01-10592. Airworthiness Directives; Dornier Model 328-300 Series Airplanes Equipped with Motive Flow Check Valves Having Part Number 106-0007-01

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule; request for comments.

SUMMARY:

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Dornier Model 328-300 series airplanes. This action requires repetitive inspections of motive flow check valves and adjacent parts for fuel leaks, and replacement of the valves, if leaks are detected. This action is necessary to prevent leakage of fuel from the motive flow check valves, which could result in fuel vapors coming into contact with fuel ignition sources. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES:

Effective May 15, 2001.

The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of May 15, 2001.

Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or before May 30, 2001.

ADDRESSES:

Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NM-45-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to [phone]. Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: [e-mail]. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must contain “Docket No. 2001-NM-45-AD” in the subject line and need not be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or ASCII text.

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 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone [phone]; fax [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA), which is the airworthiness authority for Germany, recently notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Dornier Model 328-300 series airplanes. The LBA advises that three incidents have been reported of cracks on the motive flow check valves, which have resulted in leakage of fuel. The cause of the cracking is not yet known. This condition, if not corrected, could result in fuel vapors coming into contact with fuel ignition sources.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

Dornier has issued Alert Service Bulletin ASB 328J-28-007, dated September 20, 2000, which describes procedures for an initial general visual inspection of the lower inboard leading edge/pylon area and the pylon drain tube for signs of fuel droplets or fuel staining. The alert service bulletin also describes procedures for repetitive general visual inspections around the motive flow check valve for fuel leaks, and replacement of the valves with new valves, if leaks are detected. The LBA classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued German airworthiness directive 2001-058, dated March 8, 2001, in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Germany.

FAA's Conclusions

This airplane model is manufactured in Germany and is type certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of § 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the LBA has kept the FAA informed of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the LBA, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for operation in the United States.

Explanation of Requirements of Rule

Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered in the United States, this AD is being issued to prevent leakage of fuel from the motive flow check valves, which could result in fuel vapors coming into contact with fuel ignition sources. This AD requires accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletin described previously.

Interim Action

This is considered to be interim action until final action is identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All communications received on or before the closing date for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be needed.

Submit comments using the following format:

• Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a request to change the compliance time and a request to change the service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
• For each issue, state what specific change to the AD is being requested.
• Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each request.

Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.

Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: “Comments to Docket Number 2001-NM-45-AD.” The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

The regulations adopted herein will not have a substantial direct effect 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, it is determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.

The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in aircraft, and that it is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, 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.

§ 39.13

[Amended]

2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2001-09-04 Dornier Luftfahrt GMBH: Amendment 39-12209. Docket 2001-NM-45-AD.

Applicability: Model 328-300 series airplanes, certificated in any category, equipped with a motive flow check valve which has part number (P/N) 106-0007-01.

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 (d) 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 leakage of fuel from the motive flow check valve, which could result in fuel vapors coming into contact with fuel ignition sources, accomplish the following:

Initial Inspection

(a) Prior to the accumulation of 800 total flight cycles on the motive flow check valve P/N 106-0007-01, or within 3 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Perform a general visual inspection of the lower inboard leading edge/pylon area and the pylon drain tube to detect fuel droplets or fuel staining, in accordance with paragraph 2.B of the Accomplishment Instructions of Dornier Alert Service Bulletin ASB 328J-28-007, dated September 20, 2000. If any fuel droplet or fuel staining is detected, prior to further flight, perform an additional inspection and operational test, in accordance with paragraphs 2.C and 2.D of the Accomplishment Instructions of Dornier Alert Service Bulletin ASB 328J-28-007, dated September 20, 2000.

Note 2:

For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is defined as: “A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or drop-light, and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.”

Repetitive Inspections

(b) Within 15 days or 60 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Perform a general visual inspection of the motive flow check valve to detect fuel leaks, in accordance with paragraph 2.C of the Accomplishment Instructions of Dornier Alert Service Bulletin ASB 328J-28-007, dated September 20, 2000.

(1) If no fuel leaks are detected, repeat the general visual inspection of the motive flow check valve at least every 15 days or 60 flight hours, whichever occurs first.

(2) If any fuel leak is detected, prior to further flight, replace the motive flow fuel valve with a new valve, in accordance with the alert service bulletin. After the new valve has accumulated 800 flight cycles, do the general visual inspection of the valve required by paragraph (b) of this AD, including the repetitive inspection, at least every 15 days or 60 flight hours, whichever occurs first.

(c) Within 400 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: Perform an engine operational test and a general visual inspection of the motive flow check valve to detect a fuel leak, in accordance with paragraphs 2.C and 2.D of the Accomplishment Instructions of Dornier Alert Service Bulletin ASB 328J-28-007, dated September 20, 2000.

(1) If no fuel leaks are detected, repeat the engine operational test and the general visual inspection of the motive flow check valve at least every 400 flight hours.

(2) If any fuel leak is detected, prior to further flight, replace the motive flow fuel valve with a new valve, in accordance with the alert service bulletin. After the new valve has accumulated 800 flight cycles, do the general visual inspection of the valve required by paragraph (c) of this AD, including the repetitive inspections, at least every 400 flight hours.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

(d) 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, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA. 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 3:

Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

Incorporation by Reference

(e) The actions must be done in accordance with Dornier Alert Service Bulletin ASB 328J-28-007, dated September 20, 2000. 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 4:

The subject of this AD is addressed in German airworthiness directive 2001-058, dated March 8, 2001.

Effective Date

(f) This amendment becomes effective on May 15, 2001.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 23, 2001.

Donald L. Riggin,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.