AD 2000-07-02 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 Bulletin MD11-33A069, dated March 10, 2000; 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 (b) 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 detect a broken light bulb housing and the resultant exposed power contactor, which could cause the Captain, First Officer, or Right Observer map light to short or overheat, and consequent smoke or fire in the cockpit, accomplish the following: (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the actions specified in either paragraph (a)(1), or (a)(2) or (a)(3) of this AD, as applicable, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-33A069, March 10, 2000. Option 1 (Deactivate Map Light Assemblies) (1) For Groups 1 and 2 airplanes identified in the alert service bulletin: Disconnect, coil, and stow power wires to each Captain, First Officer, and Right Observer map light assembly, until the requirements of paragraph (a)(2) or (a)(3) of this AD, as applicable, have been accomplished. Note 2: Repetitive inspections of the deactivated map light assemblies are not required. Option 2 (Inspect/Replace/Deactivate Map Light Assemblies) (2) For Group 1 airplanes identified in the alert service bulletin: Modify and reidentify the insulation blankets adjacent to the Captain and First Officer map light assemblies; and perform a general visual inspection to detect damage of the Captain, First Officer, and Right Observer map light assemblies. Note 3: 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 checked.” (i) Condition 1 (No Damage Found). If no damage is detected, repeat the general visual inspection of the map light assemblies and adjacent insulation blankets thereafter at intervals not to exceed 700 flight hours. (ii) Condition 2 (Damage Found). If any damage is detected, prior to further flight, accomplish the actions specified in either paragraph (a)(2)(ii)(A) or (a)(2)(ii)(B) of this AD in accordance with the alert service bulletin. (A) Option 1 (Replace Damaged Map Light Assemblies). Replace the map light assembly with a new or serviceable light assembly. Repeat the general visual inspection of the map light assemblies and adjacent insulation blankets thereafter at intervals not to exceed 700 flight hours. (B) Option 2 (Deactivate Damaged Map Light Assemblies). Disconnect, coil, and stow power wires to each damaged Captain, First Officer, and Right Observer map light assembly, until the requirements of paragraph (a)(2)(ii)(A) of this AD have been accomplished. (3) For Group 2 airplanes identified in the alert service bulletin: Perform a general visual inspection to detect damage of the Captain, First Officer, and Right Observer map light assemblies, and perform the actions specified in either paragraph (a)(2)(i) or (a)(2)(ii) of this AD, as applicable, at the time(s) indicated in that paragraph. Note 4: For Group 2 airplanes identified in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-33A069, dated March 10, 2000: Modification and reidentification of the insulation blankets are not required. Prior to delivery of Group 2 airplanes, the insulation blankets were modified. Alternative Methods of Compliance (b) 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 (c) 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 (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-33A069, dated March 10, 2000. 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 90712; or at the Office of the Federal Register , 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. (e) This amendment becomes effective on April 20, 2000. Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 28, 2000. John J. Hickey, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-8133 Filed 4-4-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U