AD 98-08-11

This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 98-08-11 that was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and MD-11F series airplanes by individual notices. This AD requires opening the circuit breaker of the pneumatic sense line heater tape, installing an inoperative ring, and coiling and stowing the electrical wire to the circuit breaker of the pneumatic sense line heater tape. This AD also provides for an optional inspection, which, if accomplished, constitutes terminating action for deactivation of the pneumatic sense line heater tape. This action is prompted by a report indicating that, while an airplane was on the ground, fuel was found leaking from the fuel feed pipe of the number 2 engine due to inadequate clearance between the fuel feed pipe and the pneumatic sense line heater tape. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct such inadequate clearance, which could result in a hole in the fuel feed pipe caused by electrical arcing, and consequent fuel leakage and possible ignition of the fuel vapors.

Final rule; request for comments.

98-08-11 MCDONNELL DOUGLAS: Amendment 39-10491. Docket 98-NM-126-AD. \n\n\tApplicability: Model MD-11 and MD-11F series airplanes, having manufacturer's fuselage numbers 0447 through 0552 inclusive, and 0554 through 0620 inclusive; certificated in any category. \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 (c) 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 a hole in the fuel feed pipe of the number 2 engine caused by electrical arcing, and consequent fuel leakage and possible ignition of the fuel vapors, accomplish the following: \n\n\t(a)\tWithin 7 days after the effective date of this AD, open the circuit breaker of the pneumatic sense line heater tape, install an inoperative ring, and coil and stow the electrical wire to the circuit breaker of the pneumatic sense line heater tape, in accordance with Phase 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-36A030, dated April 2, 1998. Accomplishment of these actions deactivates the pneumatic sense line heater tape. \n\n\tNOTE 2: The pneumatic sense line heater tape of the number 2 engine has been deactivated. This deactivation may cause a nuisance shutdown of the bleed air system of the number 2 engine at top of descent. \n\n\t(b)\tAccomplishment of the inspection to determine if adequate clearance exists between the fuel feed pipe and pneumatic sense lines, and repositioning of pneumatic sense lines, if necessary, in accordance with Phase 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-36A030, dated April 2, 1998; constitutes terminating action for the deactivation of the pneumatic sense line heater tape. \n\n\t(c)\tAn 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 3: 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(d)\tSpecial 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(e)\tThe actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-36A030, dated April 2, 1998. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from The Boeing Company, Douglas Products Division, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Technical Publications Business Administration, Dept. C1-L51 (2-60). 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, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. \n\n\t(f)\tThis amendment becomes effective on April 28, 1998, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by emergency AD 98-08-11, issued on April 6, 1998, which contained the requirements of this amendment.

On April 6, 1998, the FAA issued emergency AD 98-08-11, which is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and MD-11F series airplanes. That action was prompted by a report indicating that, while a McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplane was on the ground, fuel was found leaking from the fuel feed pipe of the number 2 engine. Investigation revealed that electrical arcing between a pneumatic sense line heater tape and the fuel feed pipe of the number 2 engine caused a hole in the pipe. As a result of this finding, the operator inspected five additional airplanes, of which one airplane was found to have inadequate clearance between the fuel feed pipe and the pneumatic sense line heater tape. No evidence of arcing or chafing was detected. Such inadequate clearance, if not corrected, could result in a hole in the fuel feed pipe caused by electrical arcing, and consequent fuel leakage and possible ignition of the fuel vapors. \n\nExplanation of Relevant Service Information \n\n\tThe FAA has reviewed and approved McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-36A030, dated April 2, 1998. The alert service bulletin describes procedures for opening the circuit breaker of the pneumatic sense line heater tape, installing an inoperative ring, and coiling and stowing the electrical wire to the circuit breaker of the pneumatic sense line heater tape. (Accomplishment of the above actions deactivates the pneumatic sense line heater tape.) The alert service bulletin also describes procedures for performing an inspection to determine if adequate clearance exists between the fuel feed pipe and pneumatic sense lines, and repositioning of the pneumatic sense lines, if necessary. Accomplishment of this inspection eliminates the need for deactivation of the pneumatic sense line heater tape. Accomplishment of the actions specified in the alert service bulletin is intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition. \n\nExplanation of Requirements of the Rule \n\n\tSince the unsafe condition described is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design, the FAA issued emergency AD 98-08-11 to detect and correct inadequate clearance between the fuel feed pipe and the pneumatic sense line heater tape, which could result in a hole in the fuel feed pipe caused by electrical arcing, and consequent fuel leakage and possible ignition of the fuel vapors. The AD requires opening the circuit breaker of the pneumatic sense line heater tape, installing an inoperative ring, and coiling and stowing the electrical wire to the circuit breaker of the pneumatic sense line heater tape. This AD also provides for an optional inspection to determine if adequate clearance exists between the fuel feed pipe and pneumatic sense lines, and repositioning of the pneumatic sense lines, if necessary; which, if accomplished, constitutes terminating action for deactivation of the pneumatic sense line heater tape. The actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with the alert service bulletin previously described. \n\n\tThe FAA is considering further rulemaking action to supersede this AD to require accomplishment of the optional terminating action currently specified in this AD. However, the proposed compliance time for accomplishment of that action is sufficiently long so that prior notice and time for public comment will be practicable. \n\n\tSince it was found that immediate corrective action was required, notice and opportunity for prior public comment thereon were impracticable and contrary to the public interest, and good cause existed to make the AD effective immediately by individual notices issued on April 6, 1998, to all known U.S. owners and operators of certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and MD-11F series airplanes. These conditions still exist, and the AD is hereby published in the Federal Register as an amendment to section 39.13 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR39.13) to make it effective to all persons. \n\nComments Invited \n\n\tAlthough 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\n\tComments 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\n\tCommenters 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 98-NM-126-AD." The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter. \n\nRegulatory Impact \n\n\tThe 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 Order12612, it is determined that this final rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment. \n\n\tThe 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 \n\n\tAir transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.Adoption of the Amendment \n\n\tAccordingly, 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 \n\t1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: \n\nAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\n§ 39.13 (Amended) \n\n\t2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: