Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and DC-10 Series Airplanes, and Model KC-10A (Military) Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94-NM-202-AD; Amendment 39-9070; AD 93-25-09 R1]

Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and DC-10

Series Airplanes, and Model KC-10A (Military) Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment revises an existing airworthiness directive

(AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and DC-10

series airplanes, and Model KC-10A (military) airplanes, that currently

requires repetitive functional testing to verify proper installation of

the electrical connectors to the engine generator and fire bell shutoff

switches, and correction of the installation, if necessary; and the

reporting of findings of discrepancies as a result of the repetitive

functional tests. That AD was prompted by a report indicating that the

electrical connectors to the fire extinguishing handles were found to

be connected incorrectly (crossed) on one airplane. The actions

specified in that AD are intended to prevent the wrong engine-driven

generator from being shut down unnecessarily in the event of an engine

fire or severe damage to the engine. This amendment deletes the

requirement to submit reports repetitively following each functional

test.

DATES: Effective November 29, 1994.

The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in

the regulations was approved previously by the Director of the Federal

Register as of January 7, 1994 (58 FR 68026, December 23, 1993).

Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or

before January 13, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103,

Attention: Rules Docket No. 94-NM-202-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,

Renton, Washington 98055-4056.

The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from

McDonnell Douglas Corporation, P.O. Box 1771, Long Beach, California

90801-1771, Attention: Business Unit Manager, Technical Administrative

Support, Department L51, M.C. 2-98. 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, Transport Airplane Directorate, Los Angeles Aircraft

Certification Office, 3229 East Spring Street, Long Beach, California;

or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street,

NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Raymond Vakili, Aerospace Engineer,

Propulsion Branch, ANM-141L, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Los

Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3229 East Spring Street, Long

Beach, California 90806-2425; telephone (310) 988-5262; fax (310) 988-

5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On December 16, 1993, the FAA issued AD 93-

25-09, amendment 39-8775 (58 FR 68026, December 23, 1993), which is

applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and DC-10 series

airplanes, and Model KC-10A (military) airplanes. That AD requires a

functional test to verify proper installation of the electrical

connectors to the engine generator and fire bell shutoff switches, and

correction of the installation, if necessary. A similar functional test

is required any time that maintenance is performed on the fire

extinguishing handle system. That AD also requires operators to submit

to the FAA a report of findings when any discrepancies are identified

during any of the required functional tests.

That action was prompted by a report that, during pre-delivery

testing of a Model MD-11 series airplane, the electrical connectors to

the fire extinguishing handles were found to be connected incorrectly

(crossed). The actions required by that AD are intended to prevent the

wrong engine-driven generator from being shut down unnecessarily in the

event of an engine fire or severe damage to the engine.

In response to the reporting requirements of AD 93-25-09, operators

of Model MD-11 and DC-10 series airplanes, and Model KC-10A (military)

airplanes have not reported finding any discrepancies as a result of

the functional tests of the fire extinguishing handle system.

Therefore, the FAA has determined that it is appropriate to take action

to revise paragraph (e) of that AD to delete the requirement to report

the findings of discrepancies as a result of any functional test other

than the initial one. Submission of a report to the FAA is required

only after the initial functional test, as required by paragraph (a) of

the AD.

Further, the FAA finds that removal of this reporting requirement

will not compromise safety of the fleet due to the ongoing system of

reports required by section 121.703 of the Federal Aviation Regulations

(14 CFR 121.703), ``Mechanical reliability reports.''

Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to

exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design, this AD

continues to require a one-time functional test to verify proper

installation of the electrical connectors to the engine generator and

fire bell shutoff switches, and correction of the installation, if

necessary; and a report that details the findings of discrepancies

identified during the accomplishment of the initial functional test.

This AD deletes the requirement to report findings of discrepancies as

a result of the repetitive functional tests of the fire extinguishing

handle system.

This AD merely deletes a previously-required action; it requires no

additional work to be performed by affected operators. In light of

this, the FAA has determined that it has no adverse economic impact and

imposes no additional burden on any person. Therefore, notice and

public procedures hereon are unnecessary and the amendment may be made

effective in less than 30 days after publication in the Federal

Register.

Cost Impact

There are approximately 526 Model MD-11 and DC-10 series airplanes,

and Model KC-10A (military) airplanes of the affected design in the

worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 316 airplanes of U.S. registry

will continue to be affected by the requirements that are retained in

this AD. To accomplish the actions in this AD, it will take

approximately 0.5 work hour per airplane, at an average labor rate of

$55 per work hour. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the

AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $8,690, or $27.50 per airplane.

Because this AD deletes a previously-required reporting action, it

eliminates the costs associated with that reporting action. Therefore,

the economic burden to operators is lessened by that amount.

Comments Invited

Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not

preceded by notice and opportunity for public comment, comments are

invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this

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 under the caption

ADDRESSES. All communications received on or before the closing date

for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light

of the comments received. Factual information that supports the

commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating

the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional

rulemaking action would be needed.

Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,

economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might

suggest a need to modify the 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 that

summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this

AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.

Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments

submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed,

stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments

to Docket Number 94-NM-202-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and

returned to the commenter.

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. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C.

106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.

Sec. 39.13 [Amended]

2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-8775 (58 FR

68026, December 23, 1993), and by adding a new airworthiness directive

(AD), amendment 39-9070, to read as follows:

93-25-09 R1 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-9070. Docket 94-NM-202-

AD. Revises AD 93-25-09, Amendment 39-8775.

Applicability: Model MD-11 series airplanes as listed in

McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Alert Service Bulletin A26-16, dated

November 22, 1993; and Model DC-10 series airplanes and Model KC-10A

(military) airplanes as listed in McDonnell Douglas DC-10/KC-10A

Alert Service Bulletin A26-46, dated December 6, 1993; certificated

in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished

previously.

To prevent the wrong engine-driven generator from being shut

down unnecessarily in the event of an engine fire or severe damage

to the engine, accomplish the following:

(a) Perform a functional test to verify proper installation of

the electrical connectors to the engine generator and fire bell

shutoff switches at the time specified in either paragraph (a)(1) or

(a)(2) of this AD, as applicable.

(1) For Model MD-11 series airplanes: Within 30 days after

January 7, 1994 (the effective date of AD 93-25-09, amendment 39-

8775), in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of

McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Alert Service Bulletin A26-16, dated

November 22, 1993. Or

(2) For Model DC-10 series airplanes, and Model KC-10A

(military) airplanes: Within 60 days after January 7, 1994 (the

effective date of AD 93-25-09, amendment 39-8775), in accordance

with the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas DC-10/KC-

10A Alert Service Bulletin A26-46, dated December 6, 1993.

(b) If the electrical connectors are found to be properly

installed, no further action is required by paragraph (a) of this

AD.

(c) If the electrical connectors are found to be improperly

installed, prior to further flight, correct the wiring installation

and repeat the functional test, in accordance with the

Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Alert Service

Bulletin A26-16, dated November 22, 1993 (for Model MD-11 series

airplanes); or McDonnell Douglas DC-10/KC-10A Alert Service Bulletin

A26-46, dated December 6, 1993 [for Model DC-10 series airplanes,

and Model KC-10A (military) airplanes]; as applicable.

(d) Prior to further flight following any maintenance performed

on the fire extinguishing handle system, repeat the functional test

in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell

Douglas MD-11 Alert Service Bulletin A26-16, dated November 22, 1993

(for Model MD-11 series airplanes); or McDonnell Douglas DC-10/KC-

10A Alert Service Bulletin A26-46, dated December 6, 1993 [for Model

DC-10 series airplanes and, Model KC-10A (military) airplanes]; as

applicable.

(e) Within 10 days after completing the functional test required

by paragraph (a) of this AD, submit a report of the findings of

discrepancies to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Los

Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 3229 East Spring

Street, Long Beach, California 90806-2425; fax (310) 988-5210.

Information collection requirements contained in this regulation

have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44

U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-

0056.

(f) 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 ACO. 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: Information concerning the existence of approved

alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be

obtained from the Los Angeles ACO.

(g) 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.

(h) The functional test shall be done in accordance with

McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Alert Service Bulletin A26-16, dated

November 22, 1993 (for Model MD-11 series airplanes); or McDonnell

Douglas DC-10/KC-10A Alert Service Bulletin A26-46, dated December

6, 1993 [for Model DC-10 series airplanes, or Model KC-10A

(military) airplanes]; as applicable. This incorporation by

reference was approved previously by the Director of the Federal

Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51 as of

January 7, 1994 (58 FR 68026, December 23, 1993). Copies may be

obtained from McDonnell Douglas Corporation, P.O. Box 1771, Long

Beach, California 90801-1771, Attention: Business Unit Manager,

Technical Administrative Support, Department L51, M.C. 2-98. Copies

may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601

Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Transport

Airplane Directorate, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office,

3229 East Spring Street, Long Beach, California; or at the Office of

the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700,

Washington, DC.

(i) This amendment becomes effective on November 29, 1994.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 7, 1994.

S.R. Miller,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification

Service.

[FR Doc. 94-27967 Filed 11-10-94; 8:45 am]

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