AD 99-03-02 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.

All Model MD-11 series airplanes, 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 (d) 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 electrical arcing of certain wiring, which could cause a fire and/or smoke in the cockpit or cabin, accomplish the following: (a) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD: Perform the one-time visual inspections required by paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3) of this AD to detect discrepancies (including loose wire connections, loose ground wires, broken bonding wires, small wire bending radii, cracked support brackets, and chafed and cracked wire insulation); in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. (1) Inspect all cabin wiring and insulation, including the wire harness protective wrap if applicable, on and above the forward cabin drop ceiling, from the cockpit bulkhead (at approximately station 392) to the aft edge of the forward drop ceiling (at approximately station 516). And (2) Inspect all cockpit wiring and insulation, including the wire harness protective wrap if applicable, within the overhead switch panel and overhead circuit breaker panel (at approximately stations 304 through 360). And (3) Inspect all cockpit wiring and insulation, including the wire harness protective wrap if applicable, in the following areas: Aft of the overhead circuit breaker panel (at approximately station 360); Forward of the cockpit entry bulkhead (at approximately station 392); 16 inches left of centerline (at approximately station X = -16); and Above the top edge of the right clear-view window, including wiring within and outboard of the upper and lower avionics circuit breaker panels. Note 2: Inspection of wiring within conduits is not required by this AD. Note 3: Insulation blankets (which hide wiring that is generally routed through conduits) and wire harness protective wrap (including gray sleeving, spiral wrap, and centerline tape) are not required to be removed during the inspection. (b) If any discrepancy is detected during any inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, repair in accordance with Chapter 20, Standard Wiring Practices of the MD-11 Wiring Diagram Manual, dated October 1, 1998. (c) Within 10 days after accomplishing the inspections required by paragraph (a) of this AD, submit a report of the inspection results (both positive and negative findings) to the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712- 4137; fax (562) 627-5210. Information collection requirements contained in this regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. (d) 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 ACO. 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 4: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Los Angeles ACO. (e) 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. (f) This amendment becomes effective on February 12, 1999. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 21, 1999. John J. Hickey, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 99-1976 Filed 1-27-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U