Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and MD- 11F Series Airplanes

This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 98-08-11 that was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and MD-11F series airplanes by individual notices. This AD requires opening the circuit breaker of the pneumatic sense line heater tape, installing an inoperative ring, and coiling and stowing the electrical wire to the circuit breaker of the pneumatic sense line heater tape. This AD also provides for an optional inspection, which, if accomplished, constitutes terminating action for deactivation of the pneumatic sense line heater tape. This action is prompted by a report indicating that, while an airplane was on the ground, fuel was found leaking from the fuel feed pipe of the number 2 engine due to inadequate clearance between the fuel feed pipe and the pneumatic sense line heater tape. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct such inadequate clearance, which could result in a hole in the fuel feed pipe caused by electrical arcing, and consequent fuel leakage and possible ignition of the fuel vapors.