AD 2000-07-21 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 MD11-24A116, Revision 01, dated October 11, 1999; except for those airplanes on which the modification specified in McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-116, dated May 14, 1997, has been accomplished; certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise 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 (c) 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 wire chafing of the control panel of the auxiliary power unit (APU) and resultant arcing due to insufficient clearance between the wire bundles and the airplane structure, which could result in smoke and fire in the flight deck, accomplish the following: Inspection (a) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a general visual inspection of wiring behind the control panel of the APU to detect chafing, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A116, Revision 01, dated October 11, 1999. Note 2: 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.” (1) If no chafing is found, prior to further flight, accomplish the requirements of paragraph (b) of this AD. (2) If any chafing is found, prior to further flight, repair in accordance with the service bulletin and accomplish the requirements of paragraph (b) of this AD. Modification (b) Modify the wiring behind the APU control panel (i.e., install sleeving and fiber tying tape over wires) in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A116, Revision 01, dated October 11, 1999. Alternative Methods of Compliance (c) 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 3: 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 (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with §§ 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 (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A116, Revision 01, dated October 11, 1999. 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 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. (f) This amendment becomes effective on May 19, 2000. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 4, 2000. Donald L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-8817 Filed 4-13-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P