AD 2006-25-09 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11F Airplanes

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

This AD applies to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11F airplanes, identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A222, dated August 16, 2006; certificated in any category.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. General Visual Inspection (f) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a general visual inspection for installation of conduit and chafing damage on APU power feeder wires and upper surface of the auxiliary fuel tank, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A222, dated August 16, 2006. Before further flight, accomplish any applicable repair or replacement in accordance with the alert service bulletin. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (g)(1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with § 39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding District Office. Material Incorporated by Reference (h) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A222, dated August 16, 2006, to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this document in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Long Beach Division, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Data and Service Management, Dept. C1-L5A (D800-0024), for a copy of this service information. You may review copies at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov ; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html . Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 30, 2006. Kevin M. Mullin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E6-20951 Filed 12-11-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct unprotected auxiliary power unit (APU) power feeder wires that come into close proximity to the upper surface of the auxiliary “piggy back” fuel tank, which could result in a potential ignition source, and in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could cause a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.