Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Series Airplanes

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes, that currently requires deactivation of the map light assemblies; or modification and reidentification of the insulation blankets adjacent to certain map light assemblies, if applicable, a general visual inspection to detect damage of the Captain, First Officer, and Right Observer map light assemblies, and follow-on actions. This amendment is prompted by the FAA's determination that certain airplanes equipped with reading light assemblies in the crew rest area are subject to the identified unsafe condition. For certain airplanes, this amendment requires deactivation of the reading light assemblies, or an inspection to detect damage of the reading light assemblies, and follow-on or corrective actions, as applicable. The actions specified in this AD are intended to detect any broken light bulb housing, which could expose the power contactor. An exposed power contactor could cause the Captain, First Officer, or Right Observer map light or reading light in the crew rest area to short or overheat, which could result in smoke or fire in the cockpit.