AD 2005-02-08

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes. This AD requires inspecting the power feeder cables of the auxiliary power unit (APU) for chafing damage, and accomplishing any related corrective action. This AD also requires modifying the drain line of the fuel feed shroud of the horizontal stabilizer. This AD is prompted by a report of the drain line of the fuel feed shroud riding on the power feeder cables of the APU. We are issuing this AD to prevent chafing of the power feeder cables of the APU, which could result in electrical arcing to adjacent structure and consequent fire in the airplane.

Final rule.

2005-02-08 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-13953. Docket No. FAA- 2004-19262; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-54-AD. \n\nEffective Date \n\n\t(a) This AD becomes effective March 7, 2005. \n\nAffected ADs \n\n\t(b) None. \n\nApplicability \n\n\t(c) This AD applies to McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-28A119, dated June 3, 2003. \n\nUnsafe Condition \n\n\t(d) This AD was prompted by a report of the drain line of the fuel feed shroud riding on the power feeder cables of the auxiliary power unit (APU). We are issuing this AD to prevent chafing of the power feeder cables of the APU, which could result in electrical arcing to adjacent structure and consequent fire in the airplane. \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\nInspection/Related Corrective Action/Modification \n\n\t(f) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD: Do the actions required by paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD by doing all the actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-28A119, including appendix A, dated June 3, 2003. \n\n\t(1) Accomplish a general visual inspection of the power feeder cables of the APU for chafing damage. Do any related corrective action before further flight. \n\n\t(2) Modify the drain line of the fuel feed shroud of the horizontal stabilizer (including a functional test after accomplishing the modification). \n\n\tNote 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is: "A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked." \n\nAlternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\t(g) 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\nMaterial Incorporated by Reference \n\n\t(h) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-28A119, including appendix A, dated June 3, 2003, to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approves the incorporation by reference of this document in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. For copies of the service information, 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 information on the availability of this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. \n\n\tYou may view the AD docket at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC.

The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR Part 39 with an AD for certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes. That action, published in the Federal Register on October 6, 2004 (69 FR 59837), proposed to require inspecting the power feeder cables of the auxiliary power unit (APU) for chafing damage, and accomplishing any related corrective action. The proposed AD would also require modifying the drain line of the fuel feed shroud of the horizontal stabilizer. \n\nComments \n\n\tWe provided the public the opportunity to participate in the development of this AD. No comments have been submitted on the proposed AD 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. \n\nCosts of Compliance \n\n\tThere are about 195 airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet, and 85 airplanes of U.S. registry.The inspection will take about 1 work hour per airplane, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the AD for U.S. operators is $5,525, or $65 per airplane. \n\n\tThe modification will take about 3 work hours per airplane (including the functional test), at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Parts cost will be minimal. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the AD for U.S. operators is $16,575, or $195 per airplane. \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\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\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\tWe prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD. 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 FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):