Airworthiness directives: McDonnell Douglas,
[Federal Register: October 2, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 191)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 56794-56796]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr02oc03-10]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
[Docket No. 2003-NM-31-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC9-15 Airplane
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to a McDonnell Douglas Model DC9-15 airplane. This proposal would require an inspection to detect chafing or overheat damage of the electrical wires located at fuselage station Y=110.000 bulkhead of the lower nose left tunnel; and corrective actions, if necessary. This AD also requires replacing the external power ground stud with a new ground stud using new attaching parts, torquing new attachments, and installing a nameplate. This action is necessary to prevent loose external power ground wires, which could cause arcing and overheated wire insulation and consequent smoke/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. 2003-NM-31-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 ``Docket No. 2003-NM-31-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; or at the FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elvin Wheeler, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5344; 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 2003-NM-31-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
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FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-NM-31-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055- 4056.
Discussion
The FAA has received reports of loose external power ground wires at the ground stud located in the lower nose left tunnel at fuselage station Y=110.00 bulkhead on certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-82 airplanes. The cause of such loose wires has been attributed to ground stud buildup loosening due to normal airplane vibration. This condition, if not corrected, could result in arcing and overheated wire insulation and consequent smoke/fire in the cockpit.
Other Relevant Rulemaking
We have previously issued AD 2001-24-19, amendment 39-12536 (66 FR 64125, December 12, 2001), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas airplane models, as follows:
McDonnell Douglas Models
DC-9-10, DC-9-20, DC-9-30, DC-9-40, and DC-9-50 series airplanes
C-9 airplanes
DC-9-81, DC-9-82, DC-9-83, and
DC-9-87 airplanes
MD-88 airplanes
That AD requires an inspection to detect chafing or overheat damage of the electrical wires located at fuselage station Y=110.000 bulkhead of the lower nose left tunnel; and corrective actions, if necessary. That AD also requires replacing the external power ground stud with a new ground stud using new attaching parts, torquing new attachments, and installing a nameplate. That AD was prompted by reports of loose external power ground wires at the ground stud located in the lower nose left tunnel at fuselage station Y=110.00 bulkhead on McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-82 series airplanes. The actions specified by that AD are intended to prevent loose external power ground wires, which could cause arcing and overheated wire insulation and consequent smoke/ fire in the cockpit.
Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule
Since issuance of that AD, the FAA was advised that one Model DC9- 15 airplane (fuselage number 0097) was omitted inadvertently from the applicability of AD 2001-24-19 because the airplane had been excluded inadvertently from the effectivity of Section I.A. of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin DC9-24A135, Revision 01, dated May 1, 2000, as cited in AD 2001-24-19. Therefore, the additional airplane is also subject to the same unsafe condition addressed in AD 2001-24-19.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
The FAA has reviewed and approved Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC9-24A135, Revision 02, dated January 7, 2003, which describes procedures that are essentially the same as those procedures included in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin DC9-24A135, Revision 01, dated May 1, 2000. This revision also adds an additional airplane fuselage number to the effectivity. No more work is necessary on airplanes changed as shown in Revision 01 of the service bulletin. Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletin is intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition.
Accomplishment of the actions specified in AD 2001-24-19 is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this proposed AD.
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 require accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletin described previously.
Since this proposed AD expands the applicability of AD 2001-24-19, the FAA has considered a number of factors in determining whether to issue a new AD or to supersede the existing AD. The FAA has considered the entire fleet size that would be affected by superseding AD 2001-24- 19 and the consequent workload associated with revising maintenance record entries. In light of this, the FAA has determined that a less burdensome approach is to issue a separate AD applicable only to the additional airplane. This proposed AD would not supersede AD 2001-24- 19; airplanes listed in the applicability of AD 2001-24-19 are required to continue to comply with the requirements of that AD. This proposed AD is a separate AD action, and is applicable to only one McDonnell Douglas Model DC9-15 airplane (fuselage number 0097), certificated in any category.
Changes to 14 CFR Part 39/Effect on the Proposed 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 to Labor Rate Estimate
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
The FAA estimates that 1 Model DC-9-15 airplane, having fuselage number 0097, of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 2 work hours to accomplish the proposed actions, and that the average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Required parts would cost approximately $35. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on the U.S. operator is estimated to be $165.
The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the future if this proposed 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,
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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
-
The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
-
Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive:
McDonnell Douglas: Docket 2003-NM-31-AD.
Applicability: Model DC-9-15 airplane, fuselage number 0097; certificated in any category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.
To prevent loose external power ground wires, which could cause arcing and overheated wire insulation and consequent smoke/fire in the cockpit, accomplish the following:
Inspection
(a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, do a general visual inspection to detect chafing or overheat damage of the electrical wires located at fuselage station Y=110.000 bulkhead of the lower nose left tunnel, per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC9-24A135, Revision 02, dated January 7, 2003.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is defined as ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or drop-light, and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.''
Condition 1 (No Chafing or Damage)
(b) If no chafing or overheat damage is detected during the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), and (b)(3) of this AD per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC9-24A135, Revision 02, dated January 7, 2003.
(1) Replace the external power ground stud with a new ground stud using new attaching parts.
(2) Torque the new attachments.
(3) Install nameplate (includes applying silicone primer and adhesive/sealant).
Condition 2 (Chafing or Damage Within Limits)
(c) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, any chafing or damage is detected within the limits referenced in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC9-24A135, Revision 02, dated January 7, 2003, before further flight, repair damage; perform a continuity test to check the integrity of the wiring, and repair as applicable; and do the actions required by paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), and (b)(3) of this AD; per the alert service bulletin.
Condition 3 (Chafing or Damage Beyond Limits)
(d) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, any chafing or damage is detected beyond the limits referenced in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC9-24A135, Revision 02, dated January 7, 2003, before further flight, replace any damaged wire with a new wire; perform a continuity test to check the integrity of the wiring, and repair as applicable; and do the actions required by paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), and (b)(3) of this AD; per the alert service bulletin.
Accomplishment of the Actions
(e) Accomplishment of the actions specified in AD 2001-24-19, amendment 39-12536, is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this proposed AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(f) 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. 03-24974 Filed 10-1-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
