Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-11575 · 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 MD11-24A071, Revision 01, dated May 20, 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 (c) 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 visual inspection of the 90 percent brake pedal position switch to determine if certain date codes are present; and corrective action, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by reports indicating that the threaded insert connectors pulled free from the casing of the 90 percent brake pedal position switch, which allowed the insert connector contact to burn through the nose wheel steering cable. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent the threaded insert connector from pulling free from the casing of the 90 percent brake pedal position switch and burning through the nose wheel steering cable, which could result in reduced aircraft directional control while on the ground.
To prevent the threaded insert connector from pulling free from the casing of the 90 percent brake pedal position switch and burning through the nose wheel steering cable, which could result in reduced aircraft directional control while on the ground, accomplish the following:
(a) For airplanes on which McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-24-71, dated June 29, 1994, has not been accomplished: Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time visual inspection of the 90 percent brake pedal position switch to determine the manufacturer's date code, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A071, Revision 01, dated May 20, 1999.
(1) If no manufacturer's date code 8944 through 9033 inclusive is found on the 90 percent brake pedal position switch, no further action is required by this AD.
(2) If any manufacturer's date code 8944 through 9033 inclusive is found on the 90 percent brake pedal position switch, prior to further flight, replace the 90 percent brake pedal position switch with a new switch, in accordance with the service bulletin.
(b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install a 90 percent brake pedal switch that has a manufacturer's date code of 8944 through 9033 inclusive, on any airplane.
