AD 2011-02-01 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company 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.

This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-28A124, Revision 1, dated August 24, 2010.

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. Action (g) For airplanes in Group 1, Configuration 1; and Group 2, Configuration 1: Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a general visual inspection to detect damage of wire assemblies of the tail tank fuel system, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-28A124, Revision 1, dated August 24, 2010. (1) For airplanes in Group 1, Configuration 1: If no damage is found, before further flight, apply self-adhering high-temperature electrical insulation tape on the wire assemblies, install wire assembly support brackets, route wire assemblies, install extruded channel wire supports, and install a wire protection bracket, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-28A124, Revision 1, dated August 24, 2010. (2) For airplanes in Group 1, Configuration 1: If damage is found, before further flight, repair or replace the wire assemblies, apply self-adhering high-temperature electrical insulation tape on the wire assemblies, install wire assembly support brackets, route wire assemblies, install extruded channel wire supports, and install a wire protection bracket, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-28A124, Revision 1, dated August 24, 2010. (3) For airplanes in Group 2, Configuration 1: If no damage is found, before further flight, install wire assembly support brackets, route wire assemblies, install extruded channel wire supports, and install a wire protection bracket, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-28A124, Revision 1, dated August 24, 2010. (4) For airplanes in Group 2, Configuration 1: If damage is found, before further flight, repair or replace the wire assemblies, install wire assembly support brackets, route wire assemblies, install extruded channel wire supports, and install a wire protection bracket, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-28A124, Revision 1, dated August 24, 2010. (h) For airplanes in Group 1, Configuration 2: Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, do a general visual inspection for correct installation of the self-adhering high-temperature electrical insulation tape, and change the wire supports, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-28A124, Revision 1, dated August 24, 2010. If the self-adhering high-temperature electrical insulation tape is installed incorrectly, before further flight, adjust the tape installation to achieve the correct dimensions, in accordance with Figure 1 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-28A124, Revision 1, dated August 24, 2010. (i) For airplanes in Group 2, Configuration 2: Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, change the wire supports, in accordance with Figure 2 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-28A124, Revision 1, dated August 24, 2010. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (j)(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. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in the Related Information section of this AD. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. Related Information (k) For more information about this AD, contact Serj Harutunian, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137; phone: (562) 627-5254; fax: (562) 627-5210; e-mail: Serj.Harutunian@faa.gov. Material Incorporated by Reference (l) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-28A124, Revision 1, dated August 24, 2010, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information, under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (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. (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 an NARA facility, 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 January 3, 2011. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2011-271 Filed 1-11-11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct a potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable vapors, could result in a fuel tank fire or explosion, and consequent loss of the airplane.