AD 2001-21-05 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 having manufacturer's fuselage numbers 0447 through 0552 inclusive, and 0554 through 0621 inclusive; 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 (e) 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 loss of airspeed and altitude indications on both primary flight displays in the cockpit, and/or loss or degradation of the autopilot functionality, and consequent failure of the data busses, accomplish the following: Restatement of Requirements of AD 98-15-14 Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision (a) Within 5 days after May 20, 1998 (the effective date of AD 98-10-01, amendment 39-10512), revise Section 1, page 5-1, of the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved AFM to include the following statement. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD into the AFM. “Prior to dispatch of the airplane, both Flight Management Computer 1 (FMC-1) and FMC-2 must be installed and operational.” New Actions Required by This AD Inspection (b) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, do an inspection to verify that modification “AS” is on the front and rear identification plates of flight management computer 1 (FMC-1) and FMC-2, per McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-34-085, Revision 01, dated September 20, 1999. After the inspection has been done, the AFM revision required by paragraph (a) of this AD may be removed from the AFM. Condition 1 (Modification “AS” Is Installed) (c) If modification “AS” is found installed during the inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD, before further flight, do the actions specified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, per McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-34-085, Revision 01, dated September 20, 1999. (1) Do a test of the FMC's in the flight compartment to ensure that modification “AS” is operational, and do applicable corrective actions, if necessary. Both FMC's must have modification “AS” installed and pass the test before loading new software per paragraph (c)(2) of this AD. (2) Install new software and reidentify FMC-1 and FMC-2 as part number (P/N) 4059050-912. Note 2: McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-34-085, Revision 01, dated September 20, 1999, references Honeywell Service Bulletin 4059050-34-6020, Revision 1, dated April 30, 1999, as an additional source of service information for the installation and reidentification requirements of paragraphs (c)(2) and (d)(2) of this AD. Condition 2 (Modification “AS” Is Not Installed) (d) If modification “AS” is NOT found installed during the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, before further flight, do the actions specified in paragraphs (d)(1), (d)(2), and (d)(3) of this AD, per McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-34-085, Revision 01, dated September 20, 1999. (1) Remove FMC-1 and FMC-2. (2) Install modification “AS” and new software, and reidentify FMC-1 and FMC-2 as P/N 4059050-912. (3) Install modified and reidentified FMC-1 and FMC-2. Alternative Methods of Compliance (e) 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 Permits (f) 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 (g) Except as required by paragraph (a) of this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-34-085, Revision 01, dated September 20, 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: 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 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 (h) This amendment becomes effective on November 26, 2001. Issued in Renton, Washington on October 15, 2001. Ali Bahrami, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-26472 Filed 10-19-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U