Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Airplanes

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 airplanes, that currently requires repetitive general visual inspections of the power feeder cables, terminal strip, fuseholder, and fuses of the galley load control unit (GLCU) within the No. 3 bay electrical power center (EPC) to detect damage; and corrective actions, if necessary. For certain airplanes, this amendment requires replacement of the electrical wiring of the galley in the EPC. For certain other airplanes, this amendment requires an inspection to detect damage of the electrical wiring of the galley in the EPC; corrective actions if necessary; modification of the wiring support; and removal of spare fuses; as applicable. These new actions terminate the repetitive inspection requirements. This amendment also limits the applicability of the existing AD. This amendment is prompted by the FAA's determination that additional rulemaking is necessary. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent chafing damage to the wire assembly, and consequent arcing and smoke and fire in the EPC, and to prevent damage to the wire assembly terminal lugs and overheating of the power feeder cables on the No. 3 and No. 4 GLCU, which could result in smoke and fire in the center accessory compartment. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.