Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-11573 · McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Series Airplanes
McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Series Airplanes
Model MD-11 series airplanes, as listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A141, Revision 01, dated August 23, 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 modification of the battery ground cable installation in the center accessory compartment. This amendment is prompted by reports of battery ground studs that had arced due to loose ground stud attachments. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent such arcing, which could cause smoke and/or fire in the center accessory compartment.
To prevent arcing of the battery ground studs, which could cause smoke and/or fire in the center accessory compartment, accomplish the following:
(a) For airplanes on which McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-090, dated August, 28, 1997; Revision 1, dated June 10, 1998; or Revision 2, dated May 17, 1999; has not been accomplished: Within 1 year after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the modification of the battery ground cable installation in the center accessory compartment specified in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A141, dated May 17, 1999, or Revision 01, dated August 23, 1999.
(1) Option 1 (Bracket Assembly Modification). Modify, reidentify, and install a modified bracket assembly; trim the nameplate; plug open holes; install the support assembly and clamp; and connect the battery ground cable with improved attachments.
(2) Option 2 (Bracket Assembly Replacement). Install a new bracket assembly; plug open holes; install the support assembly and clamp; and connect the battery ground cable with improved attachments.
