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 a one-time inspection to detect riding, chafing, or damage of the wire bundles adjacent to the disconnect panel bracket of the observer's station. That AD also requires repair or replacement of damaged wires with new or serviceable wires; installation of anti-chafing sleeving on the wire bundles, if necessary; and installation of a grommet along the entire upper aft edge of the disconnect panel bracket. This amendment requires an identical one-time inspection, follow-on actions, and similar corrective actions, if necessary; but the installation of anti-chafing sleeving will be required for all airplanes. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect riding or chafing of the wire bundles adjacent to the disconnect panel bracket assembly, which could result in a fire in the wire bundles and smoke in the cockpit. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.