AD 2003-04-17 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and MD-11F Airplanes

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

Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes, as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A179, Revision 02, dated December 19, 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 (c) 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 consequent arcing or loss of electrical power to associated avionics buses in the upper avionics circuit breaker panel, which could result in smoke and/or fire in the cockpit, accomplish the following: Inspection, Corrective Actions, Modification, and Installation (a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this AD, per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A179, Revision 02, dated December 19, 2001, excluding Evaluation Form. (1) Do a detailed inspection to detect damage of the wiring/bundles routed to the wire support bar of the circuit breaker panel and to the circuit breakers. Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is defined as: “An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.” (2) Do a general visual inspection of the wiring/bundles for correct routing. Make sure ABS9108 (16-gauge power feeders) routing provides adequate stress relief from the support bar to bus termination points. Note 3: 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.” (3) Install protective sleeving, spacers, and sta-straps. Corrective/Follow-On Actions, If Necessary (b) Before further flight after doing the inspections required by paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD, do the applicable corrective/follow-on action(s) specified in “Table-Corrective/Follow-On Actions” of this AD per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A179, Revision 02, dated December 19, 2001, excluding Evaluation Form. Table—Corrective/Follow-On Actions is as follows: Table.—Corrective/Follow-On Actions If— Then— (1) Any damaged wiring/bundle is detected Repair or replace any damaged wiring/bundle with new wiring. (2) Correct routing is detected Replace the wire clamp located on the support bar of the circuit breaker panel with a new clamp. (3) Incorrect routing is detected Modify wire routing, and replace the wire clamp located on the support bar of the circuit breaker panel with a new clamp. 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 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 Permit (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. Incorporation by Reference (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A179, Revision 02, dated December 19, 2001, excluding Evaluation Form. 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 (f) This amendment becomes effective on May 27, 2003. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 10, 2003. Ali Bahrami, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 03-9427 Filed 4-18-03; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P