Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-11672 · McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and MD-11F Series Airplanes
McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and MD-11F Series Airplanes
Model MD-11 and MD-11F series airplanes, as listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11- 24A172, dated September 8, 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 and MD-11F series airplanes, that requires a one-time detailed visual inspection of the generator power feeder wires to detect chafed or damage wires; repair, if necessary; and a modification of the generator power feeder wire installation. This amendment is prompted by reports of generator power feeder wire chafing on the closeout rib of the wing leading edge at a certain station due to insufficient clearance between the generator power feeder wires and the closeout rib. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent chafed and burnt generator power feeder wires, which could result in arcing damage to a certain closeout rib of the wing leading edge and fire damage to the wing structure, and consequent reduced structural integrity of the wing.
To prevent chafed and burnt generator power feeder wires, which could result in arcing damage to a certain closeout rib of the wing leading edge and fire damage to the wing structure, and consequent reduced structural integrity of the wing, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a detailed visual inspection of the generator power feeder wires to detect chafed or damaged wires, and modify the generator power feeder wire installation in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A172, dated September 8, 1999. If any chafed or damaged wire is found, prior to further flight, repair in accordance with the service bulletin.
Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual 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.”
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
