[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 218 (Wednesday, November 12, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60643-60644]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-29444]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 96-NM-115-AD; Amendment 39-10198; AD 97-23-10]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Dornier Model 328-100 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain Dornier Model 328-100 series airplanes, that
requires modification of the cable tension regulator on both the left
and right elevators by installing certain parts on the lever arm of the
regulator. This amendment is prompted by a report indicating that
design testing and analysis have shown applied loads could cause the
regulator's lever arm to break. The actions specified by this AD are
intended to prevent failure of the regulator, and consequent reduced
controllability of the airplane.
DATES: Effective December 17, 1997.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of December 17, 1997.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Dornier Deutsche Aerospace, P.O. Box 1103, D-82230
Wessling, Federal Republic of Germany. This information may be examined
at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane
Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington;
or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street,
NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: International Branch, ANM-116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Dornier Model 328-100
series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on March 12,
1997 (62 FR 11386). That action proposed to require modification of the
cable tension regulator on both the left and right elevators by
installing certain parts on the lever arm of the regulator.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 27 Dornier Model 328-100 series airplanes of
U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take
approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required
actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required
parts will be provided by the manufacturer at no cost to the operators.
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is
estimated to be $3,240, or $120 per airplane.
The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that
no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD
action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the
future if this AD were not adopted.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct
effects on the States, on the relationship between the national
government and the States, or
[[Page 60644]]
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order
12612, it is determined that this final rule does not have sufficient
federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism
Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) will not have a
significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial
number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
97-23-10 Dornier: Amendment 39-10198. Docket 96-NM-115-AD.
Applicability: Model 328-100 series airplanes having serial
numbers 3005 through 3045 inclusive; certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified,
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to
address it.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent failure of the cable tension regulator on both the
left and right elevators, and consequent reduced controllability of
the airplane, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, modify
the cable tension regulator on both the left and right elevators by
installing two lateral plates on the lever arm, in accordance with
Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-27-116, dated September 26, 1995.
(b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector,
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.
(c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
(d) The modification shall be done in accordance with Dornier
Service Bulletin SB-328-27-116, dated September 26, 1995. This
incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part
51. Copies may be obtained from Dornier Deutsche Aerospace, P.O. Box
1103, D-82230 Wessling, Federal Republic of Germany. Copies may be
inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in German
airworthiness directive 95-434, dated November 14, 1995.
(e) This amendment becomes effective on December 17, 1997.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 3, 1997.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-29444 Filed 11-10-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
