Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-11572 · McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Series Airplanes
McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Series Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2003-21-05. Comply with the one in force.
Model MD-11 series airplanes, as listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A041, Revision 01, dated April 26, 1999; certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes, that requires a one-time detailed visual inspection of the wire bundle installation behind the first observer's station to detect damaged or chafed wires; and corrective action, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by a report indicating that the wire bundle contained in the feedthrough behind the first observer's station was contacting the bottom portion of the feedthrough. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent such contact, which could cause cable chafing, electrical arcing, smoke, or fire in the cockpit.
To prevent the wire bundle contained in the feedthrough from contacting the bottom of the feedthrough which could cause cable chafing, electrical arcing, and smoke or fire in the cockpit, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 1 year after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time detailed visual inspection of the wire bundle installation behind the first observer's station to detect damaged or chafed wires, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A041, Revision 01, dated April 26, 1999.
Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is defined as: “An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc. may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.”
(1) For airplanes identified as Group 1 in the service bulletin: Accomplish paragraph (a)(1)(i) or (a)(1)(ii) of this AD, as applicable.
(i) If no damaged or chafed wire is found, no further action is required by this AD.
(ii) If any damaged or chafed wire is found, prior to further flight, repair in accordance with the service bulletin;
(2) For airplanes identified as Group 2 in the service bulletin: Accomplish paragraph (a)(2)(i) or (a)(2)(ii) of this AD, as applicable.
(i) If no damaged or chafed wire is found, within 1 year after the effective date of this AD, revise the wire bundle support clamp installation at the observer's station in accordance with the service bulletin.
(ii) If any damaged or chafed wire is found, prior to further flight, repair the wiring, and revise the wire bundle support clamp installation at the observer's station in accordance with the service bulletin.
