Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-15 Airplane

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to a certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-15 airplane, that requires an inspection to detect chafing or overheat damage of the electrical wires located at fuselage station Y=110.000 bulkhead of the lower nose left tunnel; and corrective actions, if necessary. This amendment also requires replacing the external power ground stud with a new ground stud using new attaching parts, torquing new attachments, and installing a nameplate. This action is necessary to prevent loose external power ground wires, which could cause arcing and overheated wire insulation and consequent smoke/fire in the cockpit. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES:

Effective May 5, 2004.

The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of May 5, 2004.

ADDRESSES:

The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Long Beach Division, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Data and Service Management, Dept. C1-L5A (D800-0024). This information may be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, 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:

Elvin Wheeler, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5344; fax (562) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to a certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-15 airplane was published in the Federal Register on October 2, 2003 (68 FR 56794). That action proposed to require an inspection to detect chafing or overheat damage of the electrical wires located at fuselage station Y=110.000 bulkhead of the lower nose left tunnel; and corrective actions, if necessary. That action also proposed to require replacing the external power ground stud with a new ground stud using new attaching parts, torquing new attachments, and installing a nameplate.

Comments

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

The FAA estimates that 1 Model DC-9-15 airplane, having fuselage number 0097, of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 2 work hours to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $35. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on the U.S. operator is estimated to be $165.

The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the future if this 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 adopted herein 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. Therefore, it is determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it 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.

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

2004-07-08 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-13552. Docket 2003-NM-31-AD.

Applicability: Model DC-9-15 airplane, fuselage number 0097; certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent loose external power ground wires, which could cause arcing and overheated wire insulation and consequent smoke/fire in the cockpit, accomplish the following:

Inspection

(a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, do a general visual inspection to detect chafing or overheat damage of the electrical wires located at fuselage station Y=110.000 bulkhead of the lower nose left tunnel, per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC9-24A135, Revision 02, dated January 7, 2003.

Note 1:

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 drop-light, 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.”

Condition 1 (No Chafing or Damage)

(b) If no chafing or overheat damage is detected during the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), and (b)(3) of this AD per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC9-24A135, Revision 02, dated January 7, 2003.

(1) Replace the external power ground stud with a new ground stud using new attaching parts.

(2) Torque the new attachments.

(3) Install nameplate (includes applying silicone primer and adhesive/sealant).

Condition 2 (Chafing or Damage Within Limits)

(c) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, any chafing or damage is detected within the limits referenced in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC9-24A135, Revision 02, dated January 7, 2003, before further flight, repair damage; perform a continuity test to check the integrity of the wiring, and repair as applicable; and do the actions required by paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), and (b)(3) of this AD; per the alert service bulletin.

Condition 3 (Chafing or Damage Beyond Limits)

(d) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, any chafing or damage is detected beyond the limits referenced in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC9-24A135, Revision 02, dated January 7, 2003, before further flight, replace any damaged wire with a new wire; perform a continuity test to check the integrity of the wiring, and repair as applicable; and do the actions required by paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), and (b)(3) of this AD; per the alert service bulletin.

Accomplishment of the Actions

(e) Accomplishment of the actions specified in AD 2001-24-19, amendment 39-12536, is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

(f) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.

Incorporation by Reference

(g) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC9-24A135, Revision 02, excluding Appendix, dated January 7, 2003. 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 Airplanes, Long Beach Division, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Data and Service Management, Dept. C1-L5A (D800-0024). 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, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

Effective Date

(h) This amendment becomes effective on May 5, 2004.