[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 60 (Monday, March 30, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 15078-15079]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-8130]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-NM-108-AD; Amendment 39-10422; AD 98-07-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Dornier Model 328-100 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Dornier Model 328-100 series airplanes, that 
requires a one-time inspection for discrepancies of certain engine 
control cables, and replacement of the cables with new or serviceable 
control cables, if necessary. It also requires modification of the 
cable fairleads on the nose rib firewall. Additionally, this amendment 
requires modification of the mounting brackets of the control cable 
pulleys in the pulley box. This amendment is prompted by issuance of 
mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil 
airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended 
to prevent chafing of engine control cables, which could cause the 
cables to break and result in loss of engine control and consequent 
reduced controllability of the airplane.

DATES: Effective May 4, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of May 4, 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, 
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 January 22, 
1998 (63 FR 3270). That action proposed to require a one-time 
inspection for discrepancies of certain engine control cables, and 
replacement of the cables with new or serviceable control cables, if 
necessary. That action also proposed to require modification of the 
cable fairleads on the nose rib firewall. Additionally, that action 
proposed to require modification of the mounting brackets of the 
control cable pulleys in the pulley box.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the single comment received.
    The commenter supports the proposed rule.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comment 
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 59 Dornier Model 328-100 series airplanes of 
U.S. registry will be affected by this AD.
    The actions specified in Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-76-152 
will be required to be accomplished on 56 Dornier Model 328-100 series 
airplanes of U.S. registry. It will take approximately 4 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the required actions, at an average labor rate 
of $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 this action on the 56 affected U.S.-registered airplanes is 
estimated to be $13,440, or $240 per airplane.
    The actions specified in Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-76-168 
will be required to be accomplished on 29 Dornier Model 328-100 series 
airplanes of U.S. registry. It will take approximately 12 work hours 
per airplane to accomplish the required actions, at an average labor 
rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will be

[[Page 15079]]

provided by the manufacturer at no cost to operators. Based on these 
figures, the cost impact of this action on the 29 affected U.S.-
registered airplanes is estimated to be $20,880, or $720 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are 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: 98-07-04 DORNIER: Amendment 39-10422. Docket 
97-NM-108-AD.
    Applicability: Model 328-100 series airplanes; as listed in 
Dornier Service Bulletins SB-328-76-152 and SB-328-76-168, both 
dated May 6, 1996; 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 chafing of engine control cables, which could cause 
the control cables to break and result in loss of engine control and 
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, perform 
a one-time inspection to detect chafing or discrepancies of the 
engine control cables in the areas of the cable fairleads on the 
nose rib firewall, and the cable fairleads in the fuselage; in 
accordance with Dornier Service Bulletins SB-328-76-152 and SB-328-
76-168, both dated May 6, 1996; respectively. If any discrepancy or 
chafing is found, prior to further flight, replace the damaged 
cables with new or serviceable cables in accordance with the 
applicable service bulletin.
    (b) For airplanes listed in Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-76-
152, dated May 6, 1996: Prior to further flight following the 
inspection required in paragraph (a) of this AD, modify the cable 
fairleads on the nose rib firewall in accordance with the service 
bulletin.
    (c) For airplanes listed in Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-76-
168, dated May 6, 1996: Prior to further flight following the 
inspection required in paragraph (a) of this AD, modify the mounting 
brackets of the control cable pulleys in the pulley box in 
accordance with the service bulletin.
    (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 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.

    (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.
    (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with Dornier Service 
Bulletin SB-328-76-152, dated May 6, 1996, and Dornier Service 
Bulletin SB-328-76-168, dated May 6, 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 directives 96-288 and 96-290, both dated October 10, 
1996.

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on May 4, 1998.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 23, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-8130 Filed 3-27-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P