AD 2018-07-04
final rule
Applicability
| Type | Manufacturer | Model | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | DC-9-81 (MD-81) | Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing Company Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | DC-9-82 (MD-82) | Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing Company Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | DC-9-83 (MD-83) | Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing Company Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | DC-9-87 (MD-87) | Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing Company Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | MD-88 | Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing Company Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | MD-90-30 | Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing Company Airplanes |
Unsafe Condition
operation of unheated air data sensors in icing conditions, which could result in irregular airspeed or altitude indications, and possibly a runway overrun during a high speed rejected takeoff (RTO) or a stall/overspeed during flight.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Required Actions
modifying the air data heat (ADH) system so that it activates when the left and right fuel switches are in the ON position, as specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80-30A132, dated April 28, 2017, and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD90-30A031, dated June 2, 2017.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Compliance Time
within 28 months after the effective date of this AD for Model MD-80 airplanes and within 27 months after the effective date of this AD for Model MD-90 airplanes
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Affected Aircraft
all The Boeing Company Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), and DC-9-87 (MD-87) airplanes, Model MD-88 airplanes, and Model MD-90-30 airplanes
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Federal Register Abstract
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), and DC-9-87 (MD-87) airplanes, Model MD-88 airplanes, and Model MD-90- 30 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of loss of airspeed indication due to icing. This AD requires modifying the air data heat (ADH) system. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Applicability Source Text
Show captured applicability text from the source AD
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model DC-9-81 (MD-81),
DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), and DC-9-87 (MD-87) airplanes,
Model MD-88 airplanes, and Model MD-90-30 airplanes, certificated in
any category.
Document Text
Show stored source text (verify against official source)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 151 (Monday, August 6, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 38247-38250]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2018-16320]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2017-0805; Product Identifier 2017-NM-051-AD; Amendment
39-19235; AD 2018-07-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The
Boeing Company Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83),
and DC-9-87 (MD-87) airplanes, Model MD-88 airplanes, and Model MD-90-
30 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of loss of airspeed
indication due to icing. This AD requires modifying the air data heat
(ADH) system. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: This AD is effective September 10, 2018.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of September 10,
2018.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA
90740-5600; telephone 562-797-1717; internet <a href="https://www.myboeingfleet.com">https://www.myboeingfleet.com</a>. You may view this service information at the
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA.
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
206-231-3195. It is also available on the internet at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0805.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0805; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The address for the Docket Office
(phone: 800-647-5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric Igama, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960
Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5388; fax:
562-627-5210; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#65170a0100170c060e4b0c02040804250304044b020a13"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6b19040f0e1902080045020c0a060a2b0d0a0a450c041d">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all The Boeing Company
Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), and DC-9-87
(MD-87) airplanes, Model MD-88 airplanes, and Model MD-90-30 airplanes.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on August 25, 2017 (82 FR
40505). The NPRM was prompted by a report of loss of airspeed
indication due to icing. The NPRM proposed to require modifying the ADH
system. We are issuing this AD to prevent operation of unheated air
data sensors in icing conditions. Failure to activate the ADH system in
icing conditions could result in irregular airspeed or altitude
indications, which could possibly result in a runway overrun during a
high speed rejected takeoff (RTO) due to failure to rotate before the
end of the runway, or a stall/overspeed during flight.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this final rule. The following presents the comments received on the
NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
[[Page 38248]]
Support for the NPRM
Boeing and the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA)
expressed support for the NPRM.
Request To Allow the Use of Alternative Ground Terminal Locations
Delta Airlines (DAL) requested that we revise the proposed AD to
allow alternative ground terminal locations for certain wires. DAL
noted that, during prototype testing, it was unable to relocate ground
wire 2EB292B20N or ground wire 1EB292B20N to certain ground termination
points because those points were already full of existing wires. DAL
noted that Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD90-30A031, dated June 2,
2017, specifies locating ground wires in specific ground termination
points, and that action is required for compliance (RC). DAL suggested
that varied wiring configurations on Model MD-90 airplanes would lead
it to make multiple requests for alternative methods of compliance
(AMOCs), which could require additional out-of-service time for the
affected airplanes. For this reason, DAL requested that we add language
allowing the use of alternative ground terminal locations as specified
in standard wiring practices manual (SWPM) chapter 20 and Boeing
Service Request (SR) concurrence that provide an equivalent level of
safety.
We disagree with the commenter's request. If an airplane has a
different wiring or ground termination configuration than that
identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD90-30A031, dated June 2,
2017, an operator must request an AMOC in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD. We have not changed
this AD in this regard.
Request To Extend the Compliance Times
DAL requested that the compliance times specified in paragraphs
(g)(1) and (g)(2) of the proposed AD (within 28 months after the
effective date of this AD and within 27 months after the effective date
of this AD, respectively) be extended by 6 months. DAL noted that the
actions required by this AD would have to be done outside of regularly
scheduled heavy maintenance checks. DAL stated that Boeing is providing
a lead time of 174 days to procure the needed kits. For these reasons,
DAL requested that the compliance time be extended by 6 months for both
Model MD-88 and MD-90 airplanes.
We disagree with the commenter's request. We confirmed with Boeing
that the lead time for kit procurement will be 75-90 days, with some
components already available, not 174 days as suggested by DAL. If an
operator needs additional time to comply with this AD, they may request
an AMOC in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of
this AD. We have not changed this AD in this regard.
Changes to Paragraph (i) of This AD
We have clarified the language of paragraph (i) of this AD.
Paragraph (i) of the proposed AD would have allowed for the operation
of the airplane even if the modified ADH system is inoperable, so long
as the Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL) and the operator's Minimum
Equipment List (MEL) have a provision to allow for this inoperability.
The FAA has revised paragraph (i) of this AD to make it clear that, if
there is a provision in the operator's MEL that allows for the modified
ADH system to be inoperable then the operator can operate the airplane
with an inoperable modified ADH system. We have removed the references
to the MMEL because it is unnecessary to reference the MMEL, as
operators are required in 14 CFR part 91 to have an MEL to operate with
inoperable equipment and a provision cannot be in an MEL without first
being part of the MMEL. The intent of the provision has not changed.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
this final rule with the change described previously and minor
editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
<bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
<bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
We also determined that the change will not increase the economic
burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final rule.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80-30A132, dated April
28, 2017; and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD90-30A031, dated June 2,
2017. This service information describes procedures for modifying the
ADH system so that it activates when the left and right fuel switches
are in the ON position. These documents are distinct since they apply
to different airplane models. This service information is reasonably
available because the interested parties have access to it through
their normal course of business or by the means identified in the
ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 553 airplanes of U.S. registry. We
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modification, MD-80 Group 1, 84 56 work-hours x $85 per $4,459 $9,219 $774,396
airplanes. hour = $4,760.
Modification, MD-80 Group 2, 11 57 work-hours x $85 per 11,014 15,859 174,449
airplanes. hour = $4,845.
Modification, MD-80 Group 3, 336 57 work-hours x $85 per 8,589 13,434 4,513,824
airplanes. hour = $4,845.
Modification, MD-80 Group 4, 1 56 work-hours x $85 per 4,479 9,239 9,239
airplane. hour = $4,760.
Modification, MD-80 Group 5, 37 57 work-hours x $85 per 11,034 15,879 587,523
airplanes. hour = $4,845.
Modification, MD-90 Group 1, 84 37 work-hours x $85 per 4,395 7,540 633,360
airplanes. hour = $3,145.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
cost estimates for doing the modification on Model MD-80 Group 6
airplanes.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more
[[Page 38249]]
detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes to
the Director of the System Oversight Division.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(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),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) 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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
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]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2018-07-04 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-19235; Docket No. FAA-
2017-0805; Product Identifier 2017-NM-051-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective September 10, 2018.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model DC-9-81 (MD-81),
DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), and DC-9-87 (MD-87) airplanes,
Model MD-88 airplanes, and Model MD-90-30 airplanes, certificated in
any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 30, Ice and rain
protection.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of loss of airspeed indication
due to icing. We are issuing this AD to prevent operation of
unheated air data sensors in icing conditions. Failure to activate
the air data heat (ADH) system in icing conditions could result in
irregular airspeed or altitude indications, which could possibly
result in a runway overrun during a high speed rejected takeoff
(RTO) due to failure to rotate before the end of the runway, or a
stall/overspeed during flight.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2)
of this AD: Do all applicable actions identified as ``RC'' (required
for compliance) in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80-30A132, dated
April 28, 2017; or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD90-30A031, dated
June 2, 2017; as applicable; except as required by paragraph (h) of
this AD.
(1) For Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83),
DC-9-87 (MD-87), and Model MD-88 airplanes: Within 28 months after
the effective date of this AD.
(2) For Model MD-90-30 airplanes: Within 27 months after the
effective date of this AD.
(h) Exception to Certain Service Information Specifications
Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80-30A132, dated April 28,
2017, specifies contacting Boeing, and specifies that action as
``RC'' (Required for Compliance): This AD requires using a method
approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph
(j) of this AD.
(i) Minimum Equipment List (MEL)
In the event that the ADH system as modified by this AD is
inoperable, an airplane may be operated as specified in the
operator's MEL, provided provisions that address the modified ADH
system are included in the MEL.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority
to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards
District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to
the manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (k) of this AD. Information may
be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#271e0a66696a0a6b666664680a666a68640a75425652425453546741464609404851"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c1f8ec808f8cec8d8080828eec808c8e82ec93a4b0b4a4b2b5b281a7a0a0efa6aeb7">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD
if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the
Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, to make those findings. To be
approved, the repair method, modification deviation, or alteration
deviation must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the
approval must specifically refer to this AD.
(4) Except as required by paragraph (h) of this AD: For service
information that contains steps that are labeled as Required for
Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (j)(4)(i) and
(j)(4)(ii) of this AD apply.
(i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply
with the AD. If a step or substep is labeled ``RC Exempt,'' then the
RC requirement is removed from that step or substep. An AMOC is
required for any deviations to RC steps, including substeps and
identified figures.
(ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy
condition.
(k) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Eric Igama,
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, Los Angeles
ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137;
[[Page 38250]]
phone: 562-627-5388; fax: 562-627-5210; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5f2d303b3a2d363c347136383e323e1f393e3e71383029"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="03716c6766716a60682d6a64626e62436562622d646c75">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80-30A132, dated April 28,
2017.
(ii) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD90-30A031, dated June 2,
2017.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-
5600; telephone 562-797-1717; internet <a href="https://www.myboeingfleet.com">https://www.myboeingfleet.com</a>.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport
Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
206-231-3195.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on March 20, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-16320 Filed 8-3-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
Source: Official FAA Source ↗
Retrieved: Apr 4, 2026
Rights: U.S. Government Public Domain
This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the FAA. Always verify with official sources.
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