[Federal Register: March 3, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 42)]

[Rules and Regulations]

[Page 9934-9935]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr03mr04-7]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-NM-07-AD; Amendment 39-13500; AD 2004-05-06]

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, and MD-10-30F
Airplanes; and Model MD-11 and MD-11F Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable 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, and MD-10-30F airplanes; and Model MD-11 and
MD-11F airplanes. This amendment requires replacement of the left and right number one passenger
door bolted lower seal-to-retainer and girt bar view window assemblies with new, double-flush
riveted assemblies. This action is necessary to prevent the number one passenger door slide from
inflating before it has cleared the slide cover, which could result in the slide being unusable during an
emergency evacuation and consequent injury to passengers or airplane crewmembers. This action is
intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective April 7, 2004.

The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the
Director of the Federal Register as of April 7, 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.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ken Sujishi, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and
Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount
Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5353; 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 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, and MD-10-30F airplanes; and Model MD-11 and
MD-11F airplanes was published in the Federal Register on September 18, 2003 (68 FR 54682). That
action proposed to require replacement of the left and right number one passenger door bolted lower
seal-to-retainer and girt bar view window assemblies with new, double-flush riveted assemblies.

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

There are approximately 350 Model DC-10 airplanes, and approximately 195 Model MD-11 and
-11F airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 263 Model DC-
10 airplanes and 81 Model MD-11 and -11F airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by this AD.

The following table shows the estimated cost impact for airplanes affected by this AD:

TABLE—COST IMPACT—ESTIMATED
Model Work hours Labor cost Parts cost per Maximum
per airplane airplane fleet cost
DC–10 and MD–10 airplane 2 $130 $6,024 $1,618,502
MD–11 and –11F airplanes 1 65 6,024 493,209

The cost impact figures discussed above are 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.

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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.

§ 39.13 [Amended]

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

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AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

Aircraft Certification Service U.S. Department

Washington, DC of Transportation
Federal Aviation
Administration
We post ADs on the internet at "www.faa.gov"
The following Airworthiness Directive issued by the Federal Aviation Administration in accordance with the provisions of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 39,
applies to an aircraft model of which our records indicate you may be the registered owner. Airworthiness Directives affect aviation safety and are regulations which require immediate
attention. You are cautioned that no person may operate an aircraft to which an Airworthiness Directive applies, except in accordance with the requirements of the Airworthiness
Directive (reference 14 CFR part 39, subpart 39.3).

2004-05-06 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-13500. Docket 2003-NM-07-AD.

Applicability: 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, as listed in Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin DC10-25A378, dated November 27, 2002; and Model MD-11 and MD-11F
airplanes, as listed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-25A262, Revision 01, dated February 11,
2003; certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent the number one passenger door slide from inflating before it has cleared the slide
cover, which could result in the slide being unusable during an emergency evacuation and consequent
injury to passengers or airplane crewmembers, accomplish the following:

Replacement

(a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the left and right number one
passenger door bolted lower seal-to-retainer and girt bar view window assemblies with the new,
double-flush riveted assemblies, per the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin DC10-25A378, dated November 27, 2002 (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), or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-25A262, Revision 01, dated February 11,
2003 (for Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes); as applicable.

Replacements Accomplished Per Previous Issue of Service Bulletin

(b) Replacements accomplished before the effective date of this AD per Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin MD11-25A262, dated November 27, 2002, are considered acceptable for compliance with
the corresponding action specified in this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

(c) 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.

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Incorporation by Reference

(d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-25A378,
dated November 27, 2002; or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-25A262, Revision 01, dated
February 11, 2003; as applicable. 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

(e) This amendment becomes effective on April 7, 2004.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 20, 2004.

Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 04-4563 Filed 3-2-04; 8:45 am]
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