AD 2000-08-03

Superseded

Cargo Control Units (CCU)

Key Information
2000-08-03
Superseded
May 05, 2000
April 12, 2000
2000-NM-97-AD
39-11689
Applicability
["Aircraft"]
["Large Airplane"]
McDonnell Douglas Corporation
MD-11 Series
Summary

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes, that currently requires the deactivation of the forward and center cargo control units (CCU). That amendment was prompted by a report of failure of a CCU, which produced overheating of the electrical pins inside the CCU; the subsequent release of hot gases and flames ignited an adjacent insulation blanket. This amendment expands the applicability of the existing AD to include additional airplanes. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent overheating of the electrical pins inside the CCU's and subsequent release of hot gases and flames, which could result in smoke and fire in the cargo compartment.

Action Required

Final rule; request for comments

Regulatory Text

2000-08-03 MCDONNELL DOUGLAS: Amendment 39-11689. Docket 2000-NM-97-AD. Supersedes AD 2000-05-01, Amendment 39-11610. \n\n\tApplicability: Model MD-11 series airplanes, certificated in any category, having the serial numbers listed below. \n\nGroup 1 Airplanes:\n\n48565\n48566\n48533\n48549\n48470\n48406\n48504\n48602\n48603\n48571\n48439\n48605\n48572\n48471\n48573\n48600\n48601\n48633\n48513\n48574\n48575\n48542\n48543\n48576\n48415\n48631\n48544\n48632\n48577\n48545\n48578\n48546\n48743\n48744\n48747\n48748\n48745\n48746\n48749\n48579\n48766\n48768\n48767\n48769\n48754\n48623\n48770\n48753\n48773\n48774\n48755\n48758\n48775-48779 inclusive\n\n48624\n48756\n48780\n48532\n\n\n\nGroup 2 Airplanes:\n\n48555\n48556\n48581\n48630\n48557\n48539\n48558\n48559\n48616\n48560\n48617\n48618\n48561\n48629\n48562\n48563\n48757\n48540\n48564\n48634\n48541\n48798\n48781-48792 inclusive\n\n48794\n48799\n48801\n48800\n48802-48806 inclusive\n\n\n\tNOTE 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it. \n\n\tCompliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. \n\n\tTo prevent overheating of the electrical pins inside the cargo control units (CCU) and subsequent release of hot gases and flames, which could result in smoke and fire in the cargo compartment, accomplish the following: \n\nRESTATEMENT OFREQUIREMENTS OF AD 2000-05-01: \nDeactivation\n \n\t(a)\tFor Group 1 airplanes having serial numbers other than that identified in paragraph (c) of this AD: Within 15 days after March 20, 2000 (the effective date of AD 2000-05-01, amendment 39-11610), deactivate the forward and center CCU's in accordance with the following procedures: \n\n\t\t(1)\tRemove the access panel to the forward cargo compartment CCU circuit breaker panel located at fuselage station 1009.300 (right side looking aft). Pull and collar the following circuit breakers: \n\n\nB1-506\nB1-489\nB1-488\nB1-487\nB1-486\nB1-485\nB1-480\nB1-481\nB1-498\nB1-482\nB1-500\nB1-495\nB1-499\nB1-490\n\n\n\t\t (2) Remove the access panel to the center cargo compartment CCU circuit breaker panel located at fuselage station 1701.000 (right side looking aft). Pull and collar the following circuit breakers: \n\n\nB1-552\nB1-762\nB1-761\nB1-760\nB1-759\nB1-758\nB1-518\nB1-519\nB1-751\nB1-520\nB1-753\nB1-764\nB1-752\nB1-763(b)\tFor Group 2 airplanes having serial numbers other than that identified in paragraph (c) of this AD: Within 15 days after March 20, 2000, deactivate the forward and center CCU's in accordance with the following procedures: \n\n\t\t(1)\tRemove the access panel to the forward cargo compartment CCU circuit breaker panel located at fuselage station 1009.300 (right side looking aft). Pull and collar the following circuit breakers: \n\n\nB1-506\nB1-489\nB1-488\nB1-487\nB1-486\nB1-485\nB1-480\nB1-481\nB1-498\nB1-482\nB1-500\nB1-495\nB1-499\nB1-490\n\n\n\t\t(2)\tRemove the access panel to the center cargo compartment CCU circuit breaker panel located at fuselage station 1701.000 (right side looking aft). Pull and collar the following circuit breakers: \n\n\nB1-552\nB1-762\nB1-761\nB1-760\nB1-759\nB1-758\nB1-518\nB1-519\nB1-751\nB1-520\nB1-753\nB1-764\nB1-752\n\n\n\nNEW REQUIREMENTS OF THIS AD:\n\n\t(c) For Group 1 airplane, serial number 48769, and for Group 2 airplane, serial number 48563: Within 15 days after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the actions specified in either paragraph (a) or (b) of this AD, as applicable. \n\nAlternative Methods of Compliance \n\n\t(d) (1) 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 Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. 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. \n\n\tNOTE 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Los Angeles ACO. \n\n\t\t (2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in accordance with AD 2000-05-01, amendment 39-11610, are approved as alternative methods of compliance with paragraph (a) or (b) of this AD, as applicable. \n\nSpecial Flight Permits \n\n\t(e) 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. \n\n\t(f) This amendment becomes effective on May 5, 2000.

Supplementary Information

On February 28, 2000, the FAA issued AD 2000-05-01, amendment 39-11610 (65 FR 11459, March 3, 2000), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes, to require the deactivation of the forward and center cargo control units (CCU). That action was prompted by a report of failure of a CCU, which produced overheating of the electrical pins inside the CCU; the subsequent release of hot gases and flames ignited an adjacent insulation blanket. The actions required by that AD are intended to prevent such conditions, which could result in smoke and fire in the cargo compartment. \n\nThe incident that prompted AD 2000-05-01 is not considered to be related to an accident that occurred off the coast of Nova Scotia involving a McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplane. The cause of that accident is still under investigation. \n\nOther Related Rulemaking \nThe FAA, in conjunction with Boeing and operators of Model MD-11 series airplanes, iscontinuing to review all aspects of the service history of those airplanes to identify potential unsafe conditions and to take appropriate corrective actions. This AD is one of a series of actions identified during that process. The process is continuing and the FAA may consider additional rulemaking actions as further results of the review become available. \n\nActions Since Issuance of Previous Rule \nThe applicability statement of AD 2000-05-01 lists the serial numbers of the affected airplanes, which were provided by the airplane manufacturer. Since the issuance of that AD, the airplane manufacturer has informed the FAA that it inadvertently provided two incorrect airplane serial numbers (i.e., 48679 and 58563); those serial numbers do not exist. The correct serial numbers of those two airplanes are 48769 and 48563. The FAA has determined that affected airplanes having serial numbers 48769 and 48563 also are subject to the identified unsafe condition. \n\nExplanation of Requirements of Rule \nSince an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes of this same type design, this AD supersedes AD 2000-05-01 to continue to require the deactivation of the forward and center CCU's. This AD also expands the applicability of the existing AD to include additional airplanes. \n\nInterim Action \nThis is considered to be interim action. The FAA is currently considering requiring a modification of the CCU assembly would constitute terminating action for the requirements of this AD. However, the planned compliance time for the installation of the modification is sufficiently long so that notice and opportunity for prior public comment will be practicable. \n\nDetermination of Rule's Effective Date \nSince a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days. \n\nComments Invited \nAlthough this action is in the form of a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by notice and an 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. \n\nComments 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. \n\nCommenters 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 2000-NM-97-AD." The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter. \n\nRegulatory Impact \nThe regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it is determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. \n\nThe FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in aircraft, and that it is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption "ADDRESSES." \n\nList of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 \nAir transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety. \n\nAdoption of the Amendment \nAccordingly, 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: \n\nPART 39 - AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: \nAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\n§ 39.13 (Amended) \n2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-11610 (65 FR 11459, March 3, 2000), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), amendment 39-11689, to read as follows:

AD Assistant

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Related ADs
2000-05-01 This AD replaces the above
2000-24-17 Replaced by the above
Contact Information

Brett Portwood, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch,\nANM-130L, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard,\nLakewood, California 90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5350; fax (562) 627-5210.

References
(Federal Register: April 20, 2000)
--- - Part 39 (65 FR 21134 4/20/2000)
(Page 21134)
FAA Documents
ADs Superseded by This AD
AD Number Subject Effective Date Actions
2000-05-01 Cargo Control Units (CCU) 2000-03-20 View