AD 2003-08-03 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F, DC-10-30F (KC10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, DC-10-40F, MD-10-10F, and MD-10-30F Airplanes

Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F, DC-10-30F (KC10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, DC-10-40F, MD-10-10F, and MD-10-30F airplanes; as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-76A048, Revision 01, dated January 29, 2002; 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 of wiring inside the throttle control module, fuel shutoff lever lights, and/or aft pedestal lightplates due to degradation of protective sleeving, which could result in electrical arcing and failure of the auto throttle/speed control system and consequent smoke and/or fire in the cockpit, accomplish the following: Repetitive Inspections for Chafing (a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a general visual inspection for chafing or potential chafing of the wiring of the throttle control module located on the center pedestal in the flight compartment, per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) DC10-76A049, excluding the Appendix and Evaluation Form, dated January 29, 2002. Thereafter, repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 18 months, until the actions specified in paragraph (c) of this AD are accomplished. 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.” Corrective Actions for Chafing or Potential Chafing (b) If any evidence of chafing or potential chafing is found during any inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, before further flight, repair the chafed wires or reposition wires, as applicable, per Boeing ASB DC10-76A049, excluding the Appendix and Evaluation Form, dated January 29, 2002. Inspection and Modification (c) Within 5 years after the effective date of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, per Boeing ASB DC10-76A048, excluding the Evaluation Form, dated August 6, 2001; or Revision 01, excluding the Evaluation Form, dated January 29, 2002. (1) Do an inspection of the throttle control module on the center pedestal in the flight deck compartment to determine its part number and configuration, which will identify the group applicability information. (2) Modify the throttle control module on the center pedestal in the flight deck compartment per the applicable figure in the service bulletin. Accomplishment of the modification constitutes terminating action for the requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD. 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 Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-76A048, excluding the Evaluation Form, dated August 6, 2001, or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-76A048, Revision 01, excluding the Evaluation Form, dated January 29, 2002; and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-76A049, excluding the Appendix and Evaluation Form, dated January 29, 2002; as applicable. 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; 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 May 22, 2003. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 7, 2003. Ali Bahrami, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 03-8894 Filed 4-16-03; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P