AD 99-08-51 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, certificated in any category; having the following fuselage/factory serial numbers: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fuselage No. Serial No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 532....................................................... 48532 542....................................................... 48565 543....................................................... 48566 544....................................................... 48533 545....................................................... 48549 546....................................................... 48470 547....................................................... 48406 548....................................................... 48504 549....................................................... 48602 551....................................................... 48603 552....................................................... 48571 553....................................................... 48604 554....................................................... 48439 555....................................................... 48605 556....................................................... 48572 558....................................................... 48471 559....................................................... 48573 560....................................................... 48600 562....................................................... 48601 563....................................................... 48633 564....................................................... 48513 566....................................................... 48574 568....................................................... 48575 570....................................................... 48542 572....................................................... 48543 574....................................................... 48576 576....................................................... 48415 579....................................................... 48631 580....................................................... 48544 582....................................................... 48632 583....................................................... 48577 587....................................................... 48545 588....................................................... 48578 589....................................................... 48546 590....................................................... 48743 592....................................................... 48744 594....................................................... 48747 595....................................................... 48748 596....................................................... 48745 597....................................................... 48746 598....................................................... 48749 599....................................................... 48579 600....................................................... 48766 601....................................................... 48768 602....................................................... 48767 603....................................................... 48769 604....................................................... 48754 605....................................................... 48623 607....................................................... 48770 608....................................................... 48753 609....................................................... 48773 610....................................................... 48774 613....................................................... 48755 615....................................................... 48758 616....................................................... 48775 617....................................................... 48776 618....................................................... 48777 619....................................................... 48778 620....................................................... 48779 622....................................................... 48624 623....................................................... 48756 624....................................................... 48780 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Note 1: This AD only affects MD-11 airplanes equipped with a 72- inch cargo door. MD-11 series airplanes equipped with a 104-inch cargo door are not subject to the unsafe condition addressed by this AD due to the configuration of the wire bundles. Note 2: 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 ensure that a wire harness support bracket/clamp is installed on the wire bundle at frame 1681, accomplish the following: (a) Within 15 days after the effective date of this AD: Perform a one-time visual inspection under the floorboards in the lower center cargo compartment at frame 1681 (approximately one inch outboard of longeron R46) to verify that a bracket having part number P/N 9D0062-3-16-24 (or equivalent), and an open face nylon clamp having P/N NMC1001-1 or 383-1 (see Figure 1, Item 14/267), are installed to support wire bundle No. AGS9110. (1) If the bracket and clamp are installed: Prior to further flight, perform a visual inspection to detect damage of the subject wire bundle. If any damage is detected, prior to further flight, accomplish paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) of this AD. (i) Repair in accordance with Chapter 20-30-01 of the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Airplane Maintenance Manual. And (ii) Install a silicone rubber coated with a glass cloth protective wrap [Douglas Material Specification (DMS) 2109 or equivalent] around the wire bundle in the area over frame 1681 above stringer R46 in accordance with Chapter 20-10-01 of the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Wiring Diagram Manual. (2) If the bracket or clamp is not installed: Prior to further flight, perform a visual inspection to detect damage (i.e., chafing, damage, or missing wire insulation) of the subject wire bundle. (i) If no damage is detected: Prior to further flight, install a silicone rubber coated with a glass cloth protective wrap (DMS 2109 or equivalent) around the wire bundle in the area over frame 1681 above stringer R46 in accordance with Chapter 20-10-01 of the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Wiring Diagram Manual. (ii) If any damage is detected: Prior to further flight, accomplish the actions required by paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) of this AD. (b) Within 10 days after accomplishing the inspection required by paragraphs (a) and (a)(1) of this AD, submit a report of the inspection results (both positive and negative [[Page 22547]] findings) to the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 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. (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 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 3: 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) This amendment becomes effective on May 3, 1999, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by emergency AD 99-08-51, issued on April 9, 1999, which contained the requirements of this amendment. BILLING CODE 4910-13-U [[Page 22548]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR27AP99.031 Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 15, 1999. John J. Hickey, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 99-10055 Filed 4-26-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-C