AD 2000-24-15
final rule
Applicability
| Type | Manufacturer | Model | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| aircraft | McDonnell Douglas | MD-11 | Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Series Airplanes |
Unsafe Condition
Improper wire installations during manufacture and/or maintenance can lead to electrical arcing and/or heat damaged wires, potentially causing fire and smoke in various areas of the airplane.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Required Actions
Conduct a one-time detailed visual inspection of all electrical wiring installations in various areas of the airplane to detect discrepancies. Take corrective actions if necessary, including repositioning wires or clamps where no gap is visible between the wire bundle and blanket when pressure is applied, specifically where wiring is routed over structural frames.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Compliance Time
Before further flight
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Affected Aircraft
McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes, manufacturer's fuselage numbers 0447 through 0635, certificated in any category.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Federal Register Abstract
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes, that requires a one-time detailed visual inspection to detect discrepancies of all electrical wiring installations in various areas of the airplane; and corrective actions, if necessary. This amendment is necessary to prevent electrical arcing and/or heat damaged wires due to improper wire installations during manufacture and/or maintenance of the airplane, and consequent fire and smoke in various areas of the airplane. This amendment is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
Document Text
Show stored source text (verify against official source)
[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 233 (Monday, December 4, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 75620-75623]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 00-30440]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2000-NM-36-AD; Amendment 39-12022; AD 2000-24-15]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes,
that requires a one-time detailed visual inspection to detect
discrepancies of all electrical wiring installations in various areas
of the airplane; and corrective actions, if necessary. This amendment
is necessary to prevent electrical arcing and/or heat damaged wires due
to improper wire installations during manufacture and/or maintenance of
the airplane, and consequent fire and smoke in various areas of the
airplane. This amendment is intended to address the identified unsafe
condition.
DATES: Effective January 8, 2001.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of January 8, 2001.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Boeing Commercial Aircraft Group, Long Beach Division,
3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention:
Technical Publications Business Administration, Dept. 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, 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: Brett Portwood, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California
90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5350; fax (562) 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 certain McDonnell Douglas Model
MD-11 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on July
27, 2000 (65 FR 46218). That action proposed to require a one-time
detailed visual inspection to detect discrepancies of all electrical
wiring installations in various areas of the airplane; and corrective
actions, if necessary.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the comments received.
Request for Reporting Requirement
One commenter requests that the FAA add a reporting requirement for
the inspection findings. The commenter states that serious reporting is
not possible using the reporting sheet attached to the referenced
Boeing service bulletin. The commenter believes that it is important to
collect the details of the inspection results using a database.
The FAA does not concur. The FAA understands the need to collect
useful data in a consistent, detailed manner when investigating
possible wiring service difficulties. However, the FAA has already
conducted an extensive investigation of the wiring on McDonnell Douglas
Model MD-11 series airplanes. As part of the investigation, the FAA has
performed its own inspections on numerous in-service and in-production
airplanes. The FAA has analyzed the data from the inspections and
incorporated follow-on actions as part of a comprehensive corrective
action plan; this AD is part of that plan. Therefore, the FAA has
determined that the need for a reporting requirement for the required
inspections to detect and correct minor wiring discrepancies in various
areas of the airplane is not necessary.
Revise Corrective Action
One commenter notes that paragraph (c) of the NPRM reads, ``If no
gap between the wire bundle and blanket can be seen when pressure is
applied to the blanket, before further flight, reposition wires or
clamps so that a gap can been seen when pressure is applied to the
blanket.'' The commenter asks, ``Will this requirement be valid for all
the wire gauges in every area? Does this requirement replace the
existing DPS 1.834-7, Par. 4.1.12.1?''
From these questions, the FAA infers that the commenter is
requesting that the scope of the corrective action specified in
paragraph (c) of the NPRM apply only to wiring that is routed over
structural frames. The FAA concurs. In its attempt to provide
instructions for accomplishing certain corrective actions, which were
not provided in the referenced service bulletin (discussed in the
preamble of the NPRM), the FAA did not carry forward the scope of the
test requirement into the corrective action specified in paragraph (c)
of the AD. For clarification purposes, the FAA has revised paragraph
(c) of the final rule to read, ``If no gap between the wire bundle and
blanket can be seen where the wiring is routed over structural frames *
* * .''
Actions Since Issuance of the NPRM
The FAA has reviewed and approved the following service bulletins:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Service bulletin Revision level Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
McDonnell Douglas Service Revision 01.... November 6, 2000.
Bulletin MD11-24-171.
McDonnell Douglas Service Revision 01.... November 6, 2000.
Bulletin MD11-24-170.
Boeing Service Bulletin MD11- Revision 01.... November 6, 2000.
24-167, including Appendix.
Boeing Service Bulletin MD11- Revision 01.... November 6, 2000.
24-165, including Appendix.
Boeing Service Bulletin MD11- Revision 01.... November 6, 2000.
24-163, including Appendix.
McDonnell Douglas Service Revision 01.... November 6, 2000.
Bulletin MD11-24-188.
McDonnell Douglas Service Revision 01.... November 6, 2000.
Bulletin MD11-24-161.
McDonnell Douglas Service Revision 01.... November 6, 2000.
Bulletin MD11-24-162.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 75621]]
The procedures described in these service bulletins are identical
to those described in the original issue of the service bulletins
(which were referenced in the NPRM as the appropriate sources of
service information for doing the proposed actions), but contain
certain editorial changes. No additional work is necessary on airplanes
changed per the original issue of the service bulletins. Therefore, the
FAA has revised the final rule to include Revision 01 of these service
bulletins as additional sources of service information.
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
There are approximately 182 Model MD-11 series airplanes of the
affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 60
airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD.
It will take approximately 10 work hours per airplane to accomplish
each of the six inspections specified in paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2),
(a)(3), (a)(4), (a)(5), and (a)(6) of this AD, at an average labor rate
of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of these
indicated inspections required by this AD on U.S. operators is
estimated to be $216,000, or $3,600 per airplane.
It will take approximately 5 work hours per airplane to accomplish
the inspection specified in paragraph (a)(7) of this AD, at an average
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost
impact of this indicated inspection required by this AD on U.S.
operators is estimated to be $18,000, or $300 per airplane.
It will take approximately 12 work hours per airplane to accomplish
the inspection specified in paragraph (a)(8) of this AD, at an average
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost
impact of this indicated inspection required by this AD on U.S.
operators is estimated to be $43,200, or $720 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. The cost impact figures discussed
in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform
the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other
administrative actions.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein will not have a substantial direct
effect 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, it
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132.
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:
2000-24-15 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-12022. Docket 2000-NM-36-
AD.
Applicability: Model MD-11 series airplanes, manufacturer's
fuselage numbers 0447 through 0449 inclusive, 0451 through 0464
inclusive, 0466 through 0489 inclusive, 0491 through 0517 inclusive,
0519 through 0552 inclusive, 0554 through 0556 inclusive, 0557, 0558
through 0633 inclusive, and 0635; 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 (e) 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.
Note 2: The FAA recommends that the actions required by this AD
be accomplished immediately after accomplishing the replacement of
metallized polyethyleneteraphthalate (MPET) insulation blankets, as
required by AD 2000-11-02, amendment 39-11750 (65 FR 34341, May 26,
2000).
To prevent electrical arcing and/or heat damaged wires due to
improper wire installations during manufacture and/or maintenance of
the airplane, and consequent fire and smoke in various areas of the
airplane, accomplish the following:
One-Time Detailed Visual Inspection
(a) Within 5 years after the effective date of this AD,
accomplish the actions specified in paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2),
(a)(3), (a)(4), (a)(5), (a)(6), (a)(7), and (a)(8) of this AD, as
applicable.
(1) For all airplanes: Perform a one-time detailed visual
inspection to detect discrepancies of all electrical wiring
installations in the center and aft cargo compartments from stations
Y=1521.000 to Y=2007.000, in accordance with paragraph 3.B., ``Work
Instructions,'' of the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell
Douglas service Bulletin MD11-24-171, dated April 4, 2000, or
Revision 01, dated November 6, 2000.
Note 3: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual
inspection is defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a
specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to
detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is
normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at
intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such
as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc. may be used. Surface cleaning and
elaborate access procedures may be required.''
(2) For all airplanes: Perform a one-time detailed visual
inspection to detect discrepancies of all electrical wiring
installations in the forward cargo compartment from stations
Y=595.000 to Y=6-73.500, in accordance with the paragraph 3.B.,
``Work Instructions,'' of the
[[Page 75622]]
Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin
MD11-24-170, dated April 12, 2000, or Revision 01, dated November 6,
2000.
(3) For all airplanes: Perform a one-time detailed visual
inspection to detect discrepancies of all electrical wiring
installations in the forward passenger compartment from stations
Y=5-11.000 to Y=2007.000, in accordance with the paragraph 3.B.,
``Work instructions,'' of the Accomplishment Instructions of
McDonnell Douglas Service bulletin MD11-24-167, dated April 4, 2000,
or Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-24-167, revision 01, including
Appendix 1, dated November 6, 2000.
(4) For all airplanes: Perform a one-time detailed visual
inspection to detect discrepancies of all electrical wiring
installations in the forward passenger compartment from stations
Y=756.000 to Y=1501.000, in accordance with the paragraph 3.B.,
``Work instructions,'' of the Accomplishment Instructions of
McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-165, dated April 4, 2000,
or Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-24-165, Revision 01, including
Appendix, dated November 6, 2000.
(5) For all airplanes: Perform a one-time detailed visual
inspection to detect discrepancies of all electrical wiring
installations in the forward passenger compartment from stations
Y=465.000 to Y=755.000, in accordance with the paragraph 3.B.,
``Work instructions,'' of the Accomplishment Instructions of
McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-163, dated April 4, 2000,
or Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-24-163, Revision 01, including
Appendix 1, dated November 6, 2000.
(6) For all airplanes: Perform a one-time detailed visual
inspection to detect discrepancies of all electrical wiring
installations in the flight compartment and forward drop ceilings
areas from stations Y=275.000 to Y=464.000, in accordance with the
paragraph 3.B., ``Work Instructions,'' of the Accomplishment
Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-188,
dated April 28, 2000, or Revision 01, dated november 6, 2000.
(7) For airplanes having manufacturer's fuselage numbers 0447
through 0449 inclusive, 0451 through 0464 inclusive, 0466 through
0489 inclusive, 0491 through 0517 inclusive, 0519 through 0552
inclusive, 0554 through 0556 inclusive, 0557, 0558 through 0633
inclusive: Perform a one-time detailed visual inspection to detect
discrepancies of all electrical wiring installations in the center
accessory compartment from stations y=6-50.000 to Y=1179.000, in
accordance with the paragraph 3.B., ``Work Instructions,'' of the
Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin
MD11-24-161, dated April 10, 2000, or Revision 01, dated November 6,
2000.
(8) For airplanes having manufacturer's fuselage numbers 0447
through 0449 inclusive, 0451 through 0464 inclusive, 0466 through
0489 inclusive, 0491 through 0517 inclusive, 0519 through 0552
inclusive, 0554 through 0556 inclusive, 0557, 0558 through 0633
inclusive: Perform a one-time detailed visual inspection to detect
discrepancies of all electrical wiring installations in the main
avionics compartment from stations y=275.000 to Y=464.000, in
accordance with the paragraph 3.B., ``Work Instructions,'' of the
Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin
MD11-24-162, dated April 10, 2000, or Revision 01, dated November 6,
2000.
Corrective Action
(b) If any discrepancy is detected during the inspection
required by paragraph (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(4), (a)(5),
(a)(6), (a)(7), or (a)(8) of this AD, before further flight,
accomplish the applicable corrective action(s) in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of the following applicable service
bulletins, except as provided in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this AD,
as applicable:
(1) McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-171, dated April
4, 2000, or Revision 01, dated November 6, 2000;
(2) McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-170, dated April
12, 2000, or Revision 01, dated November 6, 2000;
(3) McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-167, dated April
4, 2000;
(4) Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-24-167, dated April 4, 2000,
Revision 01, including Appendix, dated November 6, 2000;
(5) McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-165, dated April
4, 2000;
(6) Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-24-165, Revision 01, including
Appendix, dated November 6, 2000;
(7) McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-163, dated April
4, 2000;
(8) Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-24-163, Revision 01, including
Appendix 1, dated November 6, 2000;
(9) McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-188, dated April
28, 2000, or Revision 01, dated November 6, 2000;
(10) McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-161, dated April
10, 2000, or Revision 01, dated November 6, 2000; or
(11) McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-162, dated April
10, 2000, or Revision 01, dated November 6, 2000.
Note 4: Where there are differences between the AD and the
referenced service bulletins, the AD prevails.
(c) If no gap between the wire bundle and blanket can be seen
where the wiring is routed over the structural frames when pressure
is applied to the blanket, before further flight, reposition wires
or clamps so that a gap can be seen when pressure is applied to the
blanket.
(d) If any screw terminal of the flag lug bus bar is loose,
before further flight, retorque to 10 to 11 inch-pounds.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(e) 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. 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 5: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Los Angeles ACO.
Special Flight Permits
(f) 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.
Incorporation by Reference
(g) Except as provided by paragraphs (c) and (d) of this AD, the
actions shall be done in accordance with the following applicable
service bulletins:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Service bulletin Revision level Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
McDonnell Douglas Service Original....... April 4, 2000.
Bulletin MD11-24-171.
McDonnell Douglas Service Revision 01.... November 6, 2000.
Bulletin MD11-24-171.
McDonnell Douglas Service Original....... April 12, 2000.
Bulletin MD11-24-170.
McDonnell Douglas Service Revision 01.... November 6, 2000.
Bulletin MD11-24-170.
McDonnell Douglas Service Original....... April 4, 2000.
Bulletin MD11-24-167.
Boeing Service Bulletin MD11- Revision 01.... November 6, 2000.
24-167, including Appendix.
McDonnell Douglas Service Original....... April 4, 2000.
Bulletin MD11-24-165.
Boeing Service Bulletin MD11- Revision 01.... November 6, 2000.
24-165, including Appendix.
McDonnell Douglas Service Original....... April 4, 2000.
Bulletin MD11-24-163.
Boeing Service Bulletin MD11- Revision 01.... November 6, 2000.
24-163, including Appendix.
McDonnell Douglas Service Original....... April 28, 2000.
Bulletin MD11-24-188.
McDonnell Douglas Service Revision 01.... November 6, 2000.
Bulletin MD11-24-188.
McDonnell Douglas Service Original....... April 10, 2000.
Bulletin MD11-24-161.
McDonnell Douglas Service Revision 01.... November 6, 2000.
Bulletin MD11-24-161.
McDonnell Douglas Service Original....... April 10, 2000.
Bulletin MD11-24-162.
[[Page 75623]]
McDonnell Douglas Service Revision 01.... November 6, 2000.
Bulletin MD11-24-162.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 Boeing Commercial Aircraft
Group, Long Beach Division, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach,
California 90846, Attention: Technical Publications Business
Administration, Dept. 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, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California; or at the
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite
700, Washington, DC.
Effective Date
(h) This amendment becomes effective on January 8, 2001.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 22, 2000.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-30440 Filed 12-1-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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Retrieved: Apr 6, 2026
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