Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-13845 · McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and -11F Airplanes
McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and -11F Airplanes
Model MD-11 and -11F airplanes, as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-33A065, Revision 02, dated April 1, 2003; certificated in any category.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes, that requires an inspection of the connector cables for signs of arcing and/or signs of moisture penetration into the overhead decoder units (ODU), and replacement of the affected ODU(s) with a new ODU, if necessary. This action also requires modification and reidentification of the cable assemblies and the connect cable assemblies at shipside power to the ODU, ODU to ODU, and adjacent bag racks; and replacing certain connectors of the ODU and shipside power cable assemblies. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent moisture from entering through the rear of the connector of the ODUs located in the overhead baggage stowage racks, which could result in a short, damage to the connector pins, and consequent smoke and/or fire in the cabin. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
To prevent moisture from entering through the rear of the connector of the overhead decoder units (ODU) located in the overhead baggage stowage racks, which could result in a short, damage to the connector pins, and consequent smoke and/or fire in the cabin, accomplish the following:
(a) The term “service bulletin,” as used in this AD, means Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-33A065, Revision 02, dated April 1, 2003.
(b) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(4) of Table 1 of this AD, as applicable, and any applicable corrective actions by doing all actions in Part 1 of the Work Instructions of the service bulletin. Do the actions per the service bulletin. Do any applicable corrective actions before further flight.
| For Airplanes Identified in the Service Bulletin as— | Actions— |
|---|---|
| (1) Groups 1 through 69 | Do a general visual inspection of the P1 connector end of all AWP9604 cable assemblies of the ODUs to determine if SK2464-15 connectors are present. |
| (2) Groups 1 through 69 | Replace the connector ends on the applicable cable assemblies of the ODUs with new connector ends. |
| (3) Groups 1 through 72 | Do general visual inspection of the cable connectors for signs of arcing or signs of moisture penetration into the ODUs. |
| (4) Groups 70 through 72 | Replace the connectors of the applicable cable assemblies of the ODUs with new connectors. |
Note 1: 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 from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight 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.”
(c) For Groups 1 through 69 identified in the service bulletin: Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(3) of this AD, and any applicable corrective action by doing all actions in paragraphs 1., and 3. through 10., as applicable, of Part 2 of the Work Instructions of the service bulletin. Do the actions per the service bulletin. Do any applicable corrective actions before further flight.
(1) Do a general visual inspection of the P1 connector end of the jumper cables of the centerline AWP9606 shipside cable assemblies to determine if SK2464-9 connectors are present.
(2) Replace the P1 connector ends on the applicable shipside cable assemblies with new connector ends.
(3) Replace the connectors of the applicable shipside cable assemblies with new connectors.
(d) Although the service bulletin referenced in this AD specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
(e) Although the service bulletin describes the procedure for a general visual inspection of the connector cables of the shipside cable assemblies for signs of arcing or signs of moisture penetration for certain airplanes, this AD does not require that inspection.
Note 2: Where there are differences between the AD and the service bulletin, the AD prevails.
(f) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install a cable assembly having a part number in the “Existing Part Number” column of the applicable table specified in paragraph 2.C.3, “Parts Necessary for Each Airplanes” of the service bulletin, on any airplane.
(g) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, is authorized to approve AMOCs for this AD.
