AD 2000-03-10 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Series Airplanes

Models named: MD-11 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model MD-11 series airplanes, as listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletins MD11-25A194, Revision 05, dated June 21, 1999, and MD11-24A068, Revision 01, dated March 8, 1999; certificated in any category. Note 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 request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent chafing of certain electrical wires above the forward passenger doors, which could result in an electrical fire in the passenger compartment, accomplish the following: Restatement of the Requirements of AD 98-25-11 R1 Detailed Visual Inspection (a) Within 10 days after December 28, 1998 (the effective date of AD 98-25-11 R1, amendment 39-10988), perform a detailed visual inspection of the aircraft wiring to detect discrepancies that include but are not limited to frayed, chafed, or nicked wires and wire insulation in the areas specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD. Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual inspection is defined as: “An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.” (1) At the area of the forward drop ceiling just outboard of mod block S3-735, and forward and inboard of the light ballast for the entry light on the sliding ceiling panel above the forward left passenger door (1L) at station location × = 24.75, y = 435, and z = 64.5. (2) At the area above the forward right passenger door (1R) at station location × = −30, y = 430, and z = 70 in the ramp deflector assembly part number 4223570-501. Corrective Action (b) If any discrepancy is detected during the visual inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, repair in accordance with Chapter 20, Standard Wiring Practices of the MD-11 Wiring Diagram Manual, dated January 1, 1998, or April 1, 1998. New Requirements of This AD Inspection, Installation, and Modification (c) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the actions specified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), and (c)(4) of this AD, as applicable. (1) For Group 1 airplanes listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-25A194, Revision 05, dated June 21, 1999: Install a ramp deflector assembly on the right side forward entry drop ceiling structure in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-25A194, Revision 05, dated June 21, 1999. (2) For Group 2 airplanes listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-25A194, Revision 05, dated June 21, 1999: Install a ramp deflector assembly on the right side forward entry drop ceiling structure in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-25A194, Revision 05, dated June 21, 1999. Note 3: Installation of a ramp deflector assembly in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-25-194, dated March 15, 1996; Revision 01, dated May 1, 1996; Revision 02, dated July 12, 1996; Revision 03, dated December 12, 1996; or Revision 04, dated March 8, 1999, is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (c)(2) of this AD. (3) For Group 3 airplanes listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-25A194, Revision 05, dated June 21, 1999: Modify the previously installed ramp deflector assembly bracket in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-25A194, Revision 05, dated June 21, 1999. (4) For airplanes listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A068, Revision 01, dated March 8, 1999: Perform a general visual inspection of the wire assembly support installation for evidence of chafing, in accordance with the service bulletin. If any chafing is detected, prior to further flight, repair or replace any discrepant part with a new part in accordance with the service bulletin. Note 4: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is defined as “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 under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or drop-light, 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 check.” Alternative Methods of Compliance (d) An 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 Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (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. Note 5: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Los Angeles ACO. Special Flight Permits (e) Special 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. Incorporation by Reference (f) Except as provided by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-25A194, Revision 05, dated June 21, 1999; or McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A068, Revision 01, dated March 8, 1999; as applicable. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Boeing Commercial Aircraft Group, Long Beach Division, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Technical Publications Business Administration, Dept. 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. (g) This amendment becomes effective on March 23, 2000. Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 10, 2000. Donald L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-3620 Filed 2-16-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P