AD 95-19-09 SUPERSEDED

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-80 series airplanes and Model MD-88 airplanes. This action requires an inspection to detect damage, burn marks, or discoloration at certain electrical plugs and receptacles of the sidewall lighting in the passenger cabin, and correction of discrepancies. This action also requires modification of the electrical connectors, which would terminate the inspection requirement. This amendment is prompted by reports of failures of the electrical connectors in the sidewall fluorescent lighting, which resulted in smoke or lighting interruption in the passenger cabin. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent failures of the electrical connectors, which could result in poor socket/pin contact, excessive heat, electrical arcing, and subsequently, connector burn through and smoke in the passenger cabin.

Final rule; request for comments.

95-19-09 MCDONNELL DOUGLAS: Amendment 39-9371. Docket 95-NM-144-AD. \n\n\tApplicability: Model DC-9-80 series airplanes and Model MD-88 airplanes having serial numbers 49614, 49626 through 49632 inclusive, 49668, and 49707; 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 use the authority provided in paragraph (c) of this AD to request approval from the FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current configuration eliminates the unsafe condition; or different actions necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed configuration onthe unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair remove any airplane from the applicability of this AD. \n\n\tCompliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. \n\n\tTo prevent poor socket/pin contact, excessive heat, electrical arcing, and subsequently, connector burn through and smoke in the passenger cabin, accomplish the following: \n\n\t(a)\tWithin 18 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a visual inspection to detect damage, burn marks, or black or brown discoloration caused by electrical arcing at electrical plugs, having part number (P/N) MS3126F-15P, and receptacles, having P/N MS3124E- 15S, of the sidewall lighting in the passenger cabin, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas MD-80 Service Bulletin 33-99, Revision 1, dated February 23, 1995. \n\n\t\t(1)\tIf no discrepancies are found, no further action is required by this paragraph. \n\n\t\t(2)\tIf any discrepancy is found, prior to further flight, replace the damaged connectors, pins, sockets, or wire with new parts, in accordance with the service bulletin. \n\n\t(b)\tWithin 18 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the electrical connectors of the sidewall lighting in the passenger cabin, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas MD-80 Service Bulletin 33-99, Revision 1, dated February 23, 1995. Accomplishment of this modification constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this AD. \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 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(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 inspection, replacement, and modification shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas MD-80 Service Bulletin 33-99, Revision 1, dated February 23, 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, 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 90712; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. \n\n\t(f)\tThis amendment becomes effective on October 5, 1995.

On April 5, 1995, the FAA issued AD 95-08-04, amendment 39-9193 (60 FR 19348, April 18, 1995), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-80 series airplanes and Model MD-88 airplanes, to require a visual inspection to detect damage, burn marks, or black or brown discoloration at certain electrical plugs and receptacles of the sidewall lighting in the passenger cabin. The amendment also requires modification of the electrical connectors of the sidewall lighting in the passenger cabin, which would constitute terminating action for the inspection requirement. That action was prompted by reports of failures of the electrical connectors in the sidewall fluorescent lighting, which resulted in smoke or lighting interruption in the passenger cabin. The requirements of that AD are intended to prevent failures of the electrical connectors, which could result in poor socket/pin contact, excessive heat, electrical arcing, and subsequently, connector burn through and smoke in the passenger cabin. \n\n\tSince the issuance of AD 95-08-04, the FAA has reviewed and approved Revision 1 of McDonnell Douglas MD-80 Service Bulletin 33-99, dated February 23, 1995. The inspection, replacement, and modification procedures described in this revision are identical to those described in the original version, which was referenced in AD 95-08-04 as the appropriate source of service information. (This revision also contains certain minor editorial changes.) Additionally, this effectivity listing in this revision is expanded to include ten additional airplanes: those having serial numbers 49614, 49626 through 49632 inclusive, 49668, and 49707. The FAA has determined that these additional airplanes are subject to the addressed unsafe condition. \n\n\tSince an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design, this AD is being issued to prevent failures of the electrical connectors, which could result in poor socket/pin contact, excessive heat, electrical arcing, and subsequently, connector burn through and smoke in the passenger cabin. This AD requires a visual inspection to detect damage, burn marks, or black or brown discoloration at certain electrical plugs and receptacles of the sidewall lighting in the passenger cabin. The AD also requires modification of the electrical connectors of the sidewall lighting in the passenger cabin, which would constitute terminating action for the inspection requirement. The actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with the service bulletin described previously. This AD varies from the service bulletin in that it only applies to Model DC-9-80 series airplanes and Model MD-88 airplanes having serial numbers 49614, 49626 through 49632 inclusive, 49668, and 49707. \n\n\tNone of the Model DC-9-80 series airplanes and Model MD-88 airplanes affected by this action is on the U.S. Register. All airplanes included in the applicability of this rule currently are operated by non-U.S. operators under foreign registry; therefore, they are not directly affected by this AD action. However, the FAA considers that this rule is necessary to ensure that the unsafe condition is addressed in the event that any of these subject airplanes are imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future. \n\n\tShould an affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future, it would require approximately 75 work hours to accomplish the required actions, at an average labor charge of $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $1,870 per airplane. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of this AD would be $6,370 per airplane. \n\n\tSince this AD action does not affect any airplane that is currently on the U.S. register, it has no adverse economic impact and imposes no additional burden on any person. Therefore, notice and public procedures hereon are unnecessary and the amendment may bemade effective in less than 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. \n\nComments Invited \n\n\tAlthough this action is in the form of a final rule and was not preceded by notice and 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 energyaspects 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 95-NM-144-AD." The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter. \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 Administrationamends 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 USC 106(g), 40101, 40113, 44701. \n\n§ 39.13 - (Amended) \n\n\t2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive:

Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, Attention: Rules Docket No. 95-NM-144-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056. The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from McDonnell Douglas Corporation, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Technical Publications Business Administration, Dept. C1-L51 (2-60). This information may be examined 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.

Elvin K. Wheeler, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712; telephone (310) 627-5344; fax (310) 627-5210.