Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-11673 · 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 MD11-24A008, Revision 02, dated March 27, 2000; 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 detailed visual inspection of the external power feeder cables in the forward cargo compartment between certain stations to detect chafing or damage; repair, if necessary; and installation of spiral wrap. This amendment is prompted by reports of failure of the external power feeder cable due to being chafed during maintenance. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent chafing and damage to external ground power feeder cables, which could result in electrical arcing and consequent structural damage and smoke and fire in the forward cargo compartment.
To prevent chafing and damage to external ground power feeder cables, which could result in electrical arcing and consequent structural damage and smoke and fire in the forward cargo compartment, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a detailed visual inspection of the external ground power feeder cables in the forward cargo compartment between stations Y=879.000 and Y=1019.000 left of centerline to detect chafing or damage, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A008, Revision 02, March 27, 2000.
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.”
(1) If any chafing or damage is detected, prior to further flight, repair and install spiral wrap, in accordance with the service bulletin.
(2) If no chafing or damage is detected, prior to further flight, install spiral wrap in accordance with the service bulletin.
Note 3: Inspections, repairs, and installations accomplished prior the effective date of this AD in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A008, Revision 01, dated December 2, 1999; are considered acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this AD.
