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

Models named: DC-10 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

All Model DC-10 series airplanes, 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 prevent chafing of the wire bundle located behind the flight engineer's panel caused by the wire bundle coming in contact with the lower edge of the feed through and consequent electrical arcing, which could result in smoke and fire in the cockpit, accomplish the following: Inspection (a) Within 1 year after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time detailed visual inspection to determine if the wire segments of the wire bundle routed through the feed through on the aft side of the flight engineer's station are damaged or chafed, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin DC10-24A149, Revision 01, dated July 28, 1999. Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed 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.” Corrective Actions (1) For airplanes identified as Group 1 in the alert service bulletin: Accomplish paragraph (a)(1)(i) or (a)(1)(ii) of this AD, as applicable. (i) If no damaged or chafed wire is found, no further action is required by this AD. (ii) If any damaged or chafed wire is found, prior to further flight, repair in accordance with the alert service bulletin. (2) For airplanes identified as Group 2 in the alert service bulletin: Accomplish paragraph (a)(2)(i) or (a)(2)(ii) of this AD, as applicable. (i) If no damaged or chafed wire is found, within 1 year after the effective date of this AD, revise the wire bundle support clamp installation at the flight engineer's station in accordance with the alert service bulletin. (ii) If any damaged or chafed wire is found, prior to further flight, repair the wiring, and revise the wire bundle support clamp installation at the flight engineer's station, in accordance with the alert service bulletin. 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 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 (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 DC10-24A149, Revision 01, dated July 28, 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. (e) This amendment becomes effective on June 21, 2000. Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 8, 2000. Vi L. Lipski, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-11950 Filed 5-16-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U