2011-17703. Airworthiness Directives; 328 Support Services GmbH (Type Certificate Previously Held by AvCraft Aerospace GmbH; Fairchild Dornier GmbH; Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH) Model 328-100 and -300 Airplanes

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT).

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

During maintenance, it has been discovered that at the installation of the fixation brackets for rudder spring tabs and trim tabs an incorrect installation of the fixation brackets may have occurred. * * *

If the orientation of the fixation bracket is reversed or upside down the screws may not reach into the helicoil thread to a sufficient depth.

An incorrect installation, if not detected and corrected, could lead to an in-flight failure of the fixation brackets for rudder spring tabs and trim tabs resulting in and reduced control of the aeroplane.

* * * * *

We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES:

This AD becomes effective August 22, 2011.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 22, 2011.

ADDRESSES:

You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone [phone]; fax [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on April 8, 2011 (76 FR 19721). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

During maintenance, it has been discovered that at the installation of the fixation brackets for rudder spring tabs and trim tabs an incorrect installation of the fixation brackets may have occurred. It is possible that the fixation bracket assembly may be incorrectly orientated and as a result the position of the helicoil inserts on the fixation bracket may be incorrect.

If the orientation of the fixation bracket is reversed or upside down the screws may not reach into the helicoil thread to a sufficient depth.

An incorrect installation, if not detected and corrected, could lead to an in-flight failure of the fixation brackets for rudder spring tabs and trim tabs resulting in and reduced control of the aeroplane.

To address this potential unsafe condition, the TC [type certificate] holder has developed a one-time inspection to detect and correct any incorrect installations of the fixation brackets for rudder spring tabs and trim tabs.

For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-time [detailed] inspection of all rudder trim- and spring tab fixation brackets, the correction of any parts that are incorrectly installed and the reporting of all findings to the TC holder. This [EASA] AD is considered to be an interim action and an improved design bracket attachment is expected to be developed.

The detailed inspection includes determining if the helicoil inserts of the rudder trim tab and spring tab fixation brackets are correctly oriented and are facing the fitting surface, and if not, inspecting the fittings and helicoil inserts for correct installation. The corrective actions include re-orienting the fittings and helicoil inserts, and replacing the fitting with a serviceable one. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Comments

We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information provided in the MCAI and related service information.

We might also have required different actions in this AD from those in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences are highlighted in a Note within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this AD will affect about 55 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 2 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. operators to be $9,350, or $170 per product.

Authority for This Rulemaking

Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. “Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,” describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.

We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in “Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.” Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD:

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. 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.

We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov;​; or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone [phone]) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

• Air transportation
• Aircraft
• Aviation safety
• Incorporation by reference
• Safety

Adoption of the Amendment

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 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. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2011-15-07 328 Support Services GmbH (Type Certificate Previously Held by AvCraft Aerospace GmbH; Fairchild Dornier GmbH; Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH): Amendment 39-16754. Docket No. FAA-2011-0308; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-233-AD.

Effective Date

(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective August 22, 2011.

Affected ADs

(b) None.

Applicability

(c) This AD applies to 328 Support Services GmbH (Type Certificate previously held by AvCraft Aerospace GmbH; Fairchild Dornier GmbH; Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH) Model 328-100 and -300 airplanes, certificated in any category, all serial numbers.

Subject

(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 55: Stabilizers.

Reason

(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states:

During maintenance, it has been discovered that at the installation of the fixation brackets for rudder spring tabs and trim tabs an incorrect installation of the fixation brackets may have occurred. * * *

If the orientation of the fixation bracket is reversed or upside down the screws may not reach into the helicoil thread to a sufficient depth.

An incorrect installation, if not detected and corrected, could lead to an in-flight failure of the fixation brackets for rudder spring tabs and trim tabs resulting in and reduced control of the aeroplane.

* * * * *

Compliance

(f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.

Inspection

(g) Within 400 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, do a detailed inspection to determine if the fixation brackets for the rudder spring tabs and trim tabs are installed correctly, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 328 Support Services Service Bulletin SB-328-55-493, dated April 21, 2010 (for Model 328-100 airplanes); or SB-328J-55-245, dated April 21, 2010 (for Model 328-300 airplanes).

Corrective Action

(h) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, any incorrect installation of the fixation brackets for rudder spring tabs and trim tabs is detected, before further flight, correct the installation of the fixation brackets for rudder spring tabs and trim tabs, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 328 Support Services Service Bulletin SB-328-55-493, dated April 21, 2010 (for Model 328-100 airplanes); or SB-328J-55-245, dated April 21, 2010 (for Model 328-300 airplanes).

Reporting

(i) Within 30 days after the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, or within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Send the inspection report to 328 Support Services GmbH by using the Compliance Report attached to 328 Support Services Service Bulletin SB-328-55-493, dated April 21, 2010 (for Model 328-100 airplanes); or SB-328J-55-245, dated April 21, 2010 (for Model 328-300 airplanes). Send the report by mail or fax to: Attention: Dept. C, 328 Support Services GmbH, Customer Services, P.O. Box 1252, D-82231 Wessling, Federal Republic of Germany; fax [phone]-6565.

FAA AD Differences

Note 1:

This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

(j) The following provisions also apply to this AD:

(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone [phone]; fax [phone]. Information may be e-mailed to: [e-mail]. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.

(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service.

(3) Reporting Requirements: A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

Related Information

(k) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness Directive 2010-0134, dated June 30, 2010; and 328 Support Services Service Bulletins SB-328-55-493 and SB-328J-55-245, both dated April 21, 2010; for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

(l) You must use 328 Support Services Service Bulletin SB-328-55-493, dated April 21, 2010, including Compliance Report; or 328 Support Services Service Bulletin SB-328J-55-245, dated April 21, 2010, including Compliance Report; as applicable; to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. Only the even pages of these documents include the document date. The compliance reports attached to these documents do not contain document numbers, revision levels, or dates.

(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.

(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 328 Support Services GmbH, Global Support Center, P.O. Box 1252, D-82231 Wessling, Federal Republic of Germany; telephone [phone]; fax [phone]; e-mail [e-mail]; Internet http://www.328support.de.

(3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

(4) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/​federal_​register/​code_​of_​federal_​regulations/​ibr_​locations.html.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 6, 2011.

Kalene C. Yanamura,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.