[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 78 (Thursday, April 23, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 20066-20068]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-10774]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-126-AD; Amendment 39-10491; AD 98-08-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and MD-
11F Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment 
adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 98-08-11 that was sent previously 
to all known U.S. owners and operators of certain McDonnell Douglas 
Model MD-11 and MD-11F series airplanes by individual notices. This AD 
requires opening the circuit breaker of the pneumatic sense line heater 
tape, installing an inoperative ring, and coiling and stowing the 
electrical wire to the circuit breaker of the pneumatic sense line 
heater tape. This AD also provides for an optional inspection, which, 
if accomplished, constitutes terminating action for deactivation of the 
pneumatic sense line heater tape. This action is prompted by a report 
indicating that, while an airplane was on the ground, fuel was found 
leaking from the fuel feed pipe of the number 2 engine due to 
inadequate clearance between the fuel feed pipe and the pneumatic sense 
line heater tape. The actions specified by this AD are intended to 
detect and correct such inadequate clearance, which could result in a 
hole in the fuel feed pipe caused by electrical arcing, and consequent 
fuel leakage and possible ignition of the fuel vapors.

DATES: Effective April 28, 1998, to all persons except those persons to 
whom it was made immediately effective by emergency AD 98-08-11, issued 
on April 6, 1998, which contained the requirements of this amendment.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of April 28, 1998.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before June 22, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-NM-126-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
    The applicable service information 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). This information may be examined 
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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Roscoe Van Dyke, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712; telephone 
(562) 627-5254; fax (562) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On April 6, 1998, the FAA issued emergency 
AD 98-08-11, which is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-
11 and MD-11F series airplanes. That action was prompted by a report 
indicating that, while a McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplane 
was on the ground, fuel was found leaking from the fuel feed pipe of 
the number 2 engine. Investigation revealed that electrical arcing 
between a pneumatic sense line heater tape and the fuel feed pipe of 
the number 2 engine caused a hole in the pipe. As a result of this 
finding, the operator inspected five additional airplanes, of which one 
airplane was found to have inadequate clearance between the fuel feed 
pipe and the pneumatic sense line heater tape. No evidence of arcing or 
chafing was detected. Such inadequate clearance, if not corrected, 
could result in a hole in the fuel feed pipe caused by electrical 
arcing, and consequent fuel leakage and possible ignition of the fuel 
vapors.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin MD11-36A030, dated April 2, 1998. The alert service bulletin 
describes procedures for opening the circuit breaker of the pneumatic 
sense line heater tape, installing an inoperative ring, and coiling and 
stowing the electrical wire to the circuit breaker of the pneumatic 
sense line heater tape. (Accomplishment of the above actions 
deactivates the pneumatic sense line heater tape.) The alert service 
bulletin also describes procedures for performing an inspection to 
determine if adequate clearance exists between the fuel feed pipe and 
pneumatic sense lines, and repositioning of the pneumatic sense lines, 
if necessary. Accomplishment of this inspection eliminates the need for 
deactivation of the pneumatic sense line heater tape. Accomplishment of 
the actions specified in the alert service bulletin is intended to 
adequately address the identified unsafe condition.

Explanation of Requirements of the Rule

    Since the unsafe condition described is likely to exist or develop 
on other airplanes of the same type design, the FAA issued emergency AD 
98-08-11 to detect and correct inadequate clearance between the fuel 
feed pipe and the pneumatic sense line heater tape, which could result 
in a hole in the fuel feed pipe caused by electrical arcing, and 
consequent fuel leakage and possible ignition of the fuel vapors. The 
AD requires opening the circuit breaker of the pneumatic sense line 
heater tape, installing an inoperative ring, and coiling and stowing 
the electrical wire to the circuit breaker of the pneumatic sense line 
heater tape. This AD also provides for an optional inspection to 
determine if adequate clearance exists between the fuel feed pipe and 
pneumatic sense lines, and repositioning of the pneumatic sense lines, 
if necessary; which, if accomplished, constitutes terminating action 
for deactivation of the pneumatic sense line heater tape. The actions 
are

[[Page 20067]]

required to be accomplished in accordance with the alert service 
bulletin previously described.
    The FAA is considering further rulemaking action to supersede this 
AD to require accomplishment of the optional terminating action 
currently specified in this AD. However, the proposed compliance time 
for accomplishment of that action is sufficiently long so that prior 
notice and time for public comment will be practicable.
    Since it was found that immediate corrective action was required, 
notice and opportunity for prior public comment thereon were 
impracticable and contrary to the public interest, and good cause 
existed to make the AD effective immediately by individual notices 
issued on April 6, 1998, to all known U.S. owners and operators of 
certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and MD-11F series airplanes. 
These conditions still exist, and the AD is hereby published in the 
Federal Register as an amendment to section 39.13 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.13) to make it effective to all 
persons.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this 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 under the caption ADDRESSES. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will 
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments 
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and 
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the 
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be 
needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the 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 that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 98-NM-126-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory 
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further 
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory 
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is 
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be 
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final 
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. 
A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the 
location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 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.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

98-08-11  McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-10491. Docket 98-NM-126-
AD.

    Applicability: Model MD-11 and MD-11F series airplanes, having 
manufacturer's fuselage numbers 0447 through 0552 inclusive, and 
0554 through 0620 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.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent a hole in the fuel feed pipe of the number 2 engine 
caused by electrical arcing, and consequent fuel leakage and 
possible ignition of the fuel vapors, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 7 days after the effective date of this AD, open the 
circuit breaker of the pneumatic sense line heater tape, install an 
inoperative ring, and coil and stow the electrical wire to the 
circuit breaker of the pneumatic sense line heater tape, in 
accordance with Phase 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-36A030, dated April 2, 
1998. Accomplishment of these actions deactivates the pneumatic 
sense line heater tape.

    Note 2: The pneumatic sense line heater tape of the number 2 
engine has been deactivated. This deactivation may cause a nuisance 
shutdown of the bleed air system of the number 2 engine at top of 
descent.

    (b) Accomplishment of the inspection to determine if adequate 
clearance exists between the fuel feed pipe and pneumatic sense 
lines, and repositioning of pneumatic sense lines, if necessary, in 
accordance with Phase 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-36A030, dated April 2, 
1998; constitutes terminating action for the deactivation of the 
pneumatic sense line heater tape.
    (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

[[Page 20068]]

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) The actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell 
Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-36A030, dated April 2, 1998. 
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 April 28, 1998, to all 
persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately 
effective by emergency AD 98-08-11, issued on April 6, 1998, which 
contained the requirements of this amendment.
    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 16, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-10774 Filed 4-22-98; 8:45 am]
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