AD 2008-06-21 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Corporation Model DC-10-10 and DC-10-10F Airplanes, Model DC-10-15 Airplanes, Model DC-10-30 and DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10) Airplanes, Model DC-10-40 and DC-10-40F Airplanes, Model MD-10-10F and MD-10-30F Airplanes, and Model MD-11 and MD-11F Airplanes

Models named: DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-40, DC-10-40F, MD-10-10F, MD-10-30F, MD-11, MD-11F. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to all McDonnell Douglas Corporation Model DC-10-10 and DC-10-10F airplanes, Model DC-10-15 airplanes, Model DC-10-30 and DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10) airplanes, Model DC-10-40 and DC-10-40F airplanes, Model MD-10-10F and MD-10-30F airplanes, and Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes; certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD requires revisions to certain operator maintenance documents to include new inspections. Compliance with these inspections is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in the areas addressed by these inspections, the operator may not be able to accomplish the inspections described in the revisions. In this situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with paragraph (l) of this AD. The request should include a description of changes to the required inspections that will ensure the continued operational safety of the airplane.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Service Information Reference (f) The term “Report MDC-02K1003” as used in this AD, means the Boeing Trijet Special Compliance Item Report, MDC-02K1003, Revision C, dated July 24, 2007. Restatement of Requirements of AD 2008-06-21, With Changes to Compliance Method Revise the FAA-Approved Maintenance Program (g) For Model DC-10-10 and DC-10-10F airplanes, Model DC-10-15 airplanes, Model DC-10-30 and DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10) airplanes, and Model DC-10-40 and DC-10-40F airplanes: Before December 16, 2008, revise the FAA-approved maintenance program to incorporate the information specified in Appendixes B, C, and D of Report MDC-02K1003. Revise the Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) Section (h) For Model MD-10-10F and MD-10-30F airplanes, and Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes: Before December 16, 2008, revise the AWLs section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness to incorporate the information specified in Appendixes B, C, and D of Report MDC-02K1003, except that the initial inspection required by paragraph (i) of this AD must be done at the applicable compliance time specified in that paragraph. Initial Inspection and Repair if Necessary (i) For Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes: Within 60 months after April 23, 2008 (the effective date AD 2008-06-21), do a detailed inspection of the metallic overbraiding and red-wrap tape installed on the tail tank fuel quantity indication system (FQIS) wiring to verify if the metallic overbraiding or red-wrap tape is damaged or shows signs of deterioration, in accordance with ALI 20-2 of Appendix C of Report MDC-02K1003. If any discrepancy is found during the inspection, repair the discrepancy before further flight in accordance with ALI 20-2 of Appendix C of Report MDC-02K1003. Note 2 : For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: “An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required.” No Reporting Requirement (j) Although Report MDC-02K1003 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that action. No Alternative Inspections, Inspection Intervals, or Critical Design Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCLs) (k) After accomplishing the applicable actions specified in paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD, no alternative inspections, inspection intervals, or CDCCLs may be used unless the inspections, intervals, or CDCCLs are approved as an AMOC in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this AD. New Information Explanation of CDCCL Requirements Note 3: Notwithstanding any other maintenance or operational requirements, components that have been identified as airworthy or installed on the affected airplanes before the revision of the FAA-approved maintenance program, or the AWLs section, as required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, do not need to be reworked in accordance with the CDCCLs. However, once the FAA-approved maintenance program, or the AWLs section, as applicable, has been revised, future maintenance actions on these components must be done in accordance with the CDCCLs. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (l)(1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Philip C. Kush, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140L, FAA, Los Angeles ACO, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5263; fax (562) 627-5210. (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. (3) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2008-06-21, Amendment 39-15433, are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (m) You must use Boeing Trijet Special Compliance Item Report, MDC-02K1003, Revision C, dated July 24, 2007, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register previously approved the incorporation by reference of Boeing Trijet Special Compliance Item Report, MDC-02K1003, Revision C, dated July 24, 2007, on April 23, 2008 (73 FR 14673, March 19, 2008). (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, MC D800 0019, Long Beach, California 90846-0001; telephone 206-544-5000, extension 2; fax 206-766-5683; e-mail dse.boecom@boeing.com; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221 or 425-227-1152. (4) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference 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. Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 12, 2009. Stephen P. Boyd, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E9-28163 Filed 11-24-09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from a design review of the fuel tank systems. We are issuing this AD to prevent the potential for ignition sources inside fuel tanks caused by latent failures, alterations, repairs, or maintenance actions, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.