AD 96-25-19

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes, that currently requires either the application of a vapor sealant on the back of the receptacle of the auxiliary power unit (APU) power feeder cable; or a one-time visual inspection for gold-plating and evidence of damage of the connector contacts of the power feeder cable of the APU generator, and various follow-on actions. This amendment adds a requirement for replacement of certain connector contacts (pins/sockets) with gold-plated contacts. This amendment is prompted by reports of burning and arcing of the connector contacts of the power feeder cable of the APU generator. The actions specified by this AD are intended to reduce the potential for a fire hazard as a result of such burning or arcing.

Final rule.

96-25-19 MCDONNELL DOUGLAS: Amendment 39-9862. Docket 96-NM-160-AD. Supersedes AD 96-12-10, Amendment 39-9652. \n\n\tApplicability: Model MD-11 series airplanes; as listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A104, dated May 7, 1996; 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 (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 proposedactions to address it. \n\n\tCompliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. \n\n\tNOTE 2: Paragraph (a) of this AD merely restates the requirements of paragraph (a) of AD 96-12-10. As allowed by the phrase, "unless accomplished previously," if those requirements of AD 96-12-10 have been accomplished previously, this AD does not require that they be repeated. \n\n\tTo reduce the potential for a fire hazard as a result of burning and arcing of the connector contacts of the power feeder cable of the auxiliary power unit (APU) generator, accomplish the following: \n\nRestatement of Requirements of AD 96-12-10 \n\n\t(a)\tWithin 60 days after June 21, 1996 (the effective date of AD 96-12-10, amendment 39-9652), accomplish the actions specified in either paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A104, dated May 7, 1996. \n\n\t\t(1)\tApply a vapor sealant on the back of the APU power feeder cable receptacle. Or(2)\tAccomplish the actions specified in both paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii) of this AD. \n\n\t\t\t(i)\tPerform a one-time visual inspection for color (gold-plating) and evidence of damage of the connector contacts (pins/sockets) of the power feeder cable of the APU generator located in the upper left corner of the APU compartment in the forward bulkhead. And \n\n\t\t\t(ii)\tReplace any damaged pin or socket with a gold-plated pin or socket, or deactivate the electrical operation of the APU until the replacement required by paragraph (c) of this AD is accomplished.\n\n New Requirements of This AD: \n\n\t(b)\tFor airplanes on which the requirements of paragraph (a)(2) of this AD have not been accomplished previously: Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the requirements of paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this AD in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A104, dated May 7, 1996. \n\n\t\t(1)\tPerform a one-time visual inspection for color (gold-plating) and evidence of damage of the connector contacts (pins/sockets) of the power feeder cable of the APU generator located in the upper left corner of the APU compartment in the forward bulkhead. And \n\n\t\t(2)\tReplace any damaged pin or socket with a gold-plated pin or socket, or deactivate the electrical operation of the APU until the replacement required by paragraph (c) of this AD is accomplished. \n\n\t(c)\tWithin 24 months after the effective date of this AD, replace any pin or socket that is nickel-plated or copper (brass) with a pin or socket that is a gold-plated. Accomplish the replacement in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A104, dated May 7, 1996. \n\n\t(d)\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(e)\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(f)\tThe actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A104, dated May 7, 1996. 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 June 21, 1996 (61 FR 28736, June 6, 1996). Copies may be obtained from McDonnell Douglas Corporation, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Technical Publications Business Administration, Department 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, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. \n\n\t(g)\tThis amendment becomes effective on January 27, 1997.

A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 96-12-10, amendment 39-9652 (61 FR 28736, June 6, 1996), which is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes, was published in the Federal Register on September 30, 1996 (61 FR 51058). The action proposed to require supersede AD 96-12-10 to continue to require a one-time visual inspection for gold-plating and evidence of damage of the connector contacts of the power feeder cable of the auxiliary power unit (APU) generator, and various follow-on actions. This action also proposed to add a requirement for replacement of certain connector contacts with gold-plated contacts. \n\n\tInterested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to the single comment received. \n\n\tThe commenter supports the proposed rule. \n\nConclusion \n\n\tAfter careful review of theavailable data, including the comments noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule with as proposed. \n\nCost Impact \n\n\tThere are approximately 149 McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 45 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD. \n\n\tThe actions that are currently required by AD 96-12-10 take approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the currently required actions on U.S. operators is estimated to be $5,400, or $120 per airplane. \n\n\tThe new action (replacement) that is required by this new AD will take approximately 9 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $909 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the new requirements of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $65,205, or $1,449 per airplane. \n\n\tThe cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted. \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 Order 12612, it is determined that this final rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment. \n\n\tFor 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." \n\nList of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 \n\n\tAir transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. \n\nAdoption 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\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 byremoving amendment 39-9652 (61 FR 28736, June 6, 1996), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), amendment 39-9862, to read as follows: