This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER

contains notices to the public of the proposed

issuance of rules and regulations. The

purpose of these notices is to give interested

persons an opportunity to participate in the

rule making prior to the adoption of the final

rules.

Proposed Rules Federal Register

71074

Vol. 65, No. 230

Wednesday, November 29, 2000

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000–NM–149–AD]

RIN 2120–AA64

Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell

Douglas Model DC–10 and MD–10

Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation

Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking

(NPRM).

SUMMARY: This document proposes the

adoption of a new airworthiness

directive (AD) that is applicable to

certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC–

10 and MD–10 series airplanes. This

proposal would require an inspection of

the one phase remote control circuit

breakers (RCCB) in the main avionics

compartment and center accessory

compartment to determine their part

numbers and serial numbers, and

replacement of RCCB’s with certain

RCCB’s, if necessary. This action is

necessary to ensure that defective braze

joints of certain latch assemblies of the

RCCB are not installed on the airplane.

Defective braze joints could fail and

prevent the RCCB from tripping during

an overload condition, which could

result in a fire and smoke in certain wire

bundles that are routed to and from the

main avionics compartment or center

accessory compartment. This action is

intended to address the identified

unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by

January 16, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in

triplicate to the Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA), Transport

Airplane Directorate, ANM–114,

Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000–NM–

149–AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,

Renton, Washington 98055–4056.

Comments may be inspected at this

location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00

p.m., Monday through Friday, except

Federal holidays. Comments may be

submitted via fax to (425) 227–1232.

Comments may also be sent via the

Internet using the following address: 9–

anm–nprmcomment@faa.gov.

Comments sent via fax or the Internet

must contain ‘‘Docket No. 2000–NM–

149–AD’’ in the subject line and need

not be submitted in triplicate.

Comments sent via the Internet as

attached electronic files must be

formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for

Windows or ASCII text.

The service information referenced in

the proposed rule 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). This information

may be examined at the FAA, Transport

Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind

Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at

the FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft

Certification Office, 3960 Paramount

Boulevard, Lakewood, California.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Natalie Phan-Tran, Aerospace Engineer,

Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM–

130L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft

Certification Office, 3960 Paramount

Boulevard, Lakewood, California

90712–4137; telephone (562) 627–5343;

fax (562) 627–5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

Interested persons are invited to

participate in the making of the

proposed rule by submitting such

written data, views, or arguments as

they may desire. Communications shall

identify the Rules Docket number and

be submitted in triplicate to the address

specified above. All communications

received on or before the closing date

for comments, specified above, will be

considered before taking action on the

proposed rule. The proposals contained

in this notice may be changed in light

of the comments received.

Submit comments using the following

format:

• Organize comments issue-by-issue.

For example, discuss a request to

change the compliance time and a

request to change the service bulletin

reference as two separate issues.

• For each issue, state what specific

change to the proposed AD is being

requested.

• Include justification (e.g., reasons or

data) for each request.

Comments are specifically invited on

the overall regulatory, economic,

environmental, and energy aspects of

the proposed rule. All comments

submitted will be available, both before

and after the closing date for comments,

in the Rules Docket for examination by

interested persons. A report

summarizing each FAA-public contact

concerned with the substance of this

proposal will be filed in the Rules

Docket.

Commenters wishing the FAA to

acknowledge receipt of their comments

submitted in response to this notice

must submit a self-addressed, stamped

postcard on which the following

statement is made: ‘‘Comments to

Docket Number 2000–NM–149–AD.’’

The postcard will be date stamped and

returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

Any person may obtain a copy of this

NPRM by submitting a request to the

FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,

ANM–114, Attention: Rules Docket No.

2000–NM–149–AD, 1601 Lind Avenue,

SW., Renton, Washington 98055–4056.

Discussion

As part of its practice of re-examining

all aspects of the service experience of

a particular aircraft whenever an

accident occurs, the FAA has been

informed by the airplane manufacturer

that certain latch assemblies of the one

phase remote control circuit breakers

(RCCB) were manufactured with

defective braze joints. These defective

braze joints are installed on certain

McDonnell Douglas Model DC–10 and

MD–10 series airplanes. The defective

braze joints that are located between the

bimetal assembly and the latch are

limited to two lots with specific part

numbers and serial numbers. Defective

braze joints could fail and prevent the

RCCB from tripping during an overload

condition, which could result in a fire

and smoke in certain wire bundles that

are routed to and from the main

avionics compartment or center

accessory compartment.

Other Related Rulemaking

The FAA, in conjunction with Boeing

and operators of Model DC–10 and MD–

10 series airplanes, is continuing to

review all aspects of the service history

of those airplanes to identify potential

Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 230 / Wednesday, November 29, 2000 / Proposed Rules 71075

unsafe conditions and to take

appropriate corrective actions. This

proposed AD is one of a series of actions

identified during that process. The

process is continuing and the FAA may

consider additional rulemaking actions

as further results of the review become

available.

Explanation of Relevant Service

Information

The FAA has reviewed and approved

Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10–

24A164, dated June 22, 2000. The

service bulletin describes procedures for

a one-time general visual inspection of

the one phase RCCB’s in the main

avionics compartment and center

accessory compartment to determine

their part numbers and serial numbers,

and replacement of the RCCB’s with

RCCB’s having the same part number

with a certain serial number, if

necessary. Accomplishment of the

actions specified in the service bulletin

is intended to adequately address the

identified unsafe condition.

Explanation of Requirements of

Proposed Rule

Since an unsafe condition has been

identified that is likely to exist or

develop on other products of this same

type design, the proposed AD would

require accomplishment of the actions

specified in the service bulletin

described previously.

Cost Impact

There are approximately 446 Model

DC–10 and MD–10 series airplanes of

the affected design in the worldwide

fleet. The FAA estimates that 312

airplanes of U.S. registry would be

affected by this proposed AD, that it

would take approximately 6 work hours

per airplane to accomplish the proposed

inspection, and that the average labor

rate is $60 per work hour. Based on

these figures, the cost impact of the

inspection proposed by this AD on U.S.

operators is estimated to be $112,320, or

$360 per airplane.

The cost impact figure discussed

above is based on assumptions that no

operator has yet accomplished any of

the proposed requirements of this AD

action, and that no operator would

accomplish those actions in the future if

this proposed AD were not adopted. The

cost impact figures discussed in AD

rulemaking actions represent only the

time necessary to perform the specific

actions actually required by the AD.

These figures typically do not include

incidental costs, such as the time

required to gain access and close up,

planning time, or time necessitated by

other administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact

The regulations proposed herein

would not have a substantial direct

effect on the States, on the relationship

between the national Government and

the States, or on the distribution of

power and responsibilities among the

various levels of government. Therefore,

it is determined that this proposal

would not have federalism implications

under Executive Order 13132.

For the reasons discussed above, I

certify that this proposed regulation (1)

is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’

under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not

a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the DOT

Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44

FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) if

promulgated, will not have a significant

economic impact, positive or negative,

on a substantial number of small entities

under the criteria of the Regulatory

Flexibility Act. A copy of the draft

regulatory evaluation prepared for this

action is contained in the Rules Docket.

A copy of it may be obtained by

contacting the Rules Docket at the

location provided under the caption

ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation

safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

Accordingly, pursuant to the

authority delegated to me by the

Administrator, the Federal Aviation

Administration proposes to amend part

39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations

(14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS

DIRECTIVES

1. The authority citation for part 39

continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

§ 39.13 [Amended]

2. Section 39.13 is amended by

adding the following new airworthiness

directive:

McDonnell Douglas: Docket 2000–NM–149–

AD.

Applicability: Model DC–10 and MD–10

series airplanes, as listed in Boeing Alert

Service Bulletin DC10–24A164, dated June

22, 2000; 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 (b) 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.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless

accomplished previously.

To prevent fire and smoke in certain wire

bundles that are routed to and from the main

avionics compartment or center accessory

compartment, accomplish the following:

Inspection and Replacement, If Necessary

(a) Within 6 months after the effective date

of this AD, perform a one-time general visual

inspection of the one phase remote control

circuit breakers (RCCB) in the main avionics

compartment and center accessory

compartment to determine the part numbers

and serial numbers (identified in Table 2 of

the Accomplishment Instructions of the

service bulletin), in accordance with Boeing

Alert Service Bulletin DC10–24A164, dated

June 22, 2000.

Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a

general visual inspection is defined as ‘‘A

visual examination of an interior or exterior

area, installation, or assembly to detect

obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This

level of inspection is made under normally

available lighting conditions such as

daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight, and may require removal or opening of

access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or

platforms may be required to gain proximity

to the area being checked.’’

(1) If any RCCB has a part number listed

in Table 2 of the Accomplishment

Instructions of the service bulletin and the

corresponding serial number is NOT

identified in that table, no further action is

required by this AD.

(2) If any RCCB has a part number listed

in Table 2 of the Accomplishment

Instructions of the service bulletin and the

corresponding serial number is identified in

that table, before further flight, replace the

RCCB with a RCCB having the same part

number with a serial number that is NOT

identified in Table 2, in accordance with the

service bulletin.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

(b) 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. 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 Permit

(c) Special flight permits may be issued in

accordance with §§ 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.

71076 Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 230 / Wednesday, November 29, 2000 / Proposed Rules

Issued in Renton, Washington, on

November 22, 2000.

Donald L. Riggin,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane

Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 00–30445 Filed 11–28–00; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910–13–P

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000–NM–148–AD]

RIN 2120–AA64

Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell

Douglas Model DC–10 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation

Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking

(NPRM).

SUMMARY: This document proposes the

adoption of a new airworthiness

directive (AD) that is applicable to

certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC–

10 series airplanes. This proposal would

require a general visual inspection to

detect chafing or damage of the feeder

cables of the external ground power in

the forward cargo compartment between

certain fuselage stations; and repair, if

necessary. This proposal also would

require installation of spiral wrap on the

feeder cables of the external ground

power. This action is necessary to

prevent chafing of the feeder cables

during removal of the sump panels of

the cargo floor, which could result in

electrical arcing and damage to adjacent

structure, and consequent smoke and/or

fire in the forward cargo compartment.

This action is intended to address the

identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by

January 16, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in

triplicate to the Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA), Transport

Airplane Directorate, ANM–114,

Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000–NM–

148–AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,

Renton, Washington 98055–4056.

Comments may be inspected at this

location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.,

Monday through Friday, except Federal

holidays. Comments may be submitted

via fax to (425) 227–1232. Comments

may also be sent via the Internet using

the following address: 9-anmnprmcomment@faa.gov. Comments sent

via fax or the Internet must contain

‘‘Docket No. 2000–NM–148–AD’’ in the

subject line and need not be submitted

in triplicate. Comments sent via the

Internet as attached electronic files must

be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for

Windows or ASCII text.

The service information referenced in

the proposed rule 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). This information

may be examined at the FAA, Transport

Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind

Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at

the FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft

Certification Office, 3960 Paramount

Boulevard, Lakewood, California.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Natalie Phan-Tran, Aerospace Engineer,

Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM–

130L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft

Certification Office, 3960 Paramount

Boulevard, Lakewood, California

90712–4137; telephone (562) 627–5343;

fax (562) 627–5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

Interested persons are invited to

participate in the making of the

proposed rule by submitting such

written data, views, or arguments as

they may desire. Communications shall

identify the Rules Docket number and

be submitted in triplicate to the address

specified above. All communications

received on or before the closing date

for comments, specified above, will be

considered before taking action on the

proposed rule. The proposals contained

in this notice may be changed in light

of the comments received.

Submit comments using the following

format:

• Organize comments issue-by-issue.

For example, discuss a request to

change the compliance time and a

request to change the service bulletin

reference as two separate issues.

• For each issue, state what specific

change to the proposed AD is being

requested.

• Include justification (e.g., reasons or

data) for each request.

Comments are specifically invited on

the overall regulatory, economic,

environmental, and energy aspects of

the proposed rule. All comments

submitted will be available, both before

and after the closing date for comments,

in the Rules Docket for examination by

interested persons. A report

summarizing each FAA-public contact

concerned with the substance of this

proposal will be filed in the Rules

Docket.

Commenters wishing the FAA to

acknowledge receipt of their comments

submitted in response to this notice

must submit a self-addressed, stamped

postcard on which the following

statement is made: ‘‘Comments to

Docket Number 2000–NM–148–AD.’’

The postcard will be date stamped and

returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

Any person may obtain a copy of this

NPRM by submitting a request to the

FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,

ANM–114, Attention: Rules Docket No.

2000–NM–148–AD, 1601 Lind Avenue,

SW., Renton, Washington 98055–4056.

Discussion

As part of its practice of re-examining

all aspects of the service experience of

a particular aircraft whenever an

accident occurs, the FAA has become

aware that the feeder cable of the

external ground power failed on

McDonnell Douglas Model DC–10 series

airplanes. The cause of this failure is

attributed to cables being chafed during

prior removal of the sump panels of the

cargo floor, which resulted in electrical

arcing and damage to adjacent structure.

These conditions, if not corrected, could

result in smoke and/or fire in the

forward cargo compartment.

Other Related Rulemaking

The FAA, in conjunction with Boeing

and operators of Model DC–10 series

airplanes, is continuing to review all

aspects of the service history of those

airplanes to identify potential unsafe

conditions and to take appropriate

corrective actions. This proposed AD is

one of a series of actions identified

during that process. The process is

continuing and the FAA may consider

additional rulemaking actions as further

results of the review become available.

Explanation of Relevant Service

Information

The FAA has reviewed and approved

McDonnell Douglas Alert Service

Bulletin DC10–24A147, Revision 02,

dated March 6, 2000. The service

bulletin describes procedures for a

general visual inspection to detect

chafing or damage of the feeder cables

of the external ground power in the

forward cargo compartment between

fuselage stations Y=879.000 and

Y=1019.000 left of centerline; and

repair, if necessary. The service bulletin

also describes procedures for

installation of spiral wrap on the feeder

cables of the external ground power.

Accomplishment of the actions

specified in the service bulletin is

intended to adequately address the

identified unsafe condition.