Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-12019 · McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Series Airplanes
McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Series Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2003-25-10. Comply with the one in force.
Model MD-11 series airplanes, as listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A097, dated April 3, 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 (d) 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 an inspection to detect chafing or damage of the electrical wires leading to the terminal strips in the center accessory compartment (CAC) area; and corrective actions, if necessary. This amendment also requires revising the wire connection stack up of certain cable terminals at the electrical power center bays in the CAC, and replacing certain terminal strips with new strips and removing applicable nameplates at electrical power center bays. This action is necessary to prevent arcing and sparking damage to the power feeder cables, terminal strips, and adjacent structure, and consequent smoke and fire in the CAC. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
To prevent arcing and sparking damage to the power feeder cables, terminal strips, and adjacent structure, and consequent smoke and fire in the center accessory compartment, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time general visual inspection to detect chafing or damage of the electrical wires leading to the terminal strips in the center accessory compartment area, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A097, dated April 3, 2000.
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.”
(1) If no chafing or damage is detected, no further action is required by this paragraph.
(2) If any chafing or damage is detected on the terminal strips, before further flight, replace the terminal strip with a like part and seal screw heads of replaced terminal strips, in accordance with the service bulletin.
(3) If any chafing is detected and if any damage is detected within the limits specified in the service bulletin, before further flight, repair damage in accordance with the service bulletin.
(4) If any chafing is detected and if any damage is detected beyond the limits specified in the service bulletin, before further flight, replace damaged wires with new wires in accordance with the service bulletin.
(b) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the wire connection stack up of certain cable terminals at the electrical power center bays in the center accessory compartment in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A097, dated April 3, 2000.
(c) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the terminal strips with new strips and remove the applicable nameplate at electrical power center bays in the center accessory compartment, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A097, dated April 3, 2000.
