[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 161 (Friday, August 20, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 45468-45470]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-21692]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 99-NM-01-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Dornier Model 328-100 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness
directive.
(AD) that is applicable to all Dornier Model 328-100 series
airplanes. This proposal would require repetitive inspections of the
left and right roll spoiler actuators to check for signs of leakage and
deformation of the housing, repetitive inspections of the gap between
the left roll spoiler actuator housing cap and the actuator housing,
repetitive torque checks of the left roll spoiler actuator housing cap
attachment screws, and corrective action, if necessary. This proposal
is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness
information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions
specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent oil leakage from
the roll spoiler actuators, which could result in incorrect roll
spoiler operation and reduced controllability of the airplane.
DATES: Comments must be received by September 20, 1999.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-01-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.
The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be
obtained from Fairchild Dornier, Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH, P.O. Box 1103,
D-82230 Wessling, Germany. This information
[[Page 45469]]
may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington.
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:
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the
proposed 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 above. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments,
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the
proposed rule.
The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in light of
the comments received.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 99-NM-01-AD.''
The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.
Availability of NPRMs
Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules
Docket No. 99-NM-01-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055-4056.
Discussion
The Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA), which is the airworthiness authority
for Germany, notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on all
Dornier Model 328-100 series airplanes. The LBA advises that a fluid
leakage from the roll spoiler actuator housing was found. Investigation
showed that the existing design allowed the piston of the double
shuttle valve to temporarily remain in the middle position, allowing
high pressure to reach the low pressure side of the actuator. This
resulted in deformation of the actuator housing cap and subsequent oil
loss. This condition, if not corrected, could result in incorrect roll
spoiler operation and reduced controllability of the airplane.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
Dornier has issued Alert Service Bulletin ASB-328-27-025, dated
October 16, 1998, which describes procedures for repetitive detailed
inspections of the left and right roll spoiler actuators for signs of
leakage and deformation of the housing, repetitive inspections to
detect a gap between the left roll spoiler actuator housing cap and the
actuator housing, and repetitive torque checks of the left roll spoiler
actuator housing cap attachment screws. The alert service bulletin also
describes procedures for the replacement of the actuators and the
double shuttle valves, if a gap or oil leakage is detected, if the cap
surface is not flat, or if the torque of the attachment screws is less
than 1 newton meter (8.85 lb-in).
Both the left and right roll spoiler actuators are connected to the
same double shuttle valve and experience the same hydraulic pressure.
The left roll spoiler actuator is inspected more thoroughly, with the
gap inspection and torque check, because it is more accessible than the
right roll spoiler actuator. Removal of the right roll spoiler actuator
from the airplane would be necessary to accomplish all inspection
actions. In the event any discrepancy is noted on the left roll spoiler
actuator requiring its replacement, the removal and complete inspection
of the right roll spoiler actuator becomes necessary.
Accomplishment of the actions specified in the alert service
bulletin is intended to adequately address the identified unsafe
condition. The LBA classified this alert service bulletin as mandatory
and issued LBA airworthiness directive 1998-479, dated December 17,
1998, 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
section 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 Proposed 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, the proposed AD would require accomplishment of
the actions specified in the alert service bulletin described
previously.
This is considered to be interim action. The manufacturer has
advised that it currently is developing a modification that will
positively address the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. Once this
modification is developed, approved, and available, the FAA may
consider additional rulemaking.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 50 airplanes of U.S. registry would be
affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 3 work
hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed actions, and that the
average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the
cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be
$9,000, or $180 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that
no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed 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 proposed herein would 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
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed
regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
and (3) if promulgated, will not have a significant economic impact,
positive or negative,
[[Page 45470]]
on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the
Regulatory Flexibility Act. A copy of the draft regulatory evaluation
prepared for this action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it
may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided
under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend
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:
Dornier Luftfahrt GMBH: Docket 99-NM-01-AD.
Applicability: All Dornier 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 (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 oil leakage from the roll spoiler actuators, which
could result in incorrect roll spoiler operation and reduced
controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 14 days after the effective date of this AD,
accomplish the requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this
AD on the left and right roll spoiler actuators, in accordance with
Dornier Alert Service Bulletin ASB-328-27-025, dated October 16,
1998. Thereafter, repeat the inspections required by paragraphs
(a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 330 flight
hours.
(1) Perform a detailed inspection to detect leakage of the area
around the actuator cap and housing of the roll spoiler actuators.
If leakage is found, prior to further flight, replace the actuator
and the double shuttle valve with new or serviceable parts.
(2) Perform a detailed inspection to detect flatness of the
surface of the cap of the roll spoiler actuators. If the cap surface
is not flat, prior to further flight, replace the actuator and the
double shuttle valve with new or serviceable parts.
Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is
defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a specific
structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage,
failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally
supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity
deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror,
magnifying lenses, etc. may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate
access procedures may be required.''
(b) Within 14 days after the effective date of this AD,
accomplish the requirements of paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this
AD on the left roll spoiler actuator, in accordance with Dornier
Alert Service Bulletin ASB-328-27-025, dated October 16, 1998.
Thereafter, repeat the inspections required by paragraphs (b)(1) and
(b)(2) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 330 flight hours.
(1) Perform a detailed inspection to detect a gap between the
cap of the roll spoiler actuator and the actuator housing. If any
gap exists, prior to further flight, replace the actuator and the
double shuttle valve with new or serviceable parts.
(2) Perform a torque check of the housing cap attachment screws.
If the torque is within the limits specified by the service
bulletin, prior to further flight, torque the screws to 17.7 lb-in,
in accordance with the alert service bulletin. If the torque is
outside the limits specified by the service bulletin, prior to
further flight, replace the left roll spoiler actuator and double
shuttle valve with new or serviceable parts, in accordance with the
alert service bulletin.
(c) If any left roll spoiler actuator is replaced during any
inspection required by paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD, prior
to further flight, accomplish the requirements of (b)(1) and (b)(2)
for the right roll spoiler actuator.
Alternate 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, 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 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.
Special Flight Permits
(e) 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.
Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in LBA airworthiness
directive 1998-479, dated December 17, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 16, 1999.
D. L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-21692 Filed 8-19-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
