Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-11829 · McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Series Airplanes
McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Series Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2002-14-15. Comply with the one in force.
Model MD-11 series airplanes, as listed in McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-25A227, dated January 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. This action requires an inspection of the powered drive unit power wires within three feet of each affected powered drive unit termination for mechanical damage; and repair, if necessary. This action also requires revising the wire harnesses; splicing any additional length wire; routing and installing parts; and replacing the floor panels with new and retained floor panels. This action is necessary to ensure that the powered roller pans are positioned properly. Improperly positioned powered roller pans could pierce a powered roller wire harness and cause sparking that could ignite adjacent insulation material, which could result in smoke and fire in the center cargo compartment of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
To ensure that the powered roller pans are positioned properly, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the actions specified in paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3) of this AD in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD11-25A227, dated January 27, 2000.
(1) Perform a general visual inspection of the powered drive unit power wires within three feet of each affected powered drive unit termination for mechanical damage. If any damaged wire is detected, prior to further flight, repair the damaged wire.
Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is defined as “A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or drop-light, and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.”
(2) Revise the wire harnesses, splice any additional length wire, and route and install parts.
(3) Replace the floor panels with new and retained floor panels.
