AD 99-24-03 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, as listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A155, dated June 1, 1999; 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 sparks, smoke and possible fire in the lower center cargo compartment, accomplish the following: Phase 1: Inspection and Corrective Actions (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform an inspection of the wire assembly, structure, and blankets for evidence of arcing burns and chafing damage under the center cargo compartment floor, in accordance with Phase 1 of the Work Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11- 24A155, dated June 1, 1999. (1) Condition 1. If no arcing or chafing damage is detected, prior to further flight, install protective sleeving on the wire assembly in the area of the frame in accordance with the service bulletin. (2) Condition 2. If any damaged wire, structure, or blanket is detected, prior to further flight, accomplish the actions specified in paragraphs (a)(2)(i), (a)(2)(ii), and (a)(2)(iii) of this AD. (i) Repair damaged wire and structure in accordance with the service bulletin. (ii) Repair or replace any damaged blanket with a new blanket, in accordance with Chapter 25 of the Aircraft Maintenance Manual; however, insulation blankets made of metallized polyethyleneteraphthalate (MPET) may not be used. (iii) Install protective sleeving on the wire assembly in the area of the frame in accordance with the service bulletin. Note 2: Accomplishment of the actions required by AD 99-08-51, amendment 39-11138, and AD 99-09-51, amendment 39-11154, prior to the effective date of this AD is considered acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD. Phase 2: Modification (b) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the actions specified in paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD, as applicable, in accordance with Phase 2 of the Work Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11- 24A155, dated June 1, 1999. (1) For airplanes identified as Group 1 in the service bulletin: Install the wire assembly support bracket, clamp, and spacer. (2) For airplanes identified as Group 2 in the service bulletin: Revise the wire assembly support bracket and clamp installation. Alternative Methods of Compliance (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 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Los Angeles ACO. Special Flight Permits (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. [[Page 63192]] Incorporation by Reference (e) Except as provided by paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A155, dated June 1, 1999. 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 Boeing Commercial Aircraft Group, Long Beach 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 December 27, 1999. Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 10, 1999. D.L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 99-30055 Filed 11-18-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U