[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 7 (Monday, January 12, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1735-1736]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-209]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 97-NM-113-AD; Amendment 39-10274; AD 98-01-11]
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 certain Dornier Model 328-100 series airplanes, that
requires replacement of certain electrical terminals with new
electrical terminals. This amendment is prompted by the issuance of
mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil
airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended
to prevent loose electrical connections from causing an increase in
electrical resistance, which could result in overheating at the
electrical terminals and consequent smoke/fire in the airplane
passenger cabin.
DATES: Effective February 17, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of February 17, 1998.
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,
[[Page 1736]]
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 certain Dornier Model 328-100
series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on November 7,
1997 (62 FR 60188). That action proposed to require replacement of
certain electrical terminals with new electrical terminals.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the two comments received.
Both commenters support the proposed 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 7 Model 328-100 series airplanes of U.S.
registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 2
work hours per airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that
the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will be
provided by the manufacturer at no cost to operators. Based on these
figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be
$840, or $120 per airplane.
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.
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:
98-01-11 Dornier: Amendment 39-10274. Docket 97-NM-113-AD.
Applicability: Model 328-100 series airplanes, serial numbers
3005 through 3015 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
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 loose electrical connections from causing an
increase in electrical resistance, which could result in overheating
at the electrical terminals and consequent smoke/fire in the
airplane passenger cabin, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 100 flight hours after the effective date of this AD,
replace the electrical terminals in the passenger cabin with new
electrical terminals, in accordance with Dornier Service Bulletin
SB-328-24-188, dated September 11, 1996.
(b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install
an electrical terminal having part number 001A903A8010002,
001A903A8020002, or 001A903A8030002 on any airplane.
(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.
(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.
(e) The replacement shall be done in accordance with Dornier
Service Bulletin SB-328-24-188, dated September 11, 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 96-291, dated November 7, 1996.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on February 17, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 30, 1997.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-209 Filed 1-9-98; 8:45 am]
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