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, 17618-17620 [05-6910]

Download as PDF 17618 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 66 / Thursday, April 7, 2005 / Proposed Rules Subpart B—Business and Industry Loans DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 2. Section 4279.149 is revised to read as follows: [Docket No. FAA–2005–20882; Directorate Identifier 2004–NM–241–AD] § 4279.149 Personal and Corporate Guarantee. (a) Unconditional personal and corporate guarantees are part of the collateral for the loan but are not considered in determining whether a loan is adequately secured for loanmaking purposes. Agency approved personal and corporate guarantees for the full term of the loan and at least equal to the guarantor’s percent interest in the borrower, times the loan amount are required from those owning greater than a 20 percent interest in the borrower, unless the lender documents to the Agency’s satisfaction that collateral, equity, cashflow, and profitability indicate an above-average ability to repay the loan. The guarantors will execute Form RD 4279–14, ‘‘Unconditional Guarantee.’’ A signature section must be created and in accordance with applicable law. The signature block must include the legal name of the individual or entity signing the Guarantee and, where applicable, the name and title of the authorized representative who will execute the document on its behalf. For instructions on how to complete an enforceable signature block that complies with applicable state law, consult with the Regional Attorney. When warranted by an Agency assessment of potential financial risk, Agency approved guarantees may also be required of parent, subsidiaries, or affiliated companies (owning less than a 20 percent interest in the borrower) and require security for any guarantee provided under this section. (b) Exceptions to the requirement for personal guarantees must be requested by the lender and concurred by the Agency approval official on a case-bycase basis. The lender must document that collateral, equity, cashflow, and profitability indicate an above-average ability to repay the loan. Dated: March 24, 2005. Peter J. Thomas, Administrator, Rural Business—Cooperative Service. [FR Doc. 05–6869 Filed 4–6–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–XY–P VerDate jul<14>2003 15:06 Apr 06, 2005 Jkt 205001 14 CFR Part 39 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain McDonnell Douglas airplanes identified above. This proposed AD would require repetitive functional tests for noisy or improper operation of the exterior emergency control handle assemblies of the mid, overwing, and aft passenger doors, and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD also would provide for optional terminating action for the repetitive tests. This proposed AD is prompted by a report that the exterior emergency control mechanism handles were inoperative on a McDonnell Douglas MD–11 airplane. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the passenger doors to operate properly in an emergency condition, which could delay an emergency evacuation and possibly result in injury to passengers and flightcrew. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 23, 2005. ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on this proposed AD. • DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590. • By fax: (202) 493–2251. • Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Boeing PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Commercial Airplanes, Long Beach Division, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Data and Service Management, Dept. C1–L5A (D800– 0024). You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at https:// dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., room PL–401, on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC. This docket number is FAA–2005– 20882; the directorate identifier for this docket is 2004–NM–241–AD. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ken Sujishi, Aerospace Engineer; Cabin Safety, Mechanical, and Environmental 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: Comments Invited We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– 2005–20882; Directorate Identifier 2004–NM–241–AD’’ in the subject line of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will consider all comments submitted by the closing date and may amend the proposed AD in light of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of that Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You can review DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–78), or you can visit https:// dms.dot.gov. Examining the Docket You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except E:\FR\FM\07APP1.SGM 07APP1 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 66 / Thursday, April 7, 2005 / Proposed Rules Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647–5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them. Discussion We have received a report indicating that an operator found, during a heavy maintenance visit, that the emergency control mechanism handles of the mid, overwing, and aft passenger doors were inoperative on a McDonnell Douglas MD–11 airplane. Investigation revealed that the six steel bearings in each control mechanism were corroded and had seized. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to failure of the passenger doors to operate properly in an emergency condition, which could delay an emergency evacuation and possibly result in injury to passengers and flightcrew. Similar Models The subject area on 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, and MD–11F airplanes is almost identical to that on the affected Model MD–11 airplanes. Therefore, all of these models may be subject to the same unsafe condition. Other Related Rulemaking Operators should note that a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), docket identifier 2001–NM–359–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, MD–10–30F, MD–11 and MD–11F airplanes, was published in the Federal Register on November 12, 2003 (68 FR 64006). That NPRM proposed to require repetitive operation of the exterior emergency door handle of the forward passenger door to determine if binding exists in the exterior emergency control handle mechanism, and corrective actions if necessary. Relevant Service Information We have reviewed McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11–52–044 and Service Bulletin DC10–52–219; both Revision 1; both dated September 3, 2004. The service bulletins describe procedures for, among other things, repetitive functional tests for noisy or improper operation of the exterior emergency control handle assemblies of the mid, overwing, and aft passenger doors, and corrective actions if necessary. Corrective actions include replacing the steel bearings with bearings made from corrosion-resistant material. The service bulletins also indicate that replacing the steel bearings as described provides optional terminating action for the repetitive tests. Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is intended to adequately address the unsafe condition. FAA’s Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes of this same type design. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require accomplishing the actions specified in 17619 the service information described previously. Operators should note that this proposed AD allows operators to continue the repetitive functional tests instead of doing the terminating action. In making this determination, the FAA considers that, in the case of this AD, long-term continued operational safety is adequately assured by doing the repetitive functional tests to detect binding before it represents a hazard to the airplane, and by doing corrective actions within the specified time limits. Clarification of Service Information The service information also describes procedures for installing lube fittings in the emergency control handle assemblies to minimize the possibility that binding of the exterior door free fall handle mechanisms would prevent the passenger doors from free falling to the closed position. Installing the lube fittings does not help to correct the unsafe condition specified by this proposed AD and would therefore not be required by this proposed AD. The service information is applicable to all mid, overwing, and aft passenger doors. However, some of these doors may have been fastened shut to render them inoperable according to some approved freighter configurations. Such doors would not be subject to the requirements of this proposed AD. Costs of Compliance There are about 633 airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. This proposed AD would affect about 218 airplanes of U.S. registry. The following table provides the estimated costs, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour, for U.S. operators to comply with this proposed AD. TEST AND MODIFICATION COSTS Work hours Action Functional test .............................................................. Replace bearings .......................................................... 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, VerDate jul<14>2003 15:06 Apr 06, 2005 Jkt 205001 Parts cost 1 6 N/A $825 Cost per airplane $65 per test cycle ......................................................... 1,215 per door, if required ............................................ ‘‘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. PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Fleet cost $14,170 N/A Regulatory Findings We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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. E:\FR\FM\07APP1.SGM 07APP1 17620 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 66 / Thursday, April 7, 2005 / Proposed Rules For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed regulation: 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866; 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the 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 proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 § 39.13 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. [Amended] McDonnell Douglas: Docket No. FAA–2005– 20882; Directorate Identifier 2004–NM– 241–AD. Comments Due Date (a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive comments on this AD action by May 23, 2005. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to the airplanes identified in Table 1 of this AD; certificated in any category. TABLE 1.—APPLICABILITY Airplane model Applicable service bulletin DC–10–10, DC–10–10F, DC–10–15, DC–10–30, DC–10–30F airplanes (KC–10A and KDC–10), DC–10–40, DC–10–40F, MD–10–10F, MD– 10–30F airplanes. MD–11 and MD–11F airplanes ................................................................ McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC10–52–219, Revision 1, dated September 3, 2004. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD was prompted by a report indicating that the exterior emergency control mechanism handles of the mid, overwing and aft passenger doors were inoperative. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the passenger doors to operate properly in an emergency condition, which could delay an emergency evacuation and possibly result in injury to passengers and flightcrew. 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. Service Bulletin Reference (f) The term ‘‘service bulletin,’’ as used in this AD, means the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11–52–044, Revision 1, and Service Bulletin DC10–52–219, Revision 1; both dated September 3, 2004; as applicable. Functional Test (g) Within 6,000 flight hours or 18 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, perform a functional test of the exterior emergency control handle assemblies of the mid, overwing, and aft passenger doors; by doing all actions specified in the applicable service bulletin, except as provided by paragraph (i) of this AD. (1) If the functional test reveals no noisy operation or binding: Repeat the functional test at intervals not to exceed 6,000 flight hours or 18 months, whichever occurs later, until the terminating action of paragraph (h) of this AD has been accomplished. (2) If any functional test required by this AD reveals noisy operation or binding: Prior VerDate jul<14>2003 15:06 Apr 06, 2005 Jkt 205001 McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11–52–044, Revision 1, dated September 3, 2004. to further flight, replace the steel bearings with bearings made from corrosion-resistant material in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Optional Terminating Action 14 CFR Part 39 (h) Accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD constitutes terminating action for the repetitive tests required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD only for the modified doors. [Docket No. FAA–2004–19563; Directorate Identifier 2003–NM–10–AD] Inoperable Doors (i) Any mid, overwing, or aft passenger door that has been fastened shut and rendered inoperable according to some approved airplane freighter configuration is not subject to the requirements of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (j) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 31, 2005. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05–6910 Filed 4–6–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Federal Aviation Administration RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model CL–600–2B16 (CL–604) Series Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Proposed rule; withdrawal. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The FAA withdraws a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that proposed a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier Model CL– 600–2B16 (CL–604) series airplanes. The proposed AD would have required replacing the side-brace fitting shafts of the main landing gear (MLG) with new, improved side-brace fitting shafts; inspecting for corrosion of the MLG side-brace fitting shafts; and replacing the nut, washer, and cotter pin of the MLG side-brace fitting shafts with new parts; as applicable. Since the proposed AD was issued, we have received new data that the actions that would have been required by the proposed AD have already been accomplished on all of the affected airplanes. Accordingly, the proposed AD is withdrawn. E:\FR\FM\07APP1.SGM 07APP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 66 (Thursday, April 7, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 17618-17620]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-6910]

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-20882; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-241-AD]
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: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain McDonnell Douglas airplanes identified above. This proposed
AD would require repetitive functional tests for noisy or improper
operation of the exterior emergency control handle assemblies of the
mid, overwing, and aft passenger doors, and corrective actions if
necessary. This proposed AD also would provide for optional terminating
action for the repetitive tests. This proposed AD is prompted by a
report that the exterior emergency control mechanism handles were
inoperative on a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 airplane. We are proposing
this AD to prevent failure of the passenger doors to operate properly
in an emergency condition, which could delay an emergency evacuation
and possibly result in injury to passengers and flightcrew.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 23, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590.
By fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Long Beach Division, 3855 Lakewood
Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Data and Service
Management, Dept. C1-L5A (D800-0024).
You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at
https://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., room PL-
401, on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC. This
docket number is FAA-2005-20882; the directorate identifier for this
docket is 2004-NM-241-AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ken Sujishi, Aerospace Engineer; Cabin
Safety, Mechanical, and Environmental 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:

Comments Invited

We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-20882;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-241-AD'' in the subject line of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments submitted by the closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of
that Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union,
etc.). You can review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you
can visit https://dms.dot.gov.

Examining the Docket

You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except

[[Page 17619]]

Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone
(800) 647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at
the DOT street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will
be available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.

Discussion

We have received a report indicating that an operator found, during
a heavy maintenance visit, that the emergency control mechanism handles
of the mid, overwing, and aft passenger doors were inoperative on a
McDonnell Douglas MD-11 airplane. Investigation revealed that the six
steel bearings in each control mechanism were corroded and had seized.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to failure of the
passenger doors to operate properly in an emergency condition, which
could delay an emergency evacuation and possibly result in injury to
passengers and flightcrew.

Similar Models

The subject area on 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, and MD-11F airplanes is almost
identical to that on the affected Model MD-11 airplanes. Therefore, all
of these models may be subject to the same unsafe condition.

Other Related Rulemaking

Operators should note that a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM),
docket identifier 2001-NM-359-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, MD-10-30F, MD-11 and
MD-11F airplanes, was published in the Federal Register on November 12,
2003 (68 FR 64006). That NPRM proposed to require repetitive operation
of the exterior emergency door handle of the forward passenger door to
determine if binding exists in the exterior emergency control handle
mechanism, and corrective actions if necessary.

Relevant Service Information

We have reviewed McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-52-044 and
Service Bulletin DC10-52-219; both Revision 1; both dated September 3,
2004. The service bulletins describe procedures for, among other
things, repetitive functional tests for noisy or improper operation of
the exterior emergency control handle assemblies of the mid, overwing,
and aft passenger doors, and corrective actions if necessary.
Corrective actions include replacing the steel bearings with bearings
made from corrosion-resistant material. The service bulletins also
indicate that replacing the steel bearings as described provides
optional terminating action for the repetitive tests. Accomplishing the
actions specified in the service information is intended to adequately
address the unsafe condition.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes
of this same type design. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which
would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service
information described previously.
Operators should note that this proposed AD allows operators to
continue the repetitive functional tests instead of doing the
terminating action. In making this determination, the FAA considers
that, in the case of this AD, long-term continued operational safety is
adequately assured by doing the repetitive functional tests to detect
binding before it represents a hazard to the airplane, and by doing
corrective actions within the specified time limits.

Clarification of Service Information

The service information also describes procedures for installing
lube fittings in the emergency control handle assemblies to minimize
the possibility that binding of the exterior door free fall handle
mechanisms would prevent the passenger doors from free falling to the
closed position. Installing the lube fittings does not help to correct
the unsafe condition specified by this proposed AD and would therefore
not be required by this proposed AD.
The service information is applicable to all mid, overwing, and aft
passenger doors. However, some of these doors may have been fastened
shut to render them inoperable according to some approved freighter
configurations. Such doors would not be subject to the requirements of
this proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

There are about 633 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. This proposed AD would affect about 218 airplanes of
U.S. registry. The following table provides the estimated costs, at an
average labor rate of $65 per work hour, for U.S. operators to comply
with this proposed AD.

Test and Modification Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Work Parts Fleet
Action hours cost Cost per airplane cost
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Functional test............................... 1 N/A $65 per test cycle............... $14,170
Replace bearings.............................. 6 $825 1,215 per door, if required...... N/A
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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.

[[Page 17620]]

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed
regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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 proposed AD. 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, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):

McDonnell Douglas: Docket No. FAA-2005-20882; Directorate Identifier
2004-NM-241-AD.

Comments Due Date

(a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive
comments on this AD action by May 23, 2005.

Affected ADs

(b) None.

Applicability

Table 1.--Applicability
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airplane model Applicable service bulletin
------------------------------------------------------------------------
DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10- McDonnell Douglas Service
30, DC-10-30F airplanes (KC-10A and Bulletin DC10-52-219, Revision
KDC-10), DC-10-40, DC-10-40F, MD-10- 1, dated September 3, 2004.
10F, MD-10-30F airplanes.
MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes............. McDonnell Douglas Service
Bulletin MD11-52-044, Revision
1, dated September 3, 2004.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unsafe Condition

(d) This AD was prompted by a report indicating that the
exterior emergency control mechanism handles of the mid, overwing
and aft passenger doors were inoperative. We are issuing this AD to
prevent failure of the passenger doors to operate properly in an
emergency condition, which could delay an emergency evacuation and
possibly result in injury to passengers and flightcrew.

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.

Service Bulletin Reference

(f) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the
Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin
MD11-52-044, Revision 1, and Service Bulletin DC10-52-219, Revision
1; both dated September 3, 2004; as applicable.

Functional Test

(g) Within 6,000 flight hours or 18 months after the effective
date of this AD, whichever occurs later, perform a functional test
of the exterior emergency control handle assemblies of the mid,
overwing, and aft passenger doors; by doing all actions specified in
the applicable service bulletin, except as provided by paragraph (i)
of this AD.
(1) If the functional test reveals no noisy operation or
binding: Repeat the functional test at intervals not to exceed 6,000
flight hours or 18 months, whichever occurs later, until the
terminating action of paragraph (h) of this AD has been
accomplished.
(2) If any functional test required by this AD reveals noisy
operation or binding: Prior to further flight, replace the steel
bearings with bearings made from corrosion-resistant material in
accordance with the applicable service bulletin.

Optional Terminating Action

(h) Accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph (g)(2)
of this AD constitutes terminating action for the repetitive tests
required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD only for the modified doors.

Inoperable Doors

(i) Any mid, overwing, or aft passenger door that has been
fastened shut and rendered inoperable according to some approved
airplane freighter configuration is not subject to the requirements
of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

(j) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 31, 2005.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-6910 Filed 4-6-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.