AD 2000-24-12 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 MD11-24A097, dated April 3, 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 (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 arcing and sparking damage to the power feeder cables, terminal strips, and adjacent structure, and consequent smoke and fire in the center accessory compartment, accomplish the following: Inspection (a) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time general visual inspection to detect chafing or damage of the electrical wires leading to the terminal strips in the center accessory compartment area, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A097, dated April 3, 2000. 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.” Condition 1 (No Chafing or Damage) (1) If no chafing or damage is detected, no further action is required by this paragraph. Condition 2 (Evidence of Chafing or Damage on Terminal Strips) (2) If any chafing or damage is detected on the terminal strips, before further flight, replace the terminal strip with a like part and seal screw heads of replaced terminal strips, in accordance with the service bulletin. Condition 3 (Chafing or Damage Within Limits) (3) If any chafing is detected and if any damage is detected within the limits specified in the service bulletin, before further flight, repair damage in accordance with the service bulletin. Condition 4 (Chafing or Damage Beyond Limits) (4) If any chafing is detected and if any damage is detected beyond the limits specified in the service bulletin, before further flight, replace damaged wires with new wires in accordance with the service bulletin. Revise Wire Connection of the Cable Terminal Strips (b) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the wire connection stack up of certain cable terminals at the electrical power center bays in the center accessory compartment in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A097, dated April 3, 2000. Replacement of Terminal Strips and Removal of Nameplate (c) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the terminal strips with new strips and remove the applicable nameplate at electrical power center bays in the center accessory compartment, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A097, dated April 3, 2000. 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. 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 Permit (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) The actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A097, dated April 3, 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, Los Angeles ACO, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. Effective Date (g) This amendment becomes effective on January 8, 2001. Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 22, 2000. Donald L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-30437 Filed 12-1-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P