AD 2008-09-17

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, and MD-10-10F airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections for the presence of stray nickel or chrome plating deposits on the air filler valve bore of certain main landing gear (MLG) shock strut cylinders, and if necessary, related investigative and corrective actions. Doing the corrective action terminates the repetitive inspections. This AD results from a report of a left MLG collapse during landing rollout. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct stray nickel and chrome plating deposits, corrosion, and cracking of the air filler valve bore on the MLG cylinder, which could result in landing gear failure, significant damage to the airplane, and injury to personnel.

Final rule.

2008-09-17 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-15498. Docket No. FAA- 2008-0015; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-328-AD. \n\nEffective Date \n\n\t(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 6, 2008. \n\nAffected ADs \n\n\t(b) None. \n\nApplicability \n\n\t(c) This AD applies to McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, DC-10- 10F, DC-10-15, and MD-10-10F airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10- 32A259, dated October 30, 2007. \n\nUnsafe Condition \n\n\t(d) This AD results from a report of a left main landing gear (MLG) collapse during landing rollout. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct stray nickel and chrome plating deposits, corrosion, and cracking of the air filler valve bore on the MLG cylinder, which could result in landing gear failure, significant damage to the airplane, and injury to personnel. \n\nCompliance \n\n\t(e) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. \n\nInspections and Corrective Actions \n\n\t(f) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (f)(1), (f)(2), or (f)(3) of this AD, do a video probe inspection for the presence of stray nickel or chrome plating deposits on the air filler valve bore of the MLG shock strut cylinders, and before further flight, do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-32A259, dated October 30, 2007. Repeat the video probe inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,400 flight cycles or 20 months, whichever occurs first. Accomplishment of the repair specified in Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin or the replacement specified in Part 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin terminates the repetitive inspections for that MLG shock strut cylinder. \n\n\t(1) For passenger airplanes: Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD. \n\n\t(2) For freighter airplanes with MLG cylinders that have accumulated fewer than 7,200 flight cycles in a freighter configuration as of the effective date of this AD: Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD. \n\n\t(3) For freighter airplanes with MLG cylinders that have accumulated 7,200 flight cycles or more in a freighter configuration as of the effective date of this AD: Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD. \n\nParts Installation \n\n\t(g) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a MLG shock strut cylinder assembly, part number ARG7002-1, -501, - 503, or -505, on any airplane, unless the air filler valve bore hole has been oversized and closing action has been accomplished in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-32A259, dated October 30, 2007, and the MLG shock strut cylinder assembly has been permanently identified with part number SB10320259-3 adjacent to the existing ARG7002 part number. \n\nAlternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\t(h)(1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, ATTN: Maureen Moreland, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, Los Angeles ACO, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5238; fax (562) 627-5210; has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. \n\n\t(2) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. \n\nMaterial Incorporated by Reference \n\n\t(i) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-32A259, dated October 30, 2007, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. \n\n\t(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. \n\n\t(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Long Beach Division, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Data and Service Management, Dept. C1-L5A (D800-0024). \n\n\t(3) You may review copies of the service information incorporated by reference at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_ regulations/ibr_locations.html.

Discussion \n\n\tWe issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, and MD- 10-10F airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on January 14, 2008 (73 FR 2206). That NPRM proposed to require repetitive inspections for the presence of stray nickel or chrome plating deposits on the air filler valve bore of certain main landing gear (MLG) shock strut cylinders, and if necessary, related investigative and corrective actions. Doing the corrective action would terminate the repetitive inspections. \n\nComments \n\n\tWe gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We considered the comment received from the commenter. \n\nSupport for the NPRM \n\n\tThe Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), supports the intent of the NPRM. \n\nRequest To Reduce the Compliance TimeALPA requests that we reduce the 24-month compliance time for the airplanes identified in paragraph (f)(2) of the NPRM. ALPA requests the reduction in compliance time due to the stated severity of a landing gear failure, the relatively short inspection times, and the low estimated inspection costs. \n\n\tWe do not agree to reduce the compliance time specified in paragraph (f)(2) of this AD. In developing the compliance time for this AD action, we considered not only the safety implications of the identified unsafe condition, but the average utilization rate of the affected fleet, the practical aspects of an orderly inspection of the fleet during regular maintenance periods, and the availability of replacement parts. In addition, we also considered the manufacturer's recommendation for an appropriate compliance time. After considering all the available information, we determined that the 24-month compliance time represents an appropriate interval of time in which the required actions can be performed in a timely manner within the affected fleet, while still maintaining an adequate level of safety. However, if additional data are presented that would justify a shorter compliance time, we might consider further rulemaking on this issue. We have not changed this AD in this regard. \n\nConclusion \n\n\tWe reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed. \n\nCosts of Compliance \n\n\tWe estimate that this AD affects 75 airplanes of U.S. registry. The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators to comply with this AD. \n\n\tEstimated Costs \n\n\nAction \nWork hours \nAverage labor rate per hour \nCost per product \nNumber of U.S.-registered airplanes \nFleet cost \nInspection \n4 \n$80 \n$320, per inspection cycle \n75 \n$24,000, per inspection cycle. \n\nAuthority for This Rulemaking \n\n\tTitle 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authorityto issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. "Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs," describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority. \n\n\tWe are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in "Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements." Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. \n\nRegulatory Findings \n\n\tThis AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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 various levels of government. \n\n\tFor the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: \n\n\t(1) Is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866, \n\n\t(2) Is not a "significant rule" under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), and \n\n\t(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. \n\n\tYou can find our regulatory evaluation and the estimated costs of compliance in the AD Docket. \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\nAccordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: \n\nPART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\n1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: \n\n\tAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\nSec. 39.13 (Amended) \n\n2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD: