[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 244 (Wednesday, December 20, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 65523-65526]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-30962]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-NM-245-AD; Amendment 39-9464; AD 95-26-06]


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series 
airplanes. This AD requires either that the control circuit breaker of 
the left fuel pump valve be opened and collared, or that the Airplane 
Flight Manual (AFM) be revised to prohibit autoland operation 

[[Page 65524]]
below 100 feet above ground level (AGL). Additionally, this action 
requires an inspection of the fuel system control panel (FSCP) to 
detect any mis-wiring, and modification or replacement of the FSCP. 
This AD also provides for an optional terminating modification for the 
requirements of the AD. This amendment is prompted by a report of 
improper wiring of the FSCP during production of these airplanes. The 
actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent degradation of the 
automatic landing system during flight due to improper wiring of the 
FSCP.

DATES: Effective January 4, 1996.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of January 4, 1996.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before February 20, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 95-NM-245-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
McDonnell Douglas Corporation, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, 
California 90846, Attention: Technical Publications Business 
Administration, Department 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, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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: Raymond Vakili, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712; telephone 
(310) 627-5262; fax (310) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has received a report from McDonnell 
Douglas indicating that improper wiring of the fuel system control 
panel (FSCP) on Model MD-11 airplanes was detected during functional 
checks performed during production. Investigation revealed that the 
direct current (DC) electrical busses, numbers 1 and 3, had been tied 
together; this could lead to a single short of one bus, which could 
adversely affect the operation of the remaining bus. This condition, if 
not corrected, could result in degradation of the automatic landing 
system during flight.
    The FAA has reviewed and approved McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin MD11-28A081, dated November 30, 1995, which describes 
procedures to open and collar the control circuit breaker, B1-458, of 
the left fuel dump valve. This will reduce the redundancy of the fuel 
dump system and the fuel dump rate so that autoland (dual land) 
operations can be maintained. This alert service bulletin also provides 
procedures for a conducting a one-time visual inspection of the FSCP to 
detect any mis-wiring, and various necessary follow-on actions, 
depending upon the result of the inspection. Necessary follow-on 
actions include re-identification, modification, or replacement of the 
FSCP, if necessary. (The McDonnell Douglas alert service bulletin 
references Honeywell Service Bulletin 4059024-28-2, dated November 22, 
1995, as an additional source of service information for inspection, 
re-identification, and modification of the FSCP.)
    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series 
airplanes of the same type design, this AD is being issued to prevent 
degradation of the automatic landing system during flight due to 
improper wiring of the FSCP. This AD first requires either (1) That the 
control circuit breaker of the left fuel pump valve be opened and 
collared, in accordance with the McDonnell Douglas alert service 
bulletin described previously; or (2) that the FAA-approved Airplane 
Flight Manual (AFM) be revised to prohibit autoland operation below 100 
feet above ground level (AGL).
    Second, this AD also requires a one-time visual inspection of the 
FSCP to detect any mis-wiring, and re-identification, modification, or 
replacement of the FSCP, if necessary. These actions are required to be 
accomplished in accordance with the McDonnell Douglas alert service 
bulletin described previously. Additionally, operators must submit a 
report of the results of the inspection to the FAA.
    This AD also provides for an optional terminating action for the 
requirements of the AD, which consists of replacing the FSCP with a 
modified unit.
    This is considered to be interim action. The FAA may consider 
further rulemaking action to require the 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 a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

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 95-NM-245-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.
    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 

[[Page 65525]]
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 USC 106(g), 40101, 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

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

95-26-06  McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-9464. Docket 95-NM-245-AD.

    Applicability: Model MD-11 series airplanes, manufacturer's 
fuselage numbers 0447 through 0593 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 use the authority 
provided in paragraph (e) of this AD to request approval from the 
FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current 
configuration eliminates the unsafe condition; or different actions 
necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such 
a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed 
configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no 
case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair 
remove any airplane from the applicability of this AD.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent degradation of the automatic landing system during 
flight due to improper wiring of the fuel system control panel 
(FSCP), accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 15 days after the effective date of this AD, 
accomplish the requirements of either paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of 
this AD.
    (1) Revise the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved Airplane 
Flight Manual (AFM), page 5-4, Flight Guidance, Automatic Landing 
Section, to include the following statement. This may be 
accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM.
    ``Autoland operation below 100 feet above ground level (AGL) is 
prohibited. The autopilot must be disconnected prior to descent 
below 100 feet AGL.''
    (2) Open and collar the control circuit breaker, B1-458, of the 
left fuel dump valve, in accordance with Phase 1 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin 
MD11-28A081, dated November 30, 1995.

    Note 2: McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-28A081, 
dated November 30, 1995, references Honeywell Service Bulletin 
4059024-28-2, dated November 22, 1995, for specific service 
instructions.

    (b) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, perform 
a visual inspection to determine if the wiring is mis-wired in the 
fuel system control panel (FSCP), part number 4059024-901, in 
accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-
28A081, dated November 30, 1995.
    (1) If the FSCP wiring is not mis-wired (the measured resistance 
between connector pins J1-T and J3-K is more than 100 ohms), 
accomplish the requirements of either paragraph (b)(1)(i) or 
(b)(1)(ii) of this AD:
    (i) Continue to operate the airplane provided that the actions 
specified in either paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) have been 
accomplished; or
    (ii) Prior to further flight, re-identify the FSCP, part number 
4059024-901, to incorporate modification letter ``A'' in the FSCP 
identification plate, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service 
Bulletin MD11-28A081, dated November 30, 1995. This re-
identification constitutes terminating action for the requirements 
of this AD. [The AFM revision as specified in paragraph (a)(1) of 
this AD, if previously accomplished, may be removed following this 
re-identification action.]
    (2) If the FSCP wiring is mis-wired (the measured resistance 
between connectors J1-T and J3-K is less than 100 ohms), accomplish 
the requirements of either paragraph (b)(2)(i) or (b)(2)(ii) of this 
AD.
    (i) Continue to operate the airplane provided that the actions 
specified in either paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) have been 
accomplished; or
    (ii) Prior to further flight, either modify the FSCP, part 
number 4059024-901; or replace the FSCP, part number 4059024-901, 
with an FSCP having part number 4059024-901 and modification letter 
``A'' in the FSCP identification plate; in accordance with McDonnell 
Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-28A081, dated November 30, 1995. This 
modification or replacement constitutes terminating action for the 
requirements of this AD. [The AFM revision as specified in paragraph 
(a)(1) of this AD, if accomplished previously, may be removed 
following this modification/replacement.]
    (c) Within 10 days after accomplishing the visual inspection 
required by paragraph (b) of this AD, submit a report of the 
inspection results (both positive and negative findings) to the 
Manager, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Los Angeles Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 3690 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, 
California 90712; telephone (310) 627-5262; fax (310) 627-5210, 
Attention: Ray Vakili, ANM-140L. 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) Installation of an FSCP having part number 4059024-901 and 
modification letter ``A'' in the FSCP identification plate, in 
accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-28A081, 
dated November 30, 1995, constitutes terminating action for the 
requirements of this AD.
    (e) 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, 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.

    (f) 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.
    (g) The actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell 
Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-28A081, dated November 30, 1995. 
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 McDonnel Douglas Corporation, 3855 
Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846. Attention: 
Technical Publications Business Administration, Department C1-L51 
(2-60). Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the 
FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California; or at 
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., 
suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (h) This amendment becomes effective on January 4, 1996.


[[Page 65526]]

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 13, 1995.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 95-30962 Filed 12-19-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U