Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16448 · Fuel
McDonnell Douglas Corporation Model DC-10-30, DC-10-30F, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, DC-10-40F, and MD-10-30F Airplanes
This AD applies to McDonnell Douglas Corporation Model DC-10-30, DC-10-30F, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, DC10-40F, and MD-10-30F airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Service Bulletin DC10-28-244, dated February 25, 2010.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Model DC-10-30, DC-10-30F, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, DC- 10-40F, and MD-10-30F airplanes. This AD requires doing a one-time inspection of the wire bundles to determine if wires touch the upper surface of the center upper auxiliary fuel tank, and marking the location if necessary; a one-time inspection for splices and damage of all wire bundles routed above the center upper auxiliary fuel tank; a one-time inspection for damage to the fuel vapor barrier seal and upper surface of the center upper auxiliary fuel tank; and corrective actions, if necessary. This AD also requires installing non-metallic barrier/shield sleeving to the wire harnesses, new clamps, new attaching hardware, and new extruded channels. This AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD do the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), (g)(3), and (g)(4) of this AD, as applicable, and do all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin DC10-28-244, dated February 25, 2010, except as required by paragraph (h) of this AD. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight.
(1) Do a one-time general visual inspection of the wire bundles to determine if wires touch the upper surface of the center upper auxiliary fuel tank, and mark the location as applicable.
(2) Do a one-time detailed inspection for splices and damage of all wire bundles between Stations Y = 1219.000 and Y = 1381.000 between X = −40 to X = −90 (right side) and X = 15 to X = 85 (left side) above the center upper auxiliary fuel tank.
(3) Do a one-time detailed inspection for damage (burn marks) on the upper surface of the center upper auxiliary fuel tank and to the fuel vapor barrier seal.
(4) Install non-metallic barrier/shield sleeving to the wire harnesses, new clamps, new attaching hardware, and new extruded channels.
(h) Where Boeing Service Bulletin DC10-28-244, dated February 25, 2010, specifies to contact Boeing for repair instructions: Before further flight, repair the center upper auxiliary fuel tank using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
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.
