AD 96-16-02

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes, that requires either replacement or modification of the inboard and outboard flap actuators. This amendment is prompted by a report of failure of the piston rod of the inboard flap actuator due to a manufacturing process error. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the piston rod, which could result in uncommanded flap extension and could lead to an asymmetric flap configuration, which could reduce controllability of the airplane.

Final rule.

96-16-02 MCDONNELL DOUGLAS: Amendment 39-9702. Docket 95-NM-211-AD. \n\n\tApplicability: Model MD-11 series airplanes, manufacturer's fuselage numbers 0447 through 0589 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 (b) 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 failure of the piston rod, which could result in uncommanded flap extension and resultant asymmetric flap configuration, which could reduce controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: \n\n\t(a)\tWithin 6 months after the effective date of this AD, accomplish either paragraph (a)(1), (a)(2), or (a)(3) of this AD, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11- 27A057, dated August 31, 1995. \n\n\t\t(1)\tAccomplish the actions specified as Option 1 (replacement of the inboard and outboard flap actuators) in the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin; or \n\n\t\t(2)\tAccomplish the actions specified as Option 2 (modification and reidentification of the inboard and outboard flap actuators) in the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin; or \n\n\t\t(3)\tAccomplish the actions specified as Option 3 (modification and reidentification of the inboard flap inboard actuator, inboard flap outboardactuator, and outboard flap actuators) in the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin. \n\n\t(b)\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 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(c)\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(d)\tThe actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnellDouglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-27A057, dated August 31, 1995. 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 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(e)\tThis amendment becomes effective on September 3, 1996.

A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on April 19, 1996 (61 FR 17259). That action proposed to require either the replacement or modification of the inboard and outboard flap actuators. \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 the available data, including the comment noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed. \n\nCost Impact \n\n\tThere are approximately 143 McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 52 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD. \n\n\tTo accomplish the required actions associated with Option 1 (replacement of flap actuators) will take approximately 9 work hours per airplane, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will be supplied by the manufacturer at no cost to the operators. Based on these figures, the cost impact of Option 1 required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $540 per airplane. \n\n\tTo accomplish the required actions associated with Option 2 (modification and reidentification of the inboard and outboard flap actuators) will take approximately 25 work hours per airplane, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will be supplied by the manufacturer at no cost to the operators. Based on these figures, the cost impact of Option 2 required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,500 per airplane. \n\n\tTo accomplish the required actions associated with Option 3 (modification and reidentification of the inboard flap inboard actuator, the inboard flap outboard actuator, and the outboard flap actuators) will take approximately 27 work hours per airplane, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will be supplied by the manufacturer at no cost to the operators. Based on these figures, the cost impact of Option 3 required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,620 per airplane. \n\n\tBased on the figures discussed above, the cost impact of this AD action on U.S. operators is estimated to be between $28,080 and $82,240 for the affected fleet. These cost impact figures 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 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: