97-25417. Airworthiness Directives; Dornier Model 328-100 Series Airplanes  

  • [Federal Register Volume 62, Number 186 (Thursday, September 25, 1997)]
    [Proposed Rules]
    [Pages 50264-50266]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 97-25417]
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    
    Federal Aviation Administration
    
    14 CFR Part 39
    
    [Docket No. 97-NM-110-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 certain Dornier Model 328-100 
    series airplanes. This proposal would require a one-time inspection to 
    determine if the rigging bushings in the rudder control system protrude 
    above the surface of the flange in which they are installed, and 
    replacement of any discrepant bushing with a new bushing. This proposal 
    is prompted by the issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness 
    information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions 
    specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent jamming in the 
    rudder control system, and consequent reduced controllability of the 
    airplane.
    
    DATES: Comments must be received by October 21, 1997.
    
    ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
    Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
    Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-110-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 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.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Connie Beane, Aerospace Engineer,
    
    [[Page 50265]]
    
    Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
    1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
    227-2796; 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 97-NM-110-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-103, Attention: Rules 
    Docket No. 97-NM-110-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 
    certain Dornier Model 328-100 series airplanes. The LBA advises that it 
    received a report indicating that, during routine inspection, a rigging 
    bushing in the rudder control system was found to protrude above the 
    surface of the flange on which it was installed. This condition, if not 
    corrected, could result in jamming in the rudder control system, and 
    consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.
    
    Explanation of Relevant Service Information
    
        Dornier has issued Alert Service Bulletin ASB-328-27-003, dated 
    July 13, 1994, which describes procedures for performing a one-time 
    visual inspection to determine if the rigging bushings in the rudder 
    control system protrude above the surface of the flange in which they 
    are installed, and replacement of any discrepant rigging bushing with a 
    new bushing. 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 German airworthiness directive 96-176, dated June 
    6, 1996, 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.
    
    Cost Impact
    
        The FAA estimates that 7 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 
    $1,260, or $180 per airplane.
        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, 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: Docket 97-NM-110-AD.
    
        Applicability: Model 328-100 airplanes, serial numbers 3005 
    through 3014 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
    
    [[Page 50266]]
    
    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 jamming in the rudder control system, and consequent 
    reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:
        (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform 
    a one-time visual inspection to determine if the rigging bushings of 
    the rudder control system protrude above the surface of the flange 
    in which they are installed, in accordance with Dornier Alert 
    Service Bulletin ASB-328-27-003, dated July 13, 1994. If any bushing 
    protrudes by any amount above the surface of the flange, prior to 
    further flight, replace the bushing with a new bushing, in 
    accordance with the alert service bulletin.
        (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, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, 
    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, 
    Standardization Branch, ANM-113.
    
        Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
    alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
    obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.
    
        (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.
    
        Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in German 
    airworthiness directive 96-176, dated June 6, 1996.
    
        Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 19, 1997.
    Vi L. Lipski,
    Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
    Service.
    [FR Doc. 97-25417 Filed 9-24-97; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
09/25/1997
Department:
Federal Aviation Administration
Entry Type:
Proposed Rule
Action:
Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Document Number:
97-25417
Dates:
Comments must be received by October 21, 1997.
Pages:
50264-50266 (3 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 97-NM-110-AD
RINs:
2120-AA64: Airworthiness Directives
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/2120-AA64/airworthiness-directives
PDF File:
97-25417.pdf
CFR: (1)
14 CFR 39.13