AD 2001-07-08 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Series Airplanes Equipped With Pratt & Whitney Model PW4400 Series Engines

Models named: MD-11 series, PW4400 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

All Model MD-11 series airplanes equipped with Pratt & Whitney Model PW4400 series engines, certificated in any category.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To ensure that the flight crew is informed of limitations in airplane performance, and to prevent reduced acceleration and climb performance relative to performance data in the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM), which could result in the airplane overrunning the end of the runway during takeoff or landing, or impacting obstacles or terrain, accomplish the following: AFM Revision: Limitations Section (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise Section 1, Limitations, of the FAA-approved AFM to include the following information under Subsection 3, Operational Limits. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD into the AFM. “Required Performance Corrections in Section 4A or 4B must be applied as applicable.” AFM Revision: Performance Section 4A or 4B (b) For airplanes with Pratt & Whitney Model PW4460 or PW4462 engines with FB2C fans installed: Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the Performance Section of the FAA-approved AFM to include the following information under Section 4A or 4B, as applicable. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD into the AFM. “When operating with one PW4460 engine, one PW4462 engine (operated at PW4460 thrust rating), or one PW4462 engine installed, apply the following performance corrections: Weight must be reduced by: Takeoff—1.3% Enroute—2.5% Landing—1.3% When operating with more than one PW4460 engine and/or PW4462 engine (operated at PW4460 thrust rating), or more than one PW4462 engine installed, apply the following performance corrections: Weight must be reduced by: Takeoff—2.5% Enroute—2.5% Landing—2.5%.” 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. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Operations Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Los Angeles ACO. Note: 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 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. Effective Date (e) This amendment becomes effective on April 25, 2001. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 3, 2001. Donald L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-8725 Filed 4-9-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U