AD 2001-17-10 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 MD11-24A111, Revision 01, dated July 27, 2000; certificated in any category. Note 1: As allowed by the phrase, “Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously,” if the requirements of AD 97-10-12 have already been accomplished, this AD does not require that those actions be repeated. Note 2: 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. Note 3: Where there are differences between the referenced service bulletin and the AD, the AD prevails. To detect riding or chafing of the wire bundles adjacent to the disconnect panel bracket assembly, which could result in a fire in the wire bundles and smoke in the cockpit, accomplish the following: General Visual Inspection and Corrective Actions, If Necessary (a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a general visual inspection to detect riding, chafing, or damage of the wire bundles adjacent to the disconnect panel bracket, per Figure 1 of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A111, Revision 01, dated July 27, 2000. Note 4: 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 any riding or chafing is found, and if any damage is found: Before further flight, repair damaged wires; install anti-chafing sleeving on the wire bundles; and install a protective grommet along the entire upper aft edge of the disconnect panel bracket; per Figures 2 and 3 of the service bulletin, respectively. (2) If any riding or chafing is found, but no damage is found: Before further flight, install anti-chafing sleeving on the wire bundles, and install a protective grommet along the entire upper aft edge of the disconnect panel bracket, per Figures 2 and 3 of the service bulletin, respectively. (3) If no riding, chafing, or damage is found: Before further flight, install anti-chafing sleeving on the wire bundles, and install a protective grommet along the entire upper aft edge of the disconnect panel bracket, per Figures 2 and 3 of the service bulletin, respectively. 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. 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 MD11-24A111, Revision 01, dated July 27, 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: Data and Service Management, Dept. C1-L5A (D800-0024). Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, 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. Effective Date (e) This amendment becomes effective on September 26, 2001. Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 14, 2001. Vi L. Lipski, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-20937 Filed 8-21-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U