AD 2002-14-04 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and -11F Airplanes

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

Model MD-11 and -11F airplanes, as listed in Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-26-037, dated November 8, 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 (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 and possible damage to the wiring of the Firex bottle discharge cartridge of the No. 2 engine, which could result in improper distribution of the fire extinguishing agent within the No. 2 engine in the event of a fire, accomplish the following: General Visual Inspection (a) Within 15 months after the effective date of this AD, do a general visual inspection of the wiring of the Firex bottle discharge cartridge of the No. 2 engine at station Y=2163.00 bulkhead for chafing on adjacent structure and damaged wiring, per Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-26-037, dated November 8, 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 from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight 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.” Note 3: Where there are differences between the referenced service bulletin and the AD, the AD prevails. Condition 1 (No Chafing or Damaged Wiring) (1) If no chafing or damaged wiring is detected, no further action is required by this AD. Condition 2 (Chafing with No Damaged Wiring) (2) If any chafing with no damaged wiring is detected, before further flight, reposition wires, per the service bulletin. Condition 3 (Chafing with Damaged Wiring) (3) If any chafing with damaged wiring is detected, before further flight, repair damaged wires and reposition wires, per the 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. 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 4: 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 Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-26-037, dated November 8, 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 August 23, 2002. Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 2, 2002. Jeffrey E. Duven, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 02-17526 Filed 7-18-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P