Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Series Airplanes

This amendment rescinds Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2000-17- 09, which is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes. That AD requires an inspection of the upper avionics circuit breaker panel at the main observer's station to detect damage of the wires and to verify the correct routing of the wire bundles; corrective actions, if necessary; and installation of a new clamp, spacer, and sta-straps. The requirements of that AD were intended to prevent chafing in the upper avionics circuit breaker panel of the main observer's station, which could result in arcing and consequent smoke and/or fire in the cockpit. Since the issuance of that AD, the FAA has determined that the improper procedures specified by the service bulletin referenced in that AD could lead to wiring pre-load conditions and consequent wire damage, and arcing in the upper avionics circuit breaker panel. Such conditions could result in arcing and consequent smoke and/or fire in the cockpit.