Action
Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Summary
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model DC-10-10 and DC-10-10F airplanes, Model DC-10- 15 airplanes, Model DC-10-30 and DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10) airplanes, Model DC-10-40 and DC-10-40F airplanes, Model MD-10-10F and MD-10-30F airplanes, and Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer and multiple reports of fuel pump housing electrical connector failures related to ingress of airplane fluids. This proposed AD would require replacement of the fuel pump housing electrical connector or replacement of the fuel pump housing; repetitive inspections for proper operation and corrective actions if necessary; and revising the maintenance or inspection program to incorporate new airworthiness limitations. This proposed AD would also require, for certain airplanes, a general visual inspection of the protective cap and replacement if necessary. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the fuel pump housing electrical connector, which could result in a potential ignition source in a fuel tank and consequent fire or explosion.