AD 2004-19-05 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 Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A178, Revision 02, dated March 11, 2003, and McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A177, dated July 18, 2003; certificated in any category.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent electrical arcing caused by power feeder cable terminal lugs grounding against terminal strip support brackets, which could result in smoke and fire in the main cabin or avionics compartment, accomplish the following: Certain Requirements of AD 2002-14-09, Amendment 39-12809 Replacement, Inspection, and Corrective Action If Necessary (a) For airplanes listed in the effectivity of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A178, Revision 01, dated December 17, 2001: Within 18 months after August 23, 2002 (the effective date of AD 2002-14-09, amendment 39-12809), do the actions specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD per the service bulletin. (1) Replace the applicable terminal strips in the avionics compartment with new terminal strips (including inspecting wires for damage, repairing any damaged wire, and removing the nameplate); and (2) Perform a general visual inspection to detect arcing damage of the surrounding structure of the terminal strips and electrical cables in the avionics compartment. If any damage is detected, before further flight, repair or replace any damaged component with a new component, per the service bulletin; except if the type of structural material of the surrounding structure that has been affected is not covered in the Structural Repair Manual, repair per a method approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. Note 1: 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 under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or drop-light, 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.” (b) Accomplishment of the replacement, inspection, and corrective action, before the effective date of this AD, per McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A178, dated May 14, 2001, is considered acceptable for compliance with the applicable actions specified in paragraph (a) of this AD. New Requirements of This AD Replacement, Inspection, and Corrective Action If Necessary (c) For Groups 3 and 4 airplanes listed in the effectivity of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A178, Revision 02, dated March 11, 2003: Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD per the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. Although the service bulletin specifies to report inspection findings to the airplane manufacturer, this AD does not include such a requirement. (1) Replace the applicable terminal strips in the avionics compartment with new terminal strips (including inspecting wires for damage, repairing any damaged wire, and removing the nameplate); and (2) Perform a general visual inspection to detect arcing damage of the surrounding structure of the terminal strips and electrical cables in the avionics compartment. If any damage is detected, before further flight, repair or replace any damaged component with a new component, per the service bulletin; except if the type of structural material of the surrounding structure that has been affected is not covered in the Structural Repair Manual, repair per a method approved by the Manager, Los Angeles ACO, FAA. (d) For airplanes listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A177, dated July 18, 2003: Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the terminal board for the applicable item numbers in the aft passenger compartment, per the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. Boeing Service Bulletin Information Notice MD11-24A177 IN 01, dated August 7, 2003, revises service kit numbers specified in paragraph 2.B., “Post-Warranty,” of the service bulletin. Alternative Methods of Compliance (e)(1) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Los Angeles ACO, FAA, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD. (2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously per AD 2002-14-09, amendment 39-12809, are approved as alternative methods of compliance with paragraph (a) of this AD. Incorporation by Reference (f) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A178, Revision 01, dated December 17, 2001; Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A178, Revision 02, excluding Appendix A, dated March 11, 2003; and McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A177, dated July 18, 2003, as revised by Boeing Service Bulletin Information Notice MD11-24A177 IN 01, dated August 7, 2003; as applicable. (1) The incorporation by reference of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A178, Revision 02, excluding Appendix A, dated March 11, 2003; and McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A177, dated July 18, 2003, as revised by Boeing Service Bulletin Information Notice MD11-24A177 IN 01, dated August 7, 2003; as applicable; is approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) The incorporation by reference of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A178, Revision 01, dated December 17, 2001, was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of August 23, 2002 (67 FR 47647, July 19, 2002). (3) Copies may be obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplanes, 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 National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html . Effective Date (g) This amendment becomes effective on October 27, 2004. Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 13, 2004. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 04-21175 Filed 9-21-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P