance with the service bulletin. Thereafter, repeat the visual
inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD at intervals not to
exceed 18 months until paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this AD is
accomplished.
(ii) Replace all steel Hi-Lok fasteners with inconel Hi-Lok
fasteners in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin
MD11-57-031, dated August 15, 1995. Accomplishment of this
replacement constitutes terminating action for the repetitive
inspection requirements of paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this AD.
(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 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.
(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 inspections and replacement shall be done in accordance
with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC-10-57-134, dated August
15, 1995 (for Model DC-10 series airplanes); and McDonnell Douglas
Service Bulletin MD11-57-031, dated August 15, 1995 (for Model MD-11
series airplanes). 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 October 16, 1996.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 3, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-22918 Filed 9-10-96; 8:45 am]
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