Document ID: FAA-2008-0735-0006
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, et al.
Posted Date: 2009-02-24T05:00Z

[Federal Register: February 24, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 35)]
[Rules and Regulations]               
[Page 8152-8155]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr24fe09-5]                         

[[Page 8152]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0735; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-085-AD; 
Amendment 39-15803; AD 2009-03-02]
RIN 2120-AA64

 
Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, DC-
10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, 
DC-10-40F, MD-10-10F, MD-10-30F, MD-11, and MD-11F Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), which applies to certain McDonnell Douglas transport category 
airplanes. That AD currently requires modification of the installation 
wiring for the electric motor-operated auxiliary hydraulic pumps in the 
right wheel well area of the main landing gear; repetitive inspections 
of the numbers 1 and 2 electric motors of the auxiliary hydraulic pumps 
for electrical resistance, continuity, mechanical rotation, and 
associated airplane wiring resistance/voltage; and corrective actions 
if necessary. This new AD also requires, for certain airplanes, 
modifying and rerouting, as applicable, certain components of the 
wiring of the electric motor for the auxiliary hydraulic pump located 
in the right wheel well. This AD results from reports of failure of the 
electric motor for the auxiliary hydraulic pump. We are issuing this AD 
to prevent failure of the electric motors of the hydraulic pump and 
associated wiring, which could result in fire at the auxiliary 
hydraulic pump and consequent damage to the adjacent electrical 
equipment and/or structure.

DATES: This AD becomes effective March 31, 2009.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of March 31, 
2009.
    On April 15, 2004 (69 FR 11504, March 11, 2004), the Director of 
the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain 
service information as listed in the AD.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
3855 Lakewood Boulevard, MC D800-0019, Long Beach, California 90846-
0001; telephone 206-544-5000, extension 2; fax 206-766-5683; e-mail 
dse.boecom@boeing.com; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://
www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The address for the 
Docket Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is the Document Management 
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, 
West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., 
Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ken Sujishi, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin 
Safety/Mechanical and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150L, FAA, Los 
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, 
Lakewood, California 90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5353; fax (562) 
627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to include an AD that supersedes AD 2004-05-20, amendment 
39-13515 (69 FR 11504, March 11, 2004). The existing AD applies to 
certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-
30, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, DC-10-40F, MD-10-10F, MD-
10-30F, MD-11, and MD-11F airplanes. That NPRM was published in the 
Federal Register on July 28, 2008 (73 FR 43643). That NPRM proposed to 
continue to require modification of the installation wiring for the 
electric motor-operated auxiliary hydraulic pumps in the right wheel 
well area of the main landing gear; repetitive inspections of the 
numbers 1 and 2 electric motors of the auxiliary hydraulic pumps for 
electrical resistance, continuity, mechanical rotation, and associated 
airplane wiring resistance/voltage; and corrective actions if 
necessary. That NPRM also proposed to require, for certain airplanes, 
modifying and rerouting, as applicable, certain components of the 
wiring of the electric motor for the auxiliary hydraulic pump located 
in the right wheel well.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. We have considered the comments that have been 
received on the NPRM.

Request To Include Reference to Approved Alternative Methods of 
Compliance (AMOCs)

    Boeing requests that we revise the NPRM to include a reference to 
service information previously approved as AMOCs to AD 2004-05-20. 
Boeing points out that paragraphs (f) and (g)(2) of the NPRM refer to 
the following service bulletins as the sources of service information 
for certain prior/concurrent actions: Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
MD11-29A057, Revision 02, dated April 17, 2003; and Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin MD11-29A059, Revision 2, dated August 1, 2003. Boeing 
states that the following service bulletins have been approved as AMOCs 
to AD 2004-05-20 as follows: Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-29A057, 
Revision 3, dated October 15, 2005; and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
MD11-29A059, Revision 3, dated September 24, 2004, Revision 4, dated 
November 1, 2005, and Revision 5, dated June 27, 2006.
    We agree that these service documents were previously approved as 
AMOCs for AD 2004-05-20. We have added a new paragraph (i)(3) to this 
AD to state that AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2004-
05-20 are approved as AMOCs for the requirements of paragraphs (g)(1) 
and (g)(2) of this AD.

Request To Clarify Differences Between Service Bulletins

    The United States Air Force (USAF) requests that operators in 
compliance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-29A144, Revision 2, 
dated August 1, 2003, not be required to accomplish the re-check 
specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-29A148, dated March 20, 
2008. (Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-29A148 is the appropriate 
source of service information for the new actions required by paragraph 
(h) of this AD; Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-29A144, Revision 2, 
is the appropriate source of service information for the prior/
concurrent actions specified in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.) The USAF 
states that it has completed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-29A144, 
Revision 2, on its fleet of McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-30F (KC-10A 
and KDC-10) airplanes.
    We disagree with the request that operators in compliance with 
Boeing

[[Page 8153]]

Alert Service Bulletin DC10-29A144, Revision 2, not be required to 
accomplish the re-check specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
DC10-29A148. (Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-29A148, requires a re-
check of the re-routing accomplished in accordance with Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin DC10-29A144, Revision 2.) Boeing has notified us that 
it found problems with the actions specified in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin DC10-29A144, Revision 2. Specifically, Boeing found that 
bracket assemblies did not have adequate dimensions and tolerances as 
called out in the installation drawing for this service bulletin. 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-29A148 supersedes Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin DC10-29A144, Revision 2. The work instructions for 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-29A148 specify using new 
installation dimensions and tolerances for the bracket assemblies. 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-29A148 also provides instructions 
for modifying the installation wiring for airplanes that were not 
changed in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-29A144, 
Revision 2. We have not changed the AD in this regard.

Request To Apply AD Only to Certain Airplanes

    KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM) requests that the AD apply only to 
McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-
30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, and DC-10-40F airplanes, because the 
issue applies only to these airplanes. KLM states that this change 
would avoid confusion and redundant (administrative) AD actions for the 
entire fleet of Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes. KLM also points out 
that the new actions apply only to the DC-10 models. KLM requests that: 
(1) AD 2004-05-20 remain valid for all models to prescribe newer 
revisions of existing service information; and (2) a new AD be issued 
only for the DC-10 models to prescribe inspection criteria corrective 
actions in accordance with the new service bulletin (Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin DC10-29A148).
    We partially agree with KLM's request. We agree that no new work 
requirements have been added for Model MD-10-10F, MD-10-30F, MD-11, and 
MD-11F airplanes. We disagree with the request to issue a separate AD 
to cover only Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F 
(KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, and DC-10-40F airplanes. In order to do 
so, we would have to supersede AD 2004-05-20 to remove the DC-10 models 
from the applicability; otherwise that AD would remain in effect for 
those airplanes. We would then have to create a new AD to apply to the 
DC-10 models. Therefore, more redundancy and confusion would be created 
rather than less. We have not changed the AD in this regard.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the 
comments that have been received, and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD with the change described 
previously. We have determined that this change will neither increase 
the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 409 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The following table provides the estimated costs for 
U.S. operators to comply with this AD.

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Average                                      Number of
                                Work      labor                         Cost per        U.S.-
           Action               hours    rate per       Parts           airplane     registered     Fleet cost
                                           hour                                       airplanes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modification (required by AD  9.......        $80  $4,886 to        $5,606 to               322  $1,805,132 to
 2004-05-20).                                       $7,920.          $8,640.                      $2,782,080.
Inspection (required by AD    1.......         80  $0.............  $80, per                322  $25,760, per
 2004-05-20).                                                        inspection                   inspection
                                                                     cycle.                       cycle.
Modification/rerouting (new   2 to 18.         80  $5,380 to        $5,540 to               128  $709,120 to
 action).                                           $5,872.          $7,312.                      $935,936.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866;
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
    (3) 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES 
section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

[[Page 8154]]

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
removing amendment 39-13515 (69 FR 11504, March 11, 2004) and by adding 
the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2009-03-02 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-15803. Docket No. FAA-
2008-0735; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-085-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective March 31, 2009.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2004-05-20.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, DC-10-
10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, 
DC-10-40F, MD-10-10F, MD-10-30F, MD-11, and MD-11F airplanes; 
certificated in any category; as identified in the applicable 
service bulletin listed in Table 1 of this AD.

                 Table 1--Airplanes Affected by This AD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  McDonnell Douglas model--      Identified in--       Referenced in--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-   Boeing Alert Service  Paragraph (f) of
 15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KC-  Bulletin DC10-        this AD.
 10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40,    29A144, Revision 2,
 DC-10-40F, MD-10-10F, and     dated August 1,
 MD-10-30F airplanes.          2003.
MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes..  Boeing Alert Service  Paragraph (g) of
                               Bulletin MD11-        this AD.
                               29A059, Revision 2,
                               dated August 1,
                               2003.
DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-   Boeing Alert Service  Paragraph (h) of
 15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KC-  Bulletin DC10-        this AD.
 10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40,    29A148, dated March
 and DC-10-40F airplanes.      20, 2008.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from reports of failure of the electric 
motor for the auxiliary hydraulic pump. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent failure of the electric motors of the hydraulic pump and 
associated wiring, which could result in fire at the auxiliary 
hydraulic pump and consequent damage to the adjacent electrical 
equipment and/or structure.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Restatement of the Requirements of AD 2004-05-20

Modification/Prior or Concurrent Actions

    (f) For Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F 
(KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, DC-10-40F, MD-10-10F, and MD-10-30F 
airplanes listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-29A144, 
Revision 2, dated August 1, 2003: Within 18 months after April 15, 
2004 (the effective date of AD 2004-05-20), do the actions specified 
in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Modify the installation wiring of the electric motor 
operated auxiliary hydraulic pumps in the right wheel well area of 
the main landing gear (MLG) (including removing existing clamps, 
ground wires, if required, and sleeving from the wire assemblies; 
inspecting for cracks and chafing, installing new support bracket, 
clips, and bracket assemblies, as applicable; installing sleeving; 
re-routing and attaching wire assemblies using new clamps and 
attachments; installing an additional routing clip on the lower 
bracket of the fuel motor control valve, if applicable; and doing a 
voltage check and a functional test), per the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-29A144, Revision 
2, dated August 1, 2003.
    (2) Prior to or concurrently with accomplishment of paragraph 
(f)(1) or (h) of this AD: Do the actions specified in Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin DC10-29A142, Revision 02, dated April 17, 2003; or 
Revision 3, dated October 15, 2005; (including inspecting the 
numbers 1 and 2 electric motors of the auxiliary hydraulic pumps for 
electrical resistance, continuity, mechanical rotation, and 
associated airplane wiring resistance/voltage; and replacing the 
auxiliary hydraulic pump with a serviceable pump and repairing the 
wiring if necessary), per the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin DC10-29A142, Revision 02, dated April 17, 
2003; or Revision 3, dated October 15, 2005. Repeat the actions 
after that at intervals not to exceed 2,500 flight hours. After the 
effective date of this AD, Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-
29A142, Revision 3, dated October 15, 2005, must be used.
    (g) For Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes listed in Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin MD11-29A059, Revision 2, dated August 1, 2003: 
Within 18 months after April 15, 2004, do the actions specified in 
paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Modify the installation wiring of the electric motor 
auxiliary hydraulic pumps in the wheel well area of the right MLG 
(including removing and retaining wire assembly clamps, if 
applicable; retaining the existing ground wire assemblies; retaining 
or replacing all other wire assemblies for both connectors; 
installing spiral wrap and sleeving; wrapping upper ends of 
individual wires with tape; installing new support bracket 
assemblies, if applicable; re-routing and attaching wire assemblies 
using new clamps and attachments, if applicable; and doing a voltage 
check and a functional test), per the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-29A059, Revision 2, dated August 
1, 2003.
    (2) Prior to or concurrently with accomplishment of paragraph 
(g)(1) of this AD: Do the actions specified in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin MD11-29A057, Revision 02, dated April 17, 2003 (including 
inspecting the numbers 1 and 2 electric motors of the auxiliary 
hydraulic pumps for electrical resistance, continuity, mechanical 
rotation, and associated airplane wiring resistance/voltage; and 
replacing the auxiliary hydraulic pump with a serviceable pump and 
repairing the wiring if necessary), per the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-29A057, Revision 
02, dated April 17, 2003. Repeat the actions after that at intervals 
not to exceed 2,500 flight hours.

New Requirements of This AD

Modification and Rerouting

    (h) For Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F 
(KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, and DC-10-40F airplanes identified in 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-29A148, dated March 20, 2008: 
Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, modify and 
reroute, as applicable, components of the wiring of the electric 
motor for the auxiliary hydraulic pump located in the right wheel 
well, and do all applicable investigative and corrective actions 
before further flight. Do all actions in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-
29A148, dated March 20, 2008. The concurrent requirements, including 
the repetitive inspections, of paragraph (f)(2) of this AD continue 
to apply to these airplanes.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (i)(1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), FAA, ATTN: Ken Sujishi, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety/
Mechanical and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150L, FAA, Los 
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, 
Lakewood, California 90712-

[[Page 8155]]

4137; telephone (562) 627-5353; fax (562) 627-5210; has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
    (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different 
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. 
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC 
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA 
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local 
FSDO.
    (3) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2004-05-20 
are approved as AMOCs for the requirements of paragraphs (g)(1) and 
(g)(2) of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (j) You must use the service information listed in Table 2 of 
this AD to perform the actions that are required by this AD, as 
applicable, unless the AD specifies otherwise.

                                 Table 2--All Material Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Service Bulletin                        Revision level                            Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-     Revision 02........................  April 17, 2003.
 29A142.
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-     Revision 3.........................  October 15, 2005.
 29A142.
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-     Revision 2.........................  August 1, 2003.
 29A144.
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-     Original...........................  March 20, 2008.
 29A148.
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-     Revision 02........................  April 17, 2003.
 29A057.
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-     Revision 2.........................  August 1, 2003.
 29A059 including Appendix.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-
29A142, Revision 3, dated October 15, 2005; and Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin DC10-29A148, dated March 20, 2008; in accordance with 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) On April 15, 2004 (69 FR 11504, March 11, 2004), the 
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of the service information listed in Table 3 of this AD.

                             Table 3--Material Previously Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Service Bulletin                        Revision level                            Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-     Revision 02........................  April 17, 2003.
 29A142.
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-     Revision 2.........................  August 1, 2003.
 29A144.
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-     Revision 02........................  April 17, 2003.
 29A057.
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-     Revision 2.........................  August 1, 2003.
 29A059 including Appendix.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
3855 Lakewood Boulevard, MC D800-0019, Long Beach, California 90846-
0001; telephone 206-544-5000, extension 2; fax 206-766-5683; e-mail 
dse.boecom@boeing.com; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (4) You may review copies of the service information that is 
incorporated by reference at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
425-227-1221 or 425-227-1152.
    (5) You may also review copies of the service information at the 
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information 
on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or 
go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_
regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 21, 2009.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E9-3123 Filed 2-23-09; 8:45 am]

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