AD 2007-19-03

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all McDonnell Douglas Model 717-200 airplanes. This AD requires inspecting the power conversion distribution unit (PCDU) to determine its part number, and modifying certain PCDUs. This AD results from reports of failed PCDUs, the loss of an electrical bus, and the presence of a strong electrical burning odor in the flight deck and forward cabin. We are issuing this AD to prevent the loss of an electrical bus due to PCDU failure, resulting in the loss of all flight displays for an unacceptable time period, and consequent emergency landing.

Final rule.

2007-19-03 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-15193. Docket No. FAA- 2006-26043; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-010-AD. \n\nEffective Date \n\n\t(a) This AD becomes effective October 17, 2007. \n\nAffected ADs \n\n\t(b) None. \n\nApplicability \n\n\t(c) This AD applies to all McDonnell Douglas Model 717-200 airplanes, certificated in any category. \n\nUnsafe Condition \n\n\t(d) This AD results from reports of failed power conversion distribution units (PCDUs), the loss of an electrical bus, and the presence of a strong electrical burning odor in the flight deck and forward cabin. We are issuing this AD to prevent the loss of an electrical bus due to PCDU failure, resulting in the loss of all flight displays for an unacceptable time period, and consequent emergency landing. \n\nCompliance \n\n\t(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. \n\nIdentification of PCDU Part Number(f) Within 20 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect the PCDU to determine its part number. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the part number can be conclusively determined from that review. \n\t(1) If the part number is below 762904E, do the actions specified in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD. \n\t(2) If the part number is 762904E or higher, no further work is required by this AD. \n\nModification \n\n\t(g) Within 20 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the PCDU in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 717- 24A0028, Revision 1, dated December 20, 2005. A modification done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 717-24A0028, dated November 24, 2004, is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this paragraph. \n\n\tNote 1: Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 717-24A0028 refers to Hamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletin 40EGS22P-24-10, Revision 1, dated May 11, 2005, as an additional source of service information for the modification. \n\nConcurrent Requirements \n\n\t(h) Before or concurrently with the modification required by paragraph (g) of this AD, do the applicable actions specified in Table 1 of this AD. \n\n\tTable 1.--Concurrent Requirements\n\n\nDo the following -\nIn accordance with Hamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletin -\nRework the transformer rectifier unit assembly (TRU)\nRework the W3 wiring harness assembly to install direct lead wires to the TRU\nAdd a ground wire to the TRU transformer\nAdd an insulated spacer to the PCDU top cover\n40EGS22P-24-3, dated June 30, 2000.\nInstall new PCDU 186 firmware\n40EGS22P-24-4, Revision 1, dated January 2, 2002.\nInstall new PCDU 186 firmware\n40EGS22P-24-6, dated July 25, 2002.\nModify the top cover of the PCDU\n40EGS22P-24-7, dated September 3, 2003.\nModify printed wiring board (PWB) assemblies A4 and A5\nCheck and apply torque seal to fasteners on the TRU assembly and to PCDU internal fasteners, as applicable\n40EGS22P-24-8, dated September 4, 2003.\nModify PWB assembly A4\n40EGS22P-24-9, dated November 19, 2003.\n\n\nCredit for Accomplishment of Earlier Service Bulletin \n\n\t(i) Installation of new PCDU 186 firmware before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Hamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletin 40EGS22P-24-4, dated April 26, 2001, is acceptable for compliance with the corresponding requirements of paragraph (h) of this AD. \n\nAlternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\t(j)(1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with 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(k) You must use the service documents identified in Table 2 of this AD to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. \n\n\tTable 2.--Material Incorporated by Reference\n\n\n\nService Bulletin\nRevision Level\nDate\nBoeing Alert Service Bulletin 717-24A0028 \n1\nDecember 20, 2005\nHamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletin 40EGS22P-24-3\nOriginal\nJune 30, 2000\nHamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletin 40EGS22P-24-4\n1\nJanuary 2, 2002\nHamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletin 40EGS22P-24-6\nOriginal\nJuly 25, 2002\nHamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletin 40EGS22P-24-7\nOriginal\nSeptember 3, 2003\nHamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletin 40EGS22P-24-8\nOriginal\nSeptember 4, 2003\nHamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletin 40EGS22P-24-9\nOriginal\nNovember 19, 2003\n \n\nHamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletin 40EGS22P-24-4, Revision 1, dated January 2, 2002, has the following effective pages: \n\n\nPage Nos. \nRevision level shown on page \nDate shown on page \n1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 \n1 ................................ \nJanuary 2, 2002. \n2 \nOriginal ...................... \nApril 26, 2001. \n\n\nThe Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of these documents in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Long Beach Division, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Data and Service Management, Dept. C1-L5A (D800-0024), for a copy of this service information. You may review copies 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html .

Examining the Docket \n\n\tYou may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is located on the ground floor of the West Building at the DOT street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. \n\nDiscussion \n\n\tThe FAA issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to all McDonnell Douglas Model 717-200 airplanes. That supplemental NPRM was published in the Federal Register on June 6, 2007 (72 FR 31206). That supplemental NPRM proposed to require inspecting the power conversion distribution unit (PCDU) to determine its part number, and modifying certain PCDUs. That supplemental NPRM also proposed to re-identify the part number reference for the proposed corrective action. \n\nComments \n\n\tWe provided the public the opportunity to participate in the development of this AD. No comments have been received on the supplemental NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public. \n\nConclusion \n\n\tWe have carefully reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed in the supplemental NPRM. \n\nCosts of Compliance \n\n\tThere are about 137 airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet, of which about 108 airplanes are U.S. registered. The following tables provide the estimated costs for U.S. operators to comply with this AD. The total fleet cost could be as high as $434,592. \n\n\tEstimated Costs for Primary Actions \n\n\nPrimary actions\nWork hours\nLabor rate per hour\nParts cost\nCost per airplane\nPart number identification\n1\n$80\n$0\n$80\nModification (Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 717-24A0028)\n12\n$80\n$0\n$960\n\n\n\tEstimated Costs for Concurrent Actions\n\n\nHamilton Sundstrand Service BulletinWork hours\nLabor rate per hour\nParts cost\nCost per airplane\n40EGS22P-24-3\n6\n$80\n$154, per airplane\n$634\n40EGS22P-24-4\n3\n$80\n$0\n$240\n40EGS22P-24-6\n3\n$80\n$0\n$240\n40EGS22P-24-7\n1 per PCDU, maximum 3 PCDUs per airplane\n$80\n$10 per PCDU, maximum 3 PCDUs per airplane\n$270 (maximum)\n40EGS22P-24-8\n10\n$80\n$0\n$800\n40EGS22P-24-9\n10\n$80\n$0\n$800\n\nAuthority for This Rulemaking \n\n\tTitle 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 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\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\tWe have determined that this 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\t(1) Is not a "significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; \n\t(2) Is not a "significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and \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\tWe prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation. \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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):