38188 Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 141 / Monday, July 23, 2001 / Proposed Rules
wire connection at a circuit breaker is found ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking 90712–4137; telephone (562) 627–5343; improperly connected, before further flight, (NPRM). fax (562) 627–5210. correct that wire connection at the circuit SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: breaker per the service bulletin. SUMMARY: This document proposes the Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a supersedure of an existing airworthiness Comments Invited general visual inspection is defined as ‘‘A directive (AD), applicable to all Interested persons are invited to visual examination of an interior or exterior McDonnell Douglas Model DC–10 series participate in the making of the area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This airplanes, that currently requires a one- proposed rule by submitting such level of inspection is made under normally time detailed visual inspection to written data, views, or arguments as available lighting conditions such as determine if wire segments of the wire they may desire. Communications shall daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or drop- bundle routed through the feed through identify the Rules Docket number and light, and may require removal or opening of on the aft side of the flight engineer’s be submitted in triplicate to the address access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or station are damaged or chafed, and specified above. All communications platforms may be required to gain proximity corrective actions, if necessary. This received on or before the closing date to the area being checked.’’ action also would require revising the for comments, specified above, will be Note 3: Inspection and correction of wire bundle support clamp installation considered before taking action on the improper wire connection done before the at the flight engineer’s station. This proposed rule. The proposals contained effective date of this AD per Boeing action is necessary to prevent chafing of in this action may be changed in light (McDonnell Douglas) Service Bulletin DC10– the wire bundle located behind the of the comments received. 24–130, dated October 2, 1985, are flight engineer’s panel caused by the Submit comments using the following considered acceptable for the requirements of this AD. wire bundle coming in contact with the format: lower edge of the feed through and • Organize comments issue-by-issue. Alternative Methods of Compliance consequent electrical arcing, which For example, discuss a request to (b) An alternative method of compliance or could result in smoke and fire in the change the compliance time and a adjustment of the compliance time that cockpit. This action is intended to request to change the service bulletin provides an acceptable level of safety may be address the identified unsafe condition. reference as two separate issues. used if approved by the Manager, Los • For each issue, state what specific DATES: Comments must be received by Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), change to the proposed AD is being September 6, 2001. FAA. Operators shall submit their requests requested. through an appropriate FAA Principal ADDRESSES: Submit comments in • Include justification (e.g., reasons or Maintenance Inspector, who may add triplicate to the Federal Aviation data) for each request. comments and then send it to the Manager, Administration (FAA), Transport Comments are specifically invited on Los Angeles ACO. Airplane Directorate, ANM–114, the overall regulatory, economic, Note 4: Information concerning the Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001–NM– environmental, and energy aspects of existence of approved alternative methods of 96–AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., the proposed rule. All comments compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Los Angeles ACO. Renton, Washington 98055–4056. submitted will be available, both before Comments may be inspected at this and after the closing date for comments, Special Flight Permit location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 in the Rules Docket for examination by (c) Special flight permits may be issued in p.m., Monday through Friday, except interested persons. A report accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 Federal holidays. Comments may be summarizing each FAA-public contact of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR submitted via fax to (425) 227–1232. concerned with the substance of this 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to Comments may also be sent via the proposal will be filed in the Rules a location where the requirements of this AD Internet using the following address: 9- Docket. can be accomplished. [email protected]. Comments Commenters wishing the FAA to Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 9, sent via fax or the Internet must contain acknowledge receipt of their comments 2001. ‘‘Docket No. 2001–NM–96–AD’’ in the submitted in response to this action Vi L. Lipski, subject line and need not be submitted must submit a self-addressed, stamped Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, in triplicate. Comments sent via the postcard on which the following Aircraft Certification Service. Internet as attached electronic files must statement is made: ‘‘Comments to [FR Doc. 01–17592 Filed 7–20–01; 8:45 am] be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Docket Number 2001–NM–96–AD.’’ The BILLING CODE 4910–13–U Windows or ASCII text. postcard will be date stamped and The service information referenced in returned to the commenter. the proposed rule may be obtained from Availability of NPRMs DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Boeing Commercial Aircraft Group, Any person may obtain a copy of this Long Beach Division, 3855 Lakewood NPRM by submitting a request to the Federal Aviation Administration Boulevard, Long Beach, California FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 90846, Attention: Data and Service ANM–114, Attention: Rules Docket No. 14 CFR Part 39 Management, Dept. C1–L5A (D800– 2001–NM–96–AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, 0024). This information may be [Docket No. 2001–NM–96–AD] SW., Renton, Washington 98055–4056. examined at the FAA, Transport RIN 2120–AA64 Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Background Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell In July 1996, a Boeing Model 747 Douglas Model DC–10 Series FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: series airplane was involved in an Airplanes, and Model MD–10–10F and Natalie Phan-Tran, Aerospace Engineer, accident. As part of re-examining all –30F Series Airplanes Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM– aspects of the service experience of the 130L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft airplane involved in the accident, the AGENCY: Federal Aviation Certification Office, 3960 Paramount FAA participated in design review and Administration, DOT. Boulevard, Lakewood, California testing to determine possible sources of
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ignition in center fuel tanks. As part of made up of representatives of airplane provides for a more reliable installation the review, we examined fuel system manufacturers, operators, user groups, and minimizes the possibility of wire wiring with regard to the possible aerospace and industry associations, failure due to chafing. In addition, we effects that wire degradation may have and government agencies. As part of its have determined that all affected on arc propagation. mandate, ATSRAC will recommend airplanes must incorporate this new, In 1997 in a parallel preceding, at the rulemaking to increase transport improved support bracket to adequately recommendation of the White House category airplane safety in cases where address the identified unsafe condition Commission on Aviation Safety and solutions to safety problems connected of this AD. Security, the FAA expanded its Aging to aging systems have been found and Explanation of Relevant Service Transport Program to include non- must be applied. Detailed analyses of Information structural systems and assembled a team certain transport category airplanes that for evaluating these systems. This team have been removed from service, studies The FAA has reviewed and approved performed visual inspections of certain of service bulletins pertaining to certain Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10– transport category airplanes for which wiring systems, and reviews of 24A149, Revision 02, dated April 5, 20 years or more had passed since date previously issued ADs requiring 2001. The inspection and repair of manufacture. In addition, the team repetitive inspections of certain wiring procedures described in this revision gathered information from interviews systems, have resulted in valuable are identical to those described in with FAA Principal Maintenance information on the cause and Revision 01 of the service bulletin Inspectors and meetings with prevention of wire degradation due to (which was referenced in AD 2000–10– representatives of airplane various contributing factors (e.g., 03 as the appropriate source of service manufacturers. This evaluation revealed inadequate maintenance, information). Revision 02 describes new that the length of time in service is not contamination, improper repair, and procedures for revising the wire bundle the only cause of wire degradation; mechanical damage). support clamp installation at the flight inadequate maintenance, In summary, as a result of the engineer’s station. The revision of this contamination, improper repair, and investigations described above, the FAA installation involves replacing the mechanical damage are all contributing has determined that corrective action support bracket with a new bracket; factors. From the compilation of this may be necessary to minimize the filling two holes in partition; installing comprehensive information, we potential hazards associated with wire two inserts; installing a grommet; and developed the Aging Transport Non- degradation and related causal factors installing a new support bracket; as Structural Systems Plan to increase (e.g., inadequate maintenance, applicable. Accomplishment of the airplane safety by increasing knowledge contamination, improper repair, and actions specified in the alert service of how non-structural systems degrade mechanical damage). bulletin is intended to adequately and how causes of degradation can be address the identified unsafe condition. Issuance of AD 2000–10–03 reduced. In 1998, an accident occurred off the On May 8, 2000, the FAA issued AD Explanation of Requirements of coast of Nova Scotia involving a 2000–10–03, amendment 39–11727 (65 Proposed Rule McDonnell Douglas Model MD–11 FR 31253, May 17, 2000), applicable to Since an unsafe condition has been series airplane. Investigation indicates all McDonnell Douglas Model DC–10 identified that is likely to exist or that a fire broke out in the cockpit and series airplanes, to require a one-time develop on other products of this same first class overhead area. Although the detailed visual inspection to determine type design, the proposed AD would ignition source of the fire has not been if wire segments of the wire bundle supersede AD 2000–10–03 to continue determined, the FAA, in conjunction routed through the feed through on the to require a one-time detailed visual with Boeing and operators of Model aft side of the flight engineer’s station inspection to determine if wire MD–11, DC–8, DC–9, DC–10, and DC–9– are damaged or chafed, and corrective segments of the wire bundle routed 80 series airplanes, is reviewing all actions, if necessary. That action was through the feed through on the aft side aspects of the service history of those prompted by a report of smoke coming of the flight engineer’s station are airplanes to identify potential unsafe out of the flight engineer’s upper right damaged or chafed, and repair, if conditions associated with wire circuit breaker panel, which was necessary. This action also would degradation due to various contributing followed by circuit breakers popping require the revision of the wire bundle factors (e.g., inadequate maintenance, and the panel lights going out. The support clamp installation specified in contamination, improper repair, and requirements of that AD are intended to the alert service bulletin described mechanical damage) and to take prevent chafing of the wire bundle previously. appropriate corrective actions. We have located behind the flight engineer’s Explanation of Change to the issued a series of airworthiness panel caused by the wire bundle coming Applicability of AD 2000–10–03 directives (AD) that address unsafe in contact with the lower edge of the conditions identified during that feed through and consequent electrical On May 9, 2000 (i.e., after issuance of process. This process is continuing and arcing, which could result in smoke and AD 2000–10–03), the FAA issued a we may consider additional rulemaking fire in the cockpit. Type Certificate (TC) for McDonnell actions as further results of the review Douglas Model MD–10–10F and MD– become available. The cause of the Nova Actions Since Issuance of Previous AD 10–30F series airplanes. Model MD–10 Scotia MD–11 accident has not yet been Since the issuance of AD 2000–10–03, series airplanes are Model DC–10 series determined. the FAA has determined that the airplanes that have been modified with In 1999, the FAA Administrator revision of the wire bundle support an Advanced cockpit. The wire bundle established a formal advisory committee clamp installation required by that AD support clamp installation at the flight to facilitate the implementation of the for certain airplanes does not adequately engineer’s station installed on Model Aging Transport Non-Structural address the identified unsafe condition. MD–10–10F and MD–10–30F series Systems Plan. This committee, the The airplane manufacturer has airplanes (before or after the Aging Transport Systems Rulemaking developed, and we have approved, a modifications necessary to meet the Advisory Committee (ATSRAC), is new, improved support bracket that type design of a Model MD–10 series
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airplane) is identical to that on the would not have federalism implications Compliance: Required as indicated, unless affected Model DC–10 series airplanes. under Executive Order 13132. accomplished previously. Therefore, all of these airplanes may be For the reasons discussed above, I To prevent chafing of the wire bundle subject to the same unsafe condition. certify that this proposed regulation (1) located behind the flight engineer’s panel is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ caused by the wire bundle coming in contact Other Related Rulemaking under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not with the lower edge of the feed through and This proposed AD is one of a series a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the DOT consequent electrical arcing, which could of actions identified as part of the result in smoke and fire in the cockpit, Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 accomplish the following: ATSRAC program initiative to maintain FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) if continued operational safety of aging promulgated, will not have a significant Restatement of Certain Requirements of AD non-structural systems in transport economic impact, positive or negative, 2000–10–03 category airplanes. The program is on a substantial number of small entities Inspection and Repair, If Necessary continuing and the FAA may consider under the criteria of the Regulatory (a) Within 1 year after June 21, 2000 (the additional rulemaking actions as further Flexibility Act. A copy of the draft effective date of AD 2000–10–03, amendment results of the review become available. regulatory evaluation prepared for this 39–11727), perform a one-time detailed action is contained in the Rules Docket. Cost Impact visual inspection to determine if the wire A copy of it may be obtained by segments of the wire bundle routed through There are approximately 412 Model contacting the Rules Docket at the the feed through on the aft side of the flight DC–10 series airplanes and Model MD– location provided under the caption engineer’s station are damaged or chafed, in 10–10F and –30F series airplanes of the ADDRESSES. accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert affected design in the worldwide fleet. Service Bulletin DC10–24A149, Revision 01, The FAA estimates that 300 airplanes of List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 dated July 28, 1999, or Boeing Alert Service U.S. registry would be affected by this Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation Bulletin DC10–24A149, Revision 02, dated proposed AD. safety, Safety. April 5, 2001. If any damaged or chafed wire The actions that are currently is found, prior to further flight, repair in The Proposed Amendment required by AD 2000–10–03, and accordance with the alert service bulletin. retained in this proposed AD, take Accordingly, pursuant to the Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a approximately 1 work hour per airplane authority delegated to me by the detailed inspection is defined as: ‘‘An to accomplish, at an average labor rate Administrator, the Federal Aviation intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or of $60 per work hour. Based on these Administration proposes to amend part assembly to detect damage, failure, or figures, the cost impact of the currently 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows: irregularity. Available lighting is normally required actions on U.S. operators is supplemented with a direct source of good estimated to be $18,000, or $60 per PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by airplane. DIRECTIVES the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, The new actions that are proposed in magnifying lenses, etc. may be used. Surface this AD action would take 1. The authority citation for part 39 cleaning and elaborate access procedures approximately 2 work hours per continues to read as follows: may be required.’’ airplane to accomplish, at an average Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based New Actions Required by This AD on these figures, the cost impact of the § 39.13 [Amended] Revision of Wire Bundle Support Clamp proposed requirements of this AD on 2. Section 39.13 is amended by Installation U.S. operators is estimated to be removing amendment 39–11727 (65 FR (b) Within 1 year after the effective date of $36,000, or $120 per airplane. 31253, May 17, 2000), and by adding a this AD, revise the wire bundle support The cost impact figures discussed new airworthiness directive (AD), to clamp installation at the flight engineer’s above are based on assumptions that no read as follows: station, per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin operator has yet accomplished any of DC10–24A149, Revision 02, dated April 5, McDonnell Douglas: Docket 2001–NM–96– 2001. the current or proposed requirements of AD. Supersedes AD 2000–10–03, this AD action, and that no operator Amendment 39–11727. Alternative Methods of Compliance would accomplish those actions in the Applicability: Model DC–10 series (c) An alternative method of compliance or future if this AD were not adopted. The airplanes, and Model MD–10–10F and –30F adjustment of the compliance time that cost impact figures discussed in AD series airplanes; as listed in Boeing Alert provides an acceptable level of safety may be rulemaking actions represent only the Service Bulletin DC10–24A149, Revision 02, used if approved by the Manager, Los time necessary to perform the specific dated April 5, 2001; certificated in any Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), actions actually required by the AD. category. FAA. Operators shall submit their requests These figures typically do not include Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane through an appropriate FAA Principal incidental costs, such as the time identified in the preceding applicability Maintenance Inspector, who may add provision, regardless of whether it has been required to gain access and close up, comments and then send it to the Manager, modified, altered, or repaired in the area Los Angeles ACO. planning time, or time necessitated by subject to the requirements of this AD. For Note 3: Information concerning the other administrative actions. airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the existence of approved alternative methods of Regulatory Impact requirements of this AD is affected, the compliance with this AD, if any, may be The regulations proposed herein owner/operator must request approval for an obtained from the Los Angeles ACO. would not have a substantial direct alternative method of compliance in Special Flight Permits effect on the States, on the relationship accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD. (d) Special flight permits may be issued in between the national Government and The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or accordance with §§ 21.197 and 21.199 of the the States, or on the distribution of repair on the unsafe condition addressed by Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 power and responsibilities among the this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a various levels of government. Therefore, been eliminated, the request should include location where the requirements of this AD it is determined that this proposal specific proposed actions to address it. can be accomplished.
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Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 9, in triplicate. Comments sent via the submitted in response to this action 2001. Internet as attached electronic files must must submit a self-addressed, stamped Vi L. Lipski, be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for postcard on which the following Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Windows or ASCII text. statement is made: ‘‘Comments to Aircraft Certification Service. The service information referenced in Docket Number 2001–NM–97–AD.’’ The [FR Doc. 01–17593 Filed 7–20–01; 8:45 am] the proposed rule may be obtained from postcard will be date stamped and BILLING CODE 4910–13–U Boeing Commercial Aircraft Group, returned to the commenter. Long Beach Division, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California Availability of NPRMs DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 90846, Attention: Data and Service Any person may obtain a copy of this Management, Dept. C1–L5A (D800– NPRM by submitting a request to the Federal Aviation Administration 0024). This information may be FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, examined at the FAA, Transport ANM–114, Attention: Rules Docket No. 14 CFR Part 39 Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 2001–NM–97–AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055–4056. [Docket No. 2001–NM–97–AD] Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Background RIN 2120–AA64 Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California. In July 1996, a Boeing Model 747 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: series airplane was involved in an Douglas Model DC–10–10, –30, –30F Natalie Phan-Tran, Aerospace Engineer, accident. As part of re-examining all (KC–10A and KDC–10), and –40 Series Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM– aspects of the service experience of the Airplanes; and Model MD–10–10F 130L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft airplane involved in the accident, the Series Airplanes Certification Office, 3960 Paramount FAA participated in design review and testing to determine possible sources of AGENCY: Boulevard, Lakewood, California Federal Aviation ignition in center fuel tanks. As part of Administration, DOT. 90712–4137; telephone (562) 627–5343; fax (562) 627–5210. the review, we examined fuel system ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking wiring with regard to the possible SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: (NPRM). effects that wire degradation may have Comments Invited on arc propagation. SUMMARY: This document proposes the In 1997 in a parallel preceding, at the adoption of a new airworthiness Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the recommendation of the White House directive (AD) that is applicable to Commission on Aviation Safety and certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC– proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as Security, the FAA expanded its Aging 10–10, –30, –30F (KC–10A and KDC– Transport Program to include non- 10), and –40 series airplanes; and Model they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and structural systems and assembled a team MD–10–10F series airplanes. This for evaluating these systems. This team proposal would require an inspection of be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All communications performed visual inspections of certain the power feeder cable assembly of the transport category airplanes for which auxiliary power unit (APU) for chafing, received on or before the closing date for comments, specified above, will be 20 years or more had passed since date correct type of clamps, and proper of manufacture. In addition, the team clamp installation; and corrective considered before taking action on the proposed rule. The proposals contained gathered information from interviews actions, if necessary. This action is with FAA Principal Maintenance necessary to prevent loss of the APU in this action may be changed in light of the comments received. Inspectors and meetings with generator due to chafing of the generator representatives of airplane power feeder cables and consequent Submit comments using the following format: manufacturers. This evaluation revealed electrical arcing and smoke/fire in the • that the length of time in service is not APU compartment. This action is Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a request to the only cause of wire degradation; intended to address the identified inadequate maintenance, unsafe condition. change the compliance time and a request to change the service bulletin contamination, improper repair, and DATES: Comments must be received by reference as two separate issues. mechanical damage are all contributing September 6, 2001. • For each issue, state what specific factors. From the compilation of this ADDRESSES: Submit comments in change to the proposed AD is being comprehensive information, we triplicate to the Federal Aviation requested. developed the Aging Transport Non- Administration (FAA), Transport • Include justification (e.g., reasons or Structural Systems Plan to increase Airplane Directorate, ANM–114, data) for each request. airplane safety by increasing knowledge Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001–NM– Comments are specifically invited on of how non-structural systems degrade 97–AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., the overall regulatory, economic, and how causes of degradation can be Renton, Washington 98055–4056. environmental, and energy aspects of reduced. Comments may be inspected at this the proposed rule. All comments In 1998, an accident occurred off the location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., submitted will be available, both before coast of Nova Scotia involving a Monday through Friday, except Federal and after the closing date for comments, McDonnell Douglas Model MD–11 holidays. Comments may be submitted in the Rules Docket for examination by series airplane. Investigation indicates via fax to (425) 227–1232. Comments interested persons. A report that a fire broke out in the cockpit and may also be sent via the Internet using summarizing each FAA-public contact first class overhead area. Although the the following address: 9-anm- concerned with the substance of this ignition source of the fire has not been [email protected]. Comments sent proposal will be filed in the Rules determined, the FAA, in conjunction via fax or the Internet must contain Docket. with Boeing and operators of Model ‘‘Docket No. 2001–NM–97–AD’’ in the Commenters wishing the FAA to MD–11, DC–8, DC–9, DC–10, and DC–9– subject line and need not be submitted acknowledge receipt of their comments 80 series airplanes, is reviewing all
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