[Federal Register: October 2, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 191)]
[Proposed Rules]               
[Page 56796-56799]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr02oc03-11]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NM-283-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

 
Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, DC-
10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F, DC-10-30F (KC10A and KDC-10), 
DC-10-40, DC-10-40F, MD-10-10F, and MD-10-30F Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the supersedure of an existing 
airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to McDonnell Douglas transport 
category airplanes listed above, that currently requires a one-time 
detailed inspection to determine if wire segments of the wire bundle 
routed through the feed-through on the aft side of the flight 
engineer's station are damaged or chafed, and corrective actions if 
necessary. That AD also requires revising the wire bundle support clamp 
installation at the flight engineer's station. For certain airplanes, 
this action would require a new revision of the wire bundle support 
clamp installation, and modification of a certain wire bundle. This 
action also would reduce the applicability in the existing AD. The 
actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent chafing of 
the wire bundle located behind the flight engineer's panel caused by 
the wire bundle coming in contact with the lower edge of the feed-
through, and consequent electrical arcing, which could result in smoke 
and fire in the cockpit. This action is intended to address the 
identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by November 17, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NM-283-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232. 
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 9-anm-nprmcomment@faa.gov. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must 
contain

[[Page 56797]]

``Docket No. 2002-NM-283-AD'' in the subject line and need not be 
submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached 
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 or 2000 or 
ASCII text.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
obtained from Boeing Commercial Aircraft Group, Long Beach Division, 
3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Data 
and Service Management, Dept. C1-L5A (D800-0024). This information may 
be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Natalie Phan-Tran, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft 
Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 
90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5343; fax (562) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed 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 above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this action may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Submit comments using the following format:
    [sbull] Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a 
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the 
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
    [sbull] For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed 
AD is being requested.
    [sbull] Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each 
request.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2002-NM-283-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped 
and returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 2002-NM-283-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    On November 8, 2001, the FAA issued AD 2001-24-21, amendment 39-
12538 (66 FR 64121, December 12, 2001), applicable to all McDonnell 
Douglas Model DC-10 series airplanes and Model MD-10-10F and -30F 
series airplanes, to continue to require a one-time detailed inspection 
to determine if wire segments of the wire bundle routed through the 
feed-through on the aft side of the flight engineer's station are 
damaged or chafed, and corrective actions if necessary. That AD also 
requires revising the wire bundle support clamp installation at the 
flight engineer's station. The requirements of that AD are intended to 
prevent chafing of the wire bundle located behind the flight engineer's 
panel caused by the wire bundle coming in contact with the lower edge 
of the feed-through and consequent electrical arcing, which could 
result in smoke and fire in the cockpit.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

    Since the issuance of AD 2001-24-21, the FAA has reviewed and 
approved Boeing Alert Service Bulletins DC10-24A149, Revision 03, dated 
September 19, 2002; and Revision 04, dated March 26, 2003. The 
inspection and repair procedures described in these revisions are 
identical to those described in Revisions 01 and 02 of the service 
bulletin (which were referenced in the existing AD as the appropriate 
sources of service information for accomplishment of the specified 
actions). The procedures for revising the wire bundle support clamp 
installation at the flight engineer's station described in Revision 02 
have been changed to add procedures for installation and relocation of 
a new bracket when revising the wire bundle support clamp installation, 
and to add the revision of the wire bundle support clamp installation 
at the first observer's station for Group 3 airplanes, as specified in 
Revision 03. Revision 04 adds procedures for modification of Groups 1 
and 2 airplanes on which wire bundle run (RDZ) is installed and was 
changed as specified in Revision 03 of the service bulletin.
    The effectivity listing of Revisions 03 and 04 of the service 
bulletin have also been revised to remove inactive airplanes and to 
identify a new Group 3 (which includes the MD-10-10F and MD-10-30F 
airplanes), and a new Group 4, respectively.
    Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletins is 
intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition.

Other Related Rulemaking

    The FAA, in conjunction with Boeing and operators of Model DC-10 
airplanes, has reviewed all aspects of the service history of those 
airplanes to identify potential unsafe conditions and to take 
appropriate corrective actions. This proposed AD is one of a series of 
corrective actions identified during that process. We have previously 
issued several other ADs and may consider further rulemaking actions to 
address the remaining identified unsafe conditions.

Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other products of this same type design, the 
proposed AD would supersede AD 2001-24-21 to continue to require a one-
time detailed inspection to determine if wire segments of the wire 
bundle routed through the feed-through on the aft side of the flight 
engineer's station are damaged or chafed, and corrective actions if 
necessary. The proposed AD also would continue to require revising the 
wire bundle support clamp installation at the flight engineer's 
station. For certain airplanes, this action would require a new 
revision of the wire bundle support clamp installation, and 
modification of a certain wire bundle. This action also would reduce 
the applicability in the existing AD. The actions would be required to 
be accomplished in accordance with the service bulletins described 
previously.

Explanation of Change to Applicability

    We have revised the applicability of the existing AD to identify 
model designations as published in the most recent type certificate 
data sheet for the affected models.

Explanation of Change Made To Existing Requirements

    The FAA has changed all references to a ``detailed visual 
inspection'' in the

[[Page 56798]]

existing AD to ``detailed inspection'' in this action.

Changes to 14 CFR Part 39/Effect on the AD

    On July 10, 2002, the FAA issued a new version of 14 CFR part 39 
(67 FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's airworthiness 
directives system. The regulation now includes material that relates to 
altered products, special flight permits, and alternative methods of 
compliance (AMOCs). Because we have now included this material in part 
39, only the office authorized to approve AMOCs is identified in each 
individual AD.

Change in Labor Rate

    We have reviewed the figures we have used over the past several 
years to calculate AD costs to operators. To account for various 
inflationary costs in the airline industry, we find it necessary to 
increase the labor rate used in these calculations from $60 per work 
hour to $65 per work hour. The cost impact information, below, reflects 
this increase in the specified hourly labor rate.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 412 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 298 airplanes of U.S. registry 
would be affected by this proposed AD.
    The inspection that is currently required by AD 2001-24-21, takes 
approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the currently required actions on U.S. operators is estimated 
to be $65 per airplane.
    The revision of the wire bundle support clamp installation that is 
currently required by AD 2001-24-21 takes approximately 2 work hours 
per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $65 per work 
hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the currently required 
actions on U.S. operators is estimated to be $130 per airplane.
    For Groups 1, 2, and 3 airplanes: It would take approximately 2 
work hours per airplane to do the new revision of the wire bundle 
support clamp installation, at an average labor rate of $65 per work 
hour. Required parts cost would be minimal. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of the proposed installation is estimated to be $38,740, or 
$130 per airplane.
    For Group 4 airplanes: It would take approximately 1 work hour per 
airplane to do the new modification of the wire bundle, at an average 
labor rate of $65 per work hour. Required parts cost would be minimal. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed modification is 
estimated to be $19,370, or $65 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the current or proposed 
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 proposed herein would 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 proposal would not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under 
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 
and (3) if promulgated, 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 copy of the draft 
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules 
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
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 removing amendment 39-12538 (66 FR 
64121, December 12, 2001), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), to read as follows:

McDonnell Douglas: Docket 2002-NM-283-AD. Supersedes AD 2001-24-21, 
Amendment 39-12538.

    Applicability: Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, 
DC-10-30F, DC-10-30F (KC10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, DC-10-40F, MD-10-
10F, and MD-10-30F airplanes; as listed in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin DC10-24A149, Revision 04, dated March 26, 2003; 
certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent chafing of the wire bundle located behind the flight 
engineer's panel caused by the wire bundle coming in contact with 
the lower edge of the feed-through, and consequent electrical 
arcing, which could result in smoke and fire in the cockpit, 
accomplish the following:

Restatement of Requirements of AD 2001-24-21

Inspection and Repair, If Necessary

    (a) Within 1 year after June 21, 2000 (the effective date of AD 
2000-10-03, amendment 39-11727), perform a one-time detailed 
inspection to determine if the wire segments of the wire bundle 
routed through the feed-through on the aft side of the flight 
engineer's station are damaged or chafed, in accordance with 
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin DC10-24A149, Revision 01, 
dated July 28, 1999; or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-24A149, 
Revision 02, dated April 5, 2001; Revision 03, dated September 19, 
2002; or Revision 04, dated March 26, 2003. If any damaged or chafed 
wire is found, prior to further flight, repair in accordance with 
the alert service bulletin.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed 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.''

Revision of Wire Bundle Support Clamp Installation

    (b) Within 1 year after January 16, 2002 (the effective date of 
AD 2001-24-21, amendment 39-12538), revise the wire bundle support 
clamp installation at the flight engineer's station, per Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin DC10-24A149, Revision 02, dated April 5, 
2001.

[[Page 56799]]

New Requirements of This AD

New Revision of Wire Bundle Support Clamp Installation

    (c) Within 1 year after the effective date of this AD, do the 
applicable actions specified in paragraph (c)(1), (c)(2), or (c)(3) 
of this AD, per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-24A149, Revision 
04, dated March 26, 2003.
    (1) For Group 1 airplanes, as defined in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin DC10-24A149, Revision 04, dated March 26, 2003: Revise the 
wire bundle support clamp installation at the flight engineer's 
station.
    (2) For Group 2 airplanes, as defined in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin DC10-24A149, Revision 04, dated March 26, 2003: Revise the 
wire bundle support clamp installation at the flight engineer's 
station.
    (3) For Group 3 airplanes, as defined in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin DC10-24A149, Revision 04, dated March 26, 2003: Revise the 
wire bundle support clamp installation at the first observer's 
station.

Modification

    (d) For Group 4 airplanes, as defined in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin DC10-24A149, Revision 04, dated March 26, 2003: Within 1 
year after the effective date of this AD, modify the wire bundle per 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
DC10-24A149, Revision 04, dated March 26, 2003.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (e) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Los Angeles 
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, is authorized to approve 
alternative methods of compliance for this AD.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 26, 2003.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-24975 Filed 10-1-03; 8:45 am]

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