AD 2020-22-15
Recurring
final rule
Applicability
| Type | Manufacturer | Model | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | DC-10-10 | Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing Company Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | DC-10-10F | Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing Company Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | DC-10-15 | Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing Company Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | DC-10-30 | Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing Company Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | DC-10-30F (KC-10A KDC-10) | Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing Company Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | DC-10-40 | Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing Company Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | DC-10-40F | Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing Company Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | MD-10-10F | Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing Company Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | MD-10-30F | Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing Company Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | MD-11 | Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing Company Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | MD-11F | Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing Company Airplanes |
Unsafe Condition
cracked floor beams and floor beam supports in the area of the overwing exit doors located at certain stations
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Required Actions
an inspection of the overwing floor beams for any repair, repetitive inspections of the overwing floor beams and floor beam supports at certain stations on the left and right sides for any crack, and applicable on-condition actions
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Compliance Time
Within 50 flight hours
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Affected Aircraft
all The Boeing Company Model DC-10-10 and DC-10-10F airplanes, Model DC-10-15 airplanes, Model DC-10-30 and DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10) airplanes, Model DC-10-40 and DC-10-40F airplanes, Model MD-10-10F and MD-10-30F airplanes, and Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Federal Register Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model DC-10-10 and DC-10-10F airplanes, Model DC-10- 15 airplanes, Model DC-10-30 and DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10) airplanes, Model DC-10-40 and DC-10-40F airplanes, Model MD-10-10F and MD-10-30F airplanes, and Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracked floor beams and floor beam supports in the area of the overwing exit doors located at certain stations (STA). This AD requires an inspection of the overwing floor beams for any repair, repetitive inspections of the overwing floor beams and floor beam supports at certain STA on the left and right sides for any crack, and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is 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 airplanes specified in
paragraphs (c)(1) through (6) of this AD, certificated in any
category.
(1) Model DC-10-10 and DC-10-10F airplanes.
(2) Model DC-10-15 airplanes.
(3) Model DC-10-30 and DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10) airplanes.
(4) Model DC-10-40 and DC-10-40F airplanes.
(5) Model MD-10-10F and MD-10-30F airplanes.
(6) Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes.
Document Text
Show stored source text (verify against official source)
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 220 (Friday, November 13, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 72555-72558]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2020-25013]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0779; Product Identifier 2020-NM-092-AD; Amendment
39-21311; AD 2020-22-15]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
The Boeing Company Model DC-10-10 and DC-10-10F airplanes, Model DC-10-
15 airplanes, Model DC-10-30 and DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10)
airplanes, Model DC-10-40 and DC-10-40F airplanes, Model MD-10-10F and
MD-10-30F airplanes, and Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes. This AD was
prompted by reports of cracked floor beams and floor beam supports in
the area of the overwing exit doors located at certain stations (STA).
This AD requires an inspection of the overwing floor beams for any
repair, repetitive inspections of the overwing floor beams and floor
beam supports at certain STA on the left and right sides for any crack,
and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective December 18, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of December 18,
2020.
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, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
[[Page 72556]]
It is also available on the internet at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0779.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0779; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this final rule, any comments received, and other information. The
address for Docket Operations is 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: Manuel Hernandez, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960
Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5256; fax:
562-627-5210; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#fcb19d92899990d2bad2b4998e929d92989986bc9a9d9dd29b938a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c588a4abb0a0a9eb83eb8da0b7aba4aba1a0bf85a3a4a4eba2aab3">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA 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-10-10 and DC-10-10F airplanes, Model DC-10-15 airplanes, Model
DC-10-30 and DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10) airplanes, Model DC-10-40
and DC-10-40F airplanes, Model MD-10-10F and MD-10-30F airplanes, and
Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on August 25, 2020 (85 FR 52287). The NPRM was prompted by
reports of cracked floor beams and floor beam supports in the area of
the overwing exit doors located at certain STA. The NPRM proposed to
require an inspection of the overwing floor beams for any repair,
repetitive inspections of the overwing floor beams and floor beam
supports at certain STA on the left and right sides for any crack, and
applicable on-condition actions.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address potential undetected overwing
floor beam cracks that could grow in length until the floor beam
severs, and, if limit load is applied with two adjacent severed floor
beams, could adversely affect the structural integrity of the airplane,
which could result in the loss of primary control systems and lead to
reduced controllability of the airplane.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The FAA has considered the comments
received. Boeing and Shawn Darr indicated support for the NPRM.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest
require adopting this final rule as proposed, except for minor
editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor changes:
<bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
<bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin DC10-53A184 RB,
dated February 6, 2020; and Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin MD11-
53A088 RB, dated March 6, 2020. The service information describes
procedures for a general visual inspection of the overwing floor beams
for any repair; repetitive eddy current high frequency (ETHF)
inspections of the overwing floor beams and floor beam supports for
cracks, or repetitive ETHF inspections of the overwing floor beams and
detailed inspections of the overwing floor beam supports at certain
stations on the left and right sides for any crack, depending on
configuration; and applicable on-condition actions. On-condition
actions include repair. 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
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 224 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General visual inspection........ 1 work-hour x $85 $0 $85................ $19,040.
per hour = $85.
ETHF and detailed inspections.... Up to 70 work-hours 0 Up to $5,950 per Up to $1,332,800
x $85 per hour = inspection cycle. per inspection
Up to $5,950 per cycle.
inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required. The FAA has no way of
determining the number of aircraft that might need these on-condition
actions:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 375 work-hours x $85 per hour = Up Up to $190,576............. Up to $222,451.
to $31,875.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is 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
[[Page 72557]]
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.
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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.
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):
2020-22-15 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-21311; Docket No. FAA-
2020-0779; Product Identifier 2020-NM-092-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective December 18, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company airplanes specified in
paragraphs (c)(1) through (6) of this AD, certificated in any
category.
(1) Model DC-10-10 and DC-10-10F airplanes.
(2) Model DC-10-15 airplanes.
(3) Model DC-10-30 and DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10) airplanes.
(4) Model DC-10-40 and DC-10-40F airplanes.
(5) Model MD-10-10F and MD-10-30F airplanes.
(6) Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracked floor beams and floor
beam supports in the area of the overwing exit doors located at
certain stations. The FAA is issuing this AD to address potential
undetected overwing floor beam cracks that could grow in length
until the floor beam severs, and, if limit load is applied with two
adjacent severed floor beams, could adversely affect the structural
integrity of the airplane, which could result in the loss of primary
control systems and lead to reduced controllability of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD: At the
applicable times specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin DC10-53A184 RB, dated February 6, 2020;
or Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin MD11-53A088 RB, dated March 6,
2020; as applicable, do all applicable actions identified in, and in
accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin DC10-53A184 RB, dated February 6, 2020; or
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin MD11-53A088 RB, dated March 6,
2020; as applicable.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
DC10-53A184, dated February 6, 2020; or Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin MD11-53A088, dated March 6, 2020; as applicable, which are
referred to in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin DC10-53A184 RB,
dated February 6, 2020; and Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin MD11-
53A088 RB, dated March 6, 2020; respectively.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
(1) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin DC10-53A184 RB,
dated February 6, 2020, uses the phrase ``the original issue date of
Requirements Bulletin DC10-53A184 RB,'' this AD requires using ``the
effective date of this AD,'' except where Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin DC10-53A184 RB, dated February 6, 2020, uses the phrase
``the original issue date of Requirements Bulletin DC10-53A184 RB''
in a note or flag note.
(2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin MD11-53A088 RB,
dated March 6, 2020, uses the phrase ``the original issue date of
Requirements Bulletin MD11-53A088 RB,'' this AD requires using ``the
effective date of this AD,'' except where Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin MD11-53A088 RB, dated March 6, 2020, uses the phrase ``the
original issue date of Requirements Bulletin MD11-53A088 RB'' in a
note or flag note.
(3) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin DC10-53A184 RB,
dated February 6, 2020, specifies contacting Boeing for repair
instructions or for alternative inspections: This AD requires doing
the repair, or doing the alternative inspections and applicable on-
condition actions before further flight using a method approved in
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this
AD.
(4) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin MD11-53A088 RB,
dated March 6, 2020, specifies contacting Boeing for repair
instructions or for alternative inspections: This AD requires doing
the repair, or doing the alternative inspections and applicable on-
condition actions before further flight using a method approved in
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this
AD.
(i) 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 (j)(1) of this AD. Information
may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d4edf9959a99f9989595979bf995999b97f986b1a5a1b1a7a0a794b2b5b5fab3bba2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7d44503c333050313c3c3e32503c30323e502f180c08180e090e3d1b1c1c531a120b">[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 Company Organization Designation
Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Los
Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, 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.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Manuel
Hernandez, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Section, FAA,
Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA
90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5256; fax: 562-627-5210; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#da97bbb4afbfb6f49cf492bfa8b4bbb4bebfa09abcbbbbf4bdb5ac"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4e032f203b2b22600860062b3c202f202a2b340e282f2f60292138">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (k)(3) and (4) of this AD.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this
[[Page 72558]]
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 Requirements Bulletin DC10-53A184 RB, dated
February 6, 2020.
(ii) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin MD11-53A088 RB, dated
March 6, 2020.
(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,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety 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, email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#432526273126246d2f2624222f032d2231226d242c35"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="94f2f1f0e6f1f3baf8f1f3f5f8d4faf5e6f5baf3fbe2">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on October 21, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-25013 Filed 11-12-20; 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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