AD 95-25-04 ACTIVE

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes, that currently requires an inspection and other specified actions to ensure that the ground stud assemblies at three locations of the airplane are installed properly and torqued to certain specifications, to verify the integrity of the components of the ground stud assemblies, and to detect heat damage in adjacent areas; and correction of any discrepancy. That AD was prompted by reports indicating that arcing occurred across the pins in the galley external power receptacle due to loose attach hardware on the ground stud. The actions specified in that AD are intended to ensure that the ground stud assemblies are attached correctly so that arcing will not occur. Such arcing, if not corrected, could result in heat damage to adjacent structure and a fire in the forward cargo compartment, the center accessory compartment, or the aft fuselagecompartment. This action would expand the applicability of the existing AD to include additional airplanes.

Final rule; request for comments.

95-25-04 MCDONNELL DOUGLAS: Amendment 39-9448. Docket 95-NM-239-AD. Supersedes AD 95-17-11, Amendment 39-9341.\n\n\tApplicability: Model MD-11 series airplanes, as identified in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A090, Revision 1, dated November 14, 1995; 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 (e) 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 assessmentof the effect of the changed configuration on the 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\tNOTE 2: Paragraph (a) of this AD merely restates the requirements of paragraph (a) of AD 95-17-11, amendment 39-9341. As allowed by the phrase, "unless accomplished previously," if those requirements of AD 95-17-11 have already been accomplished, this AD does not require that those actions be repeated.\n\n\tTo prevent arcing in the ground stud assemblies of the airplane, which could result in heat damage to adjacent structure and a fire in the forward cargo compartment, the center accessory compartment, or the aft fuselage compartment, accomplish the following:\n\n\t(a)\tFor airplanes having manufacturer's numbers 532, 544, and 559 through 588 inclusive: Within 90 days after September 5, 1995 (theeffective date of AD 95-17-11), perform a one-time inspection and other specified actions to ensure that the ground stud assemblies in the forward cargo compartment, the center accessory compartment, and the aft fuselage compartment are installed properly and torqued as specified in Figure 1 of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A090, dated July 21, 1995, or Revision 1, dated November 14, 1995; to verify the integrity of the components of the ground stud assemblies; and to detect heat damage to areas adjacent to the ground stud assemblies. Perform the inspection and other specified actions in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A090, dated July 21, 1995, or Revision 1, dated November 14, 1995.\n\n\t(b)\tFor airplanes other than those identified in paragraph (a) of this AD: Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time inspection and other specified actions to ensure that the ground stud assemblies in the forward cargo compartment, the center accessory compartment, and the aft fuselage compartment are installed properly and torqued as specified in Figure 1 or 2, as applicable, of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A090, Revision 1, dated November 14, 1995; to verify the integrity of the components of the ground stud assemblies; and to detect heat damage to areas adjacent to the ground stud assemblies. Perform the inspection and other specified actions in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A090, Revision 1, dated November 14, 1995.\n\n\t(c)\tIf any discrepancy is found during the actions required by paragraph (a) or (b) of this AD, prior to further flight, correct the discrepancy in accordance with paragraph 3.A.3. of the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A090, dated July 21, 1995, or Revision 1, dated November 14, 1995.\n\n\t(d)\tWithin 10 days after accomplishing the inspection required by this AD, report inspection results, positive or negative, to the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712; fax (310) 627-5210. Information collection requirements contained in this regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.\n\n\t(e)\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 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 LosAngeles ACO.\n\n\t(f)\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(g)\tThe actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A090, Revision 1, dated November 14, 1995; or McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A090, dated July 21, 1995. The incorporation by reference of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A090, Revision 1, dated November 14, 1995, was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. The incorporation by reference of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A090, dated July 21, 1995, 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 September 5, 1995 (60 FR 43364, August 21, 1995).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(h)\tThis amendment becomes effective on January 25, 1996.

On August 11, 1995, the FAA issued AD 95-17-11, amendment 39-9341 (60 FR 43364, August 21, 1995), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes, to require an inspection and other specified actions to ensure that the ground stud assemblies at three locations of the airplane are installed properly and torqued to certain specifications, to verify the integrity of the components of the ground stud assemblies, and to detect heat damage in adjacent areas; and correction of any discrepancy. That action was prompted by reports indicating that arcing occurred across the pins in the galley external power receptacle due to loose attach hardware on the ground stud. The actions required by that AD are intended to ensure that the ground stud assemblies are attached correctly so that arcing will not occur. Such arcing, if not corrected, could result in heat damage to adjacent structure and a fire in the forward cargo compartment, the center accessory compartment, or the aft fuselage compartment.\n\n\tSince the issuance of that AD, the manufacturer has advised the FAA that, during random sampling of the fleet, additional airplanes have been identified on which improper installation and incorrect torquing of the attach hardware on the ground stud occurred during manufacture. In light of this, the FAA has determined that those additional airplanes are subject to the same unsafe condition addressed by AD 95-17-11.\n\n\tThe FAA has reviewed and approved McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A090, Revision 1, dated November 14, 1995. The inspection and other specified actions described in this revision are identical to those described in the original issue of the alert service bulletin (which was referenced in AD 95-17-11). Additionally, this revision expands the effectivity listing to include additional airplanes that are subject to the addressed unsafe condition. This revision also contains minor editorial changes.Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes of this same type design, this AD supersedes AD 95-17-11 to continue to require an inspection and other specified actions to ensure that the ground stud assemblies at three locations of the airplane are installed properly and torqued to certain specifications, to verify the integrity of the components of the ground stud assemblies, and to detect heat damage in adjacent areas; and correction of any discrepancy. This AD expands the applicability of the existing AD to include additional airplanes. The actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A090.\n\n\tThis AD also requires that operators report inspection results, positive or negative, to the FAA.\n\n\tThis is considered to be interim action until final action is identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking.\n\n\tSince a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.\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 95-NM-239-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\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.\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 USC 106(g), 40101, 40113, 44701.\n\n§ 39.13 - (Amended)\n\n\t2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-9341 (60 FR 43364, August 21, 1995), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), amendment 39-9448, to read as follows:

Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, Attention: Rules Docket No. 95-NM-239-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056.\n\n\tThe 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, Department 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.

Brett Portwood, Aerospace Engineer, Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712; telephone (310) 627-5347; fax (310) 627-5210.