AD 98-24-02 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Series Airplanes

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

Model MD-11 series airplanes, serial numbers 447 through 597 inclusive; 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 (c) 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 an electrical failure in the dimmer control for the overhead instrument panel light and circuit breaker lightplate due to overheating of a printed circuit board (PCB) capacitor in the dimmer control, which could result in rupture of the capacitor and smoke in the flight compartment, accomplish the following: (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time visual inspection of the two dimmer controls for the overhead instrument panel light and circuit breaker lightplate located in the flight compartment to identify the part numbers of the dimmer controls. (1) If all dimmer controls are identified as part number (P/N) 263-2, no further action is required by this AD. (2) If any dimmer control is identified as P/N 263-1, within 30 days after accomplishing the inspection specified by paragraph (a) of this AD, accomplish the actions required by paragraph (a)(2)(i), (a)(2)(ii), or (a)(2)(iii) of this AD, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-33-045, dated June 14, 1995. (i) Replace any dimmer control, P/N 263-1, with a new dimmer control, P/N 263-2. Or [[Page 63404]] (ii) Modify any dimmer control, P/N 263-1, and reinstall the modified and reidentified dimmer control in the flight compartment. Or (iii) Remove any dimmer control, P/N 263-1; return it for modification and reidentification to Olin Aerospace Company, 11441 Willows Road NE, Redmond, Washington, 98073-9745; and reinstall the modified and reidentified dimmer control in the flight compartment. (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install on any McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplane, a dimmer control, P/N 263-1, unless that dimmer control has been modified and reidentified to P/N 263-2 in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-33-045, dated June 14, 1995. (c) 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, Transport Airplane Directorate. 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 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Los Angeles ACO. (d) 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. (e) Except as provided by paragraph (a) of this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-33-045, dated June 14, 1995. 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 The Boeing Company, Douglas Products Division, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Technical Publications Business Administration, Dept. C1-L51 (2-60). Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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. (f) This amendment becomes effective on Novemebr 30, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 9, 1998. Vi L. Lipski, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-30531 Filed 11-12-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U