Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10 and DC-10-10F Airplanes; and Model MD-10-10F Airplanes, 33663-33665 [E6-9063]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 112 / Monday, June 12, 2006 / Proposed Rules Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 31, 2006. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E6–9061 Filed 6–9–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2006–24999; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–060–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC–10–10 and DC–10– 10F Airplanes; and Model MD–10–10F Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). wwhite on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS AGENCY: SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC– 10–10 and DC–10–10F airplanes; and Model MD–10–10F airplanes. This proposed AD would require replacing the clamp bases for the fuel vent pipe with improved clamp bases. This proposed AD results from reports that the foil wrapping on existing plastic clamp bases has migrated out of position, which compromises the bonding of the fuel vent pipes to the airplane structure. We are proposing this AD to ensure that the fuel vent pipes are properly bonded to the airplane structure. Improper bonding could prevent electrical energy from a lightning strike from dissipating to the airplane structure, and create an ignition source, which could result in a fuel tank explosion. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 27, 2006. 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. VerDate Aug<31>2005 20:57 Jun 09, 2006 Jkt 208001 • 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. Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Long Beach Division, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Data and Service Management, Dept. C1–L5A (D800–0024), for the service information identified in this proposed AD. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Serj Harutunian, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM–140L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712–4137; telephone (562) 627–5254; 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 in the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ‘‘FAA–2006–24999; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–060–AD’’ at the beginning 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 received 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 may review DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–78), or you may visit https:// dms.dot.gov. Examining the Docket You may 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 Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647–5227) is located on the plaza PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 33663 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 Docket Management System receives them. Discussion The FAA has examined the underlying safety issues involved in fuel tank explosions on several large transport airplanes, including the adequacy of existing regulations, the service history of airplanes subject to those regulations, and existing maintenance practices for fuel tank systems. As a result of those findings, we issued a regulation titled ‘‘Transport Airplane Fuel Tank System Design Review, Flammability Reduction and Maintenance and Inspection Requirements’’ (67 FR 23086, May 7, 2001). In addition to new airworthiness standards for transport airplanes and new maintenance requirements, this rule included Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 88 (‘‘SFAR 88,’’ Amendment 21–78, and subsequent Amendments 21–82 and 21–83). Among other actions, SFAR 88 requires certain type design (i.e., type certificate (TC) and supplemental type certificate (STC)) holders to substantiate that their fuel tank systems can prevent ignition sources in the fuel tanks. This requirement applies to type design holders for large turbine-powered transport airplanes and for subsequent modifications to those airplanes. It requires them to perform design reviews and to develop design changes and maintenance procedures if their designs do not meet the new fuel tank safety standards. As explained in the preamble to the rule, we intended to adopt airworthiness directives to mandate any changes found necessary to address unsafe conditions identified as a result of these reviews. In evaluating these design reviews, we have established four criteria intended to define the unsafe conditions associated with fuel tank systems that require corrective actions. The percentage of operating time during which fuel tanks are exposed to flammable conditions is one of these criteria. The other three criteria address the failure types under evaluation: single failures, single failures in combination with a latent condition(s), and in-service failure experience. For all four criteria, the evaluations included consideration of previous actions taken that may mitigate the need for further action. We have determined that the actions identified in this AD are necessary to reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination E:\FR\FM\12JNP1.SGM 12JNP1 33664 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 112 / Monday, June 12, 2006 / Proposed Rules with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane. Foil-wrapped plastic clamp bases are used to bond the fuel vent pipes to the airplane structure in parts of the fuel vent system on McDonnell Douglas Model DC–10–10 and DC–10–10F airplanes; and Model MD–10–10F airplanes. We have received reports that the foil wrapping on existing plastic clamp bases has migrated out of position on several airplanes, which compromises the bonding of the fuel vent pipes to the airplane structure. (Bonding of the fuel vent pipes to the airplane structure is critical to ensure that the electrical energy from a lightning strike dissipates to the airplane structure.) This condition, if not corrected, could create an ignition source and result in a fuel tank explosion. Relevant Service Information We have reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin DC10–28–243, dated February 22, 2005. The service bulletin describes procedures for replacing existing foilwrapped plastic clamp bases for the fuel vent pipe with improved metal clamp bases. These replacement procedures include verifying the electrical conductivity of the structural bracket and vent pipe surfaces and performing corrective action if necessary. The corrective action includes prepping and applying chemical conversion coating to the surface of the structural bracket and/ or vent pipe, as applicable. 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. For this reason, we are proposing this AD, which would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service information described previously. wwhite on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS Costs of Compliance There are about 12 airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. This proposed AD would affect about 12 airplanes of U.S. registry. The proposed actions would take about 2 work hours per airplane, at an average labor rate of $80 per work hour. Required parts would cost about $502 per airplane. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. VerDate Aug<31>2005 20:57 Jun 09, 2006 Jkt 208001 operators is $7,944, or $662 per airplane. PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES Authority for This Rulemaking 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: 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. 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 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, 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: PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): McDonnell Douglas: Docket No. FAA–2006– 24999; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM– 060–AD. Comments Due Date (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by July 27, 2006. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to McDonnell Douglas Model DC–10–10 and DC–10–10F airplanes; and Model MD–10–10F airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Service Bulletin DC10–28–243, dated February 22, 2005. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from reports that the foil wrapping on existing plastic clamp bases has migrated out of position, which compromises the bonding of the fuel vent pipes to the airplane structure. We are issuing this AD to ensure that the fuel vent pipes are properly bonded to the airplane structure. Improper bonding could prevent electrical energy from a lightning strike from dissipating to the airplane structure, and create an ignition source, which could result in a fuel tank explosion. 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. Clamp Base Replacement (f) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD: Replace the existing plastic clamp bases for the fuel vent pipe with improved metal clamp bases, by doing all of the applicable actions as specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin DC10–28–243, dated February 22, 2005. All corrective actions that are required following the conductivity verification, which is included in the replacement procedures, must be done before further flight. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (g)(1) 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. (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with § 39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the E:\FR\FM\12JNP1.SGM 12JNP1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 112 / Monday, June 12, 2006 / Proposed Rules appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding District Office. Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 5, 2006. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E6–9063 Filed 6–9–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA–2006–24317; Airspace Docket No. 06–AEA–006] Establishment of Class E Airspace; Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre, PA Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. AGENCY: SUMMARY: This notice proposes to establish Class E airspace at Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre, PA. The development of an Area Navigation (RNAV) Standard Instrument Approach Procedure (SIAP) and Helicopter RNAV (GPS) 135 approach for the Robert Packer Hospital to serve flights operating into the airport during Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) conditions makes this action necessary. Controlled airspace extending upward from 700 feet Above Ground Level (AGL) is needed to contain aircraft executing an approach. The area would be depicted on aeronautical charts for pilot reference. Comments must be received on or before July 12, 2006. ADDRESSES: Send comments on the proposal in triplicate to: Manager, Airspace Branch, AEA–520, Docket No. FAA–2006–24317; Airspace Docket No. 06–AEA–006, FAA Eastern Region, 1 Aviation Plaza, Jamaica, NY 11434– 4809. The official docket may be examined in the Office of the Regional Counsel, AEA–7, FAA Eastern Region, 1 Aviation Plaza, Jamaica, NY 11434–4809. An informal docket may also be examined during normal business hours in the Airspace Branch, AEA–520, FAA Eastern Region, 1 Aviation Plaza, Jamaica, NY 11434–4809. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Francis T. Jordan, Jr., Airspace Specialist, Airspace Branch, AEA–520, FAA Eastern Region, 1 Aviation Plaza, Jamaica, NY, 11434–4809; telephone: (718) 553–4521. wwhite on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS DATES: VerDate Aug<31>2005 20:57 Jun 09, 2006 Jkt 208001 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited Interested parties are invited to participate in this proposed rulemaking by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Comments that provide the factual basis supporting the views and suggestions presented are particularly helpful in developing reasoned regulatory decisions on the proposal. Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal. Communications should identify the airspace docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address listed above. Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments on this notice must submit with those comments a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ‘‘Comments to Docket No. FAA–2006– 24317; Airspace Docket No. 06–AEA– 006’’. The postcard will be date/time stamped and returned to the commenter. All communications received on or before the closing date for comments will be considered before taking action on the proposed rule. The proposal contained in this notice may be changed in light of comments received. All comments submitted will be available for examination in the Rules Docket closing both before and after the closing date for comments. A report summarizing each substantive public contact with the FAA personnel concerned with this rulemaking will be filed in the docket. Availability of NPRMs Any person may obtain a copy of this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) by submitting a request to the Office of the Regional Counsel, AEA–7, FAA Eastern Region, 1 Aviation Plaza, Jamaica, NY 11434–4809. Communications must identify the notice number of this NPRM. Persons interested in being placed on a mailing list for future NPRMs should also request a copy of Advisory Circular No. 11–2A, which describes the application procedure. The Proposal The FAA is considering an amendment to part 71 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 71) to establish Class E airspace area at Robert Packer Hospital, PA. The development of SIAPs to serve flights operating into the airport during IFR conditions makes this action necessary. Controlled airspace extending upward from 700 feet AGL is needed to accommodate the PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 33665 SIAPs. Class E airspace designations for airspace areas extending upward from 700 feet or more above the surface are published in Paragraph 6005 of FAA Order 7400.9N, dated September 1, 2005, and effective September 16, 2005, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Class E airspace designation listed in this document would be published subsequently in the Order. The FAA has determined that this proposed regulation only involves an established body of technical regulations for which frequent and routine amendments are necessary to keep them operationally current. Therefore, this proposed regulation (1) is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under DOT Regulation Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034; February 26, 1979); and (3) does not warrant preparation of a regulatory evaluation as the anticipated impact is so minimal. Since this is a routine matter that would affect air traffic procedures and air navigation, it is certified that this proposed rule would not have significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71 Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air). The Proposed Amendment In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 14 CFR part 71 as follows: PART 71—[AMENDED] 1. The authority citation for 14 CFR part 71 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40103, 40113, 40120; EO 10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR, 1959– 1963 Comp., P. 389. § 71.1 [Amended] 2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of Federal Aviation Administration Order 7400.9N dated September 1, 2005, and effective September 16, 2005, is proposed to be amended as follows: Paragraph 6005 Class E airspace areas extending upward from 700 feet or more above the surface of the earth. AEA PA E5 Robert Packer Hospital, [New] Sayre, Pennsylvania (Lat. 41°58′46″ N., long. 76° 31′15″ W.) That airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface within a 6.0 mile radius of the Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre, PA. E:\FR\FM\12JNP1.SGM 12JNP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 112 (Monday, June 12, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 33663-33665]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-9063]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2006-24999; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-060-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10 and 
DC-10-10F Airplanes; and Model MD-10-10F 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 Model DC-10-10 and DC-10-10F airplanes; 
and Model MD-10-10F airplanes. This proposed AD would require replacing 
the clamp bases for the fuel vent pipe with improved clamp bases. This 
proposed AD results from reports that the foil wrapping on existing 
plastic clamp bases has migrated out of position, which compromises the 
bonding of the fuel vent pipes to the airplane structure. We are 
proposing this AD to ensure that the fuel vent pipes are properly 
bonded to the airplane structure. Improper bonding could prevent 
electrical energy from a lightning strike from dissipating to the 
airplane structure, and create an ignition source, which could result 
in a fuel tank explosion.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 27, 2006.

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.
     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.
    Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Long Beach Division, 3855 
Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Data and 
Service Management, Dept. C1-L5A (D800-0024), for the service 
information identified in this proposed AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Serj Harutunian, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137; 
telephone (562) 627-5254; 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 in the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ``FAA-2006-
24999; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-060-AD'' at the beginning 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 received 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 may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you 
may visit https://dms.dot.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You may 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 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 Docket Management System 
receives them.

Discussion

    The FAA has examined the underlying safety issues involved in fuel 
tank explosions on several large transport airplanes, including the 
adequacy of existing regulations, the service history of airplanes 
subject to those regulations, and existing maintenance practices for 
fuel tank systems. As a result of those findings, we issued a 
regulation titled ``Transport Airplane Fuel Tank System Design Review, 
Flammability Reduction and Maintenance and Inspection Requirements'' 
(67 FR 23086, May 7, 2001). In addition to new airworthiness standards 
for transport airplanes and new maintenance requirements, this rule 
included Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 88 (``SFAR 88,'' 
Amendment 21-78, and subsequent Amendments 21-82 and 21-83).
    Among other actions, SFAR 88 requires certain type design (i.e., 
type certificate (TC) and supplemental type certificate (STC)) holders 
to substantiate that their fuel tank systems can prevent ignition 
sources in the fuel tanks. This requirement applies to type design 
holders for large turbine-powered transport airplanes and for 
subsequent modifications to those airplanes. It requires them to 
perform design reviews and to develop design changes and maintenance 
procedures if their designs do not meet the new fuel tank safety 
standards. As explained in the preamble to the rule, we intended to 
adopt airworthiness directives to mandate any changes found necessary 
to address unsafe conditions identified as a result of these reviews.
    In evaluating these design reviews, we have established four 
criteria intended to define the unsafe conditions associated with fuel 
tank systems that require corrective actions. The percentage of 
operating time during which fuel tanks are exposed to flammable 
conditions is one of these criteria. The other three criteria address 
the failure types under evaluation: single failures, single failures in 
combination with a latent condition(s), and in-service failure 
experience. For all four criteria, the evaluations included 
consideration of previous actions taken that may mitigate the need for 
further action.
    We have determined that the actions identified in this AD are 
necessary to reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel 
tanks, which, in combination

[[Page 33664]]

with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and 
consequent loss of the airplane.
    Foil-wrapped plastic clamp bases are used to bond the fuel vent 
pipes to the airplane structure in parts of the fuel vent system on 
McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10 and DC-10-10F airplanes; and Model MD-
10-10F airplanes. We have received reports that the foil wrapping on 
existing plastic clamp bases has migrated out of position on several 
airplanes, which compromises the bonding of the fuel vent pipes to the 
airplane structure. (Bonding of the fuel vent pipes to the airplane 
structure is critical to ensure that the electrical energy from a 
lightning strike dissipates to the airplane structure.) This condition, 
if not corrected, could create an ignition source and result in a fuel 
tank explosion.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin DC10-28-243, dated 
February 22, 2005. The service bulletin describes procedures for 
replacing existing foil-wrapped plastic clamp bases for the fuel vent 
pipe with improved metal clamp bases. These replacement procedures 
include verifying the electrical conductivity of the structural bracket 
and vent pipe surfaces and performing corrective action if necessary. 
The corrective action includes prepping and applying chemical 
conversion coating to the surface of the structural bracket and/or vent 
pipe, as applicable. 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. For this reason, we are proposing this AD, 
which would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service 
information described previously.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 12 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. This proposed AD would affect about 12 airplanes of 
U.S. registry. The proposed actions would take about 2 work hours per 
airplane, at an average labor rate of $80 per work hour. Required parts 
would cost about $502 per airplane. Based on these figures, the 
estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators is $7,944, or $662 
per airplane.

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.
    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 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, 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

McDonnell Douglas: Docket No. FAA-2006-24999; Directorate Identifier 
2006-NM-060-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by July 27, 
2006.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10 and DC-
10-10F airplanes; and Model MD-10-10F airplanes, certificated in any 
category; as identified in Boeing Service Bulletin DC10-28-243, 
dated February 22, 2005.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from reports that the foil wrapping on 
existing plastic clamp bases has migrated out of position, which 
compromises the bonding of the fuel vent pipes to the airplane 
structure. We are issuing this AD to ensure that the fuel vent pipes 
are properly bonded to the airplane structure. Improper bonding 
could prevent electrical energy from a lightning strike from 
dissipating to the airplane structure, and create an ignition 
source, which could result in a fuel tank explosion.

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.

Clamp Base Replacement

    (f) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD: 
Replace the existing plastic clamp bases for the fuel vent pipe with 
improved metal clamp bases, by doing all of the applicable actions 
as specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service 
Bulletin DC10-28-243, dated February 22, 2005. All corrective 
actions that are required following the conductivity verification, 
which is included in the replacement procedures, must be done before 
further flight.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (g)(1) 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.
    (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.  
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the

[[Page 33665]]

appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards 
Certificate Holding District Office.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 5, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-9063 Filed 6-9-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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