The FAA has received reports of four incidents on McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10 and MD-11 series airplanes, in which a short circuit occurred in the electrical connector between the power lead and the housing of a fuel pump. The circuit breaker did not trip in any of these incidents because the electrical arcing that occurred was shorter in duration than necessary for the circuit breaker to detect the arcing and open the circuit. In the event of such a short circuit of a fuel pump electrical connector, continued arcing of the electrical connector could damage the conduit that protects the power lead inside the fuel tank, which could create a potential ignition source in the fuel tank.\n\n\tThe subject fuel pump electrical connector on all McDonnell Douglas Model MD-10 series airplanes is identical to that on McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10 and MD-11 series airplanes on which the incidents occurred. Therefore, all of these airplanes may be subject to the unsafe condition described above. \n\n\tIn addition, the Procedures Section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) for McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10 and certain MD-11 series airplanes permits the flight crew to reset the fuel pump circuit breaker one time if the circuit breaker is tripped. (If it is tripped again, the AFM prohibits resetting it.) However, tripping of the circuit breaker may be caused by arcing following short circuit of a fuel pump electrical connector. Resetting the fuel pump circuit breaker if it is tripped due to arcing could allow arcing to continue and create a potential ignition source in the fuel tank. (The Limitations Section of the AFM for McDonnell Douglas Model MD-10 series airplanes already prohibits resetting the fuel pump circuit breaker; therefore, these airplanes are not subject to this unsafe condition.)\n\nExplanation of Relevant Service Information \n\tThe FAA has reviewed and approved Boeing Flight Operations Bulletin DC-10-00-01A, MD-11-00-03A, and MD-10-00-02A, dated September 20, 2000. The flight operations bulletin provides instructions for revising the Procedures Section of the FAA-approved AFM by inserting certain Interim Operating Procedures (IOP). These IOP's advise the flight crew of proper procedures for disabling certain fuel pump electrical circuits following failure of a fuel pump electrical connector. \n\nExplanation of the Requirements of the Rule\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 continued arcing following a short circuit of the fuel pump electrical connector, which could damage the conduit that protects the power lead inside the fuel tank, and result in the creation of a potential ignition source in the fuel tank. This AD requires accomplishment of the actions specified in the flight operations bulletin described previously. For certain airplanes, this AD also requires revising the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved AFM to prohibit resetting of any fuel pump circuit breakers.\n\nInterim Action\n\tThis is considered to be interim action. The manufacturer has advised that it currently is developing an inspection and a modification that will positively address the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. Once these actions are developed, approved, and available, the FAA may consider additional rulemaking.\n\nDetermination of Rule's Effective Date\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\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\tSubmit comments using the following format:\n\n Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a request to change the compliance time and a request to change the service bulletin reference as two separate issues.\n\nFor each issue, state what specific change to the AD is being requested.\n\n Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each request.Comments 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 2000-NM-345-AD." The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.\n\nRegulatory Impact\n\tThe regulations adopted herein will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the variouslevels of government. Therefore, it is determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.\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\tAir transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.\n\nAdoption of the Amendment\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\t1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: \nAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\n§ 39.13 (Amended)\n\t2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: