AD 2002-17-06 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Airplanes

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

Model MD-11 airplanes, as listed in Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-24-184, dated February 22, 2001; 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 chafing damage to the wire assembly, and consequent arcing and smoke and fire in the electrical power center, and to prevent damage to the wire assembly terminal lugs and overheating of the power feeder cables on the No. 3 and No. 4 galley load control unit (GLCU), which could result in smoke and fire in the center accessory compartment, accomplish the following: Initial Inspection (a) Do a general visual inspection of the power feeder cables, terminal strip, fuseholder, and fuses of the GLCU within the No. 3 bay electrical power center to detect damage ( i.e. , discoloration of affected parts or loose attachments), per McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A160, dated August 30, 1999; or Revision 01, dated November 11, 1999; at the applicable time specified in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD. (1) For airplanes on which the replacement required by paragraph (c) of AD 2002-14-05, amendment 39-12805, has been done: Inspect within 60 days after the effective date of this AD. (2) For airplanes on which the replacement required by paragraph (c) of AD 2002-14-05 has NOT been done: Inspect within 600 flight hours from the last inspection required by AD 2002-14-05, or within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. 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.” No Damage Detected: Repetitive Inspections (b) If no damage is detected during any inspection required by this AD, repeat the general visual inspection every 600 flight hours. Damage Detected: Replacement and Repetitive Inspections (c) If any damage is detected during any inspection required by this AD, before further flight, replace the power feeder cables, fuseholder, and/or fuses, as applicable, with new parts, per McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A160, dated August 30, 1999; or Revision 01, dated November 11, 1999. Repeat the general visual inspection every 600 flight hours. 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 Permits (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 MD11-24A160, dated August 30, 1999; or McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A160, Revision 01, dated November 11, 1999. The incorporation by reference of those documents was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of January 4, 2000 (64 FR 71001, December 20, 1999). 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 (g) This amendment becomes effective on September 16, 2002. Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 23, 2002. Vi L. Lipski, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 02-22127 Filed 8-29-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P