AD 94-23-02

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-30 and -30F series airplanes, that requires replacement of cargo door latch spool fitting attach bolts fabricated from H-11 steel with Inconel bolts. This amendment is prompted by a report of a broken latch spool fitting attach bolt found on a cargo door on a Model DC-9 series freighter airplane. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent inadvertent opening of a cargo door while the airplane is in flight, and subsequent loss of pressurization and reduced controllability of the airplane.

Final rule.

94-23-02 MCDONNELL DOUGLAS: Amendment 39-9064. Docket 94-NM-62-AD. \n\n\tApplicability: Model DC-10-30 and -30F series airplanes having fuselage numbers 409, 412, 416, 419, 422, 433, 434, and 435, certificated in any category. \n\n\tCompliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. \n\n\tTo prevent inadvertent opening of a cargo door while the airplane is in flight, and subsequent loss of pressurization and reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: \n\n\t(a)\tWithin 2 years after the effective date of this AD, replace all H-11 cargo door latch spool fitting attach bolts with Inconel bolts, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas DC-10 Alert Service Bulletin A52-212, Revision 4, dated November 3, 1993. \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: 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 replacement shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas DC-10 Alert Service Bulletin A52-212, Revision 4, dated November 3, 1993. 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, P.O. Box 1771, Long Beach, California 90801-1771, Attention: Business Unit Manager, Technical Administrative Support, Dept. LS1, M.C. 2-98. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3229 East Spring Street, Long Beach, 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 December 15, 1994.

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 eight specific McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-30 and -30F series airplanes, was published in the Federal Register on July 21, 1994 (59 FR 37183). That action proposed to require replacement of cargo door latch spool fitting attach bolts fabricated from H-11 steel with Inconel bolts. \n\n\tInterested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to the two comments received. \n\n\tBoth commenters support the proposed rule. \n\n\tAfter careful review of the available data, including the comments noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed. \n\n\tThere are approximately 8 Model DC-10 series airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that6 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 86 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $10,682 per airplane. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $95,052, or $15,842 per airplane. \n\n\tThe total cost impact figure discussed above is 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\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.\tThe authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: \n\nAuthority: 49 U.S.C. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C. 106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89. \n\n§ 39.13 - (Amended) \n\n\t2.\tSection 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: