[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 218 (Friday, November 12, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61491-61493]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-29330]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 96-NM-110-AD; Amendment 39-11408; AD 99-23-12]
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 all Dornier Model 328-100 series airplanes, that requires
repetitive inspections to detect damage and discrepancies of various
control cables and certain fairleads/swivel guides for the autopilot,
elevator, rudder, aileron, and engine; and corrective actions, if
necessary. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory
continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness
authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent
failure of the pilot's control cables for the autopilot, elevator,
rudder, aileron, and engine, which could result in reduced
controllability of the airplane.
DATES: Effective December 17, 1999.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of December 17, 1999.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from FAIRCHILD DORNIER, DORNIER Luftfahrt GmbH, P.O. Box 1103,
D-82230 Wessling, 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: Norman B. Martenson, Manager,
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 all Dornier Model 328-100 series
airplanes was published as a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM) in the Federal Register on February 26, 1999 (64 FR 9453). That
action proposed to require repetitive inspections for chafing of
various control cables, and replacement of any chafed cable with a
serviceable cable. That action also proposed to expand the areas to be
inspected to detect damage and discrepancies, and provide for
corrective action, if necessary; add a requirement for repetitive
inspections of certain fairleads/swivel guides to detect damage and
other discrepancies, and corrective action, if necessary; and extend
the compliance time for the initial inspections.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the comments received.
[[Page 61492]]
Request To Extend Inspection Interval
One commenter requests that the proposed AD be revised to require
repetitive inspections at intervals of 3,000 flight hours rather than
1,500 flight hours. The commenter states that its inspection results
normally reveal cable or cable run wear close to limits, but rarely are
any cable strands found to be broken. The commenter states that with
these results, and with the conservatism that the manufacturer has
incorporated into the maintenance manual, a 3,000-flight-hour interval
is justified.
The FAA does not concur. The proposed inspection interval is based
on the manufacturer's review of in-service data. The manufacturer has
advised the FAA that it is assessing the validity of extending the
inspection interval to 3,000 flight hours based on laboratory testing
and additional in-service experience, but does not yet recommend such
an extension. Based on this information, the FAA has determined that
the current inspection interval of 1,500 flight hours is appropriate.
No change is made to the AD.
Modifications Available for Extension of Inspection Interval
One commenter, the manufacturer, advises the FAA that certain
technical solutions are in place that would allow the inspection
interval in the supplemental NPRM to be extended from 1,500 flight
hours to 4,000 flight hours. These technical solutions are provided in
four service bulletins, described below.
Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-76-152, which describes
procedures for modification of the fairleads in the wing/nacelle
firewall.
Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-76-168, which describes
procedures for modification of the mounting brackets of the control
cable pulleys in the pulley box.
Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-27-253, which describes
procedures for installation of improved fairleads at frames 15 and 19.
Honeywell Service Bulletin 4005842-22-3, which describes
procedures for introduction of improved autopilot servo drums.
The commenter states that incorporation of these service bulletins
would allow alignment of the inspection intervals imposed by Dornier
Alert Service Bulletin ASB-328-00-011, Revision 1, dated June 5, 1996,
to each ``C'' check interval of 4,000 flight hours, in accordance with
Dornier's recently revised Maintenance Review Board (MRB) documents.
Dornier Alert Service Bulletin ASB-328-00-011, Revision 1, was cited in
this supplemental NPRM as the appropriate source of service information
for accomplishing the required actions.
The FAA infers that the commenter is requesting that the AD be
revised to allow for an extension of the inspection interval if an
operator chooses to accomplish the modifications in the four service
bulletins previously described. The FAA does not concur. The commenter
did not provide substantiating data to indicate that accomplishment of
the modifications constitutes an acceptable method that would allow
extension of the inspection interval. Dornier has since advised the FAA
that Service Bulletin ASB-328-00-011 is in the process of revision to
reference the modifications and provide details of the interval
extension. Since the service bulletin revision is not currently
available, the FAA does not consider it appropriate to further delay
issuance of this final rule while awaiting information regarding the
acceptability of the modifications as a means of extending the
inspection intervals. However, once such a method is available and
approved, operators may request approval of an alternative method of
compliance to allow accomplishment of the modifications as a method
that would allow extension of the inspection intervals required by this
AD.
Request To Include Terminating Action
The same commenter advises the FAA of technical solutions currently
under development that would provide terminating action to the
requirements of the supplemental NPRM. Three new Dornier Service
Bulletins, SB-328-27-290, SB-328-27-291, and SB-328-27-292, when
issued, will describe procedures for further improvements to prevent
autopilot cable chafing. The commenter requests an additional 60 days
to submit the related technical data for consideration to be included
in the final rule. Including these actions in the AD would provide a
terminating action for operators and would eliminate the need for
future AD revisions.
The FAA does not concur. At the time the comment was submitted, the
commenter expected that these service bulletins would be issued by June
1999. After further discussions with Dornier, the FAA has been advised
that the three new service bulletins have not yet been issued. Due to
problems with availability of materials, the estimated date of issuance
for the service bulletins is now December 1999. In light of this
information, the FAA does not consider it appropriate to further delay
issuance of the final rule. Once these service bulletins are available
and approved, operators may request approval of an alternative method
of compliance to allow accomplishment of the modifications as a
terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements of this
AD. No change is made to the final rule.
Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, including the comments
noted above, 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 51 airplanes of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 6 work hours per
airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor
rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of
the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $18,360, or $360 per
airplane, per inspection cycle.
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 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.
[[Page 61493]]
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:
99-23-12 Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH: Amendment 39-11408. Docket 96-NM-
110-AD.
Applicability: All Model 328-100 series airplanes, certificated
in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
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 (c) 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 pilot's control cables for the
autopilot, elevator, rudder, aileron, and engine, which could result
in reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the
following:
Inspections and Corrective Actions
(a) Prior to the accumulation of 3,000 total flight hours, or
within 200 flight hours after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later: Perform detailed visual inspections to
detect damage (extensive wear and broken wires) and discrepancies
(incorrect installation and misalignment) of the control cables and
fairleads/swivel guides for the autopilot, elevator, rudder,
aileron, and engine; as applicable; in accordance with Dornier Alert
Service Bulletin ASB-328-00-011, Revision 1, dated June 5, 1996.
Repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,500
flight hours.
(1) If any damage is found that exceeds the limits specified in
the alert service bulletin, prior to further flight, replace the
damaged cable with a new or serviceable cable, in accordance with
the alert service bulletin.
(2) If any discrepancy is found, prior to further flight,
perform applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the alert
service bulletin.
Tension Adjustment of Control Cables
(b) Concurrent with the initial inspection required by paragraph
(a) of this AD, perform a one-time adjustment of the tension in the
autopilot control cables, in accordance with Dornier Alert Service
Bulletin ASB-328-00-011, Revision 1, dated June 5, 1996.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(c) 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.
Special Flight Permits
(d) 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.
Incorporation by Reference
(e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Dornier Alert
Service Bulletin ASB-328-00-011, Revision 1, dated June 5, 1996.
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 FAIRCHILD DORNIER, DORNIER Luftfahrt
GmbH, P.O. Box 1103, D-82230 Wessling, 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 96-001/2, dated August 15, 1996.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on December 17, 1999.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 3, 1999.
D.L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-29330 Filed 11-10-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
