[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 65 (Monday, April 6, 1998)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 16715-16716]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-8899]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-NM-203-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 installation of two 
reinforcing brackets on the keel beam in the lower shell of the main 
landing gear bay. This proposal is prompted by a report of cracking of 
the keel beam that was discovered during full-scale fatigue testing. 
The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent 
fatigue cracking of the keel beam, which could result in reduced 
structural integrity of the airplane.

DATES: Comments must be received by May 6, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-203-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 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 97-NM-203-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. 97-NM-203-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The FAA has received a report indicating that fatigue cracking of 
the keel beam in the lower shell of the main landing gear bay was 
discovered during full-scale fatigue testing. The cracks had initiated 
at the fastener holes drilled in the keel beam. This condition, if not 
corrected, could result in reduced structural integrity of the 
airplane.

[[Page 16716]]

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Dornier has issued Service Bulletin SB-328-53-156, Revision 2, 
dated December 10, 1996, and Revision 3, dated January 8, 1997, which 
describes procedures for installing two reinforcing brackets on the 
keel beam in the lower shell of the main landing gear bay. 
Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletin is 
intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition. The 
Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA), which is the airworthiness authority for 
Germany, approved this service bulletin.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA has reviewed the installation described previously and has 
determined that implementation of this installation will positively 
address the subject unsafe condition.

U.S. Type Certification of the Airplane

    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.

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 service bulletin described previously.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 29 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 action, and that the 
average labor rate is $60 per work hour. The cost for required parts 
would be minimal. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the 
proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $5,220, 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:

Dronier: Docket 97-NM-203-AD.

    Applicability: Model 328-100 series airplanes, serial numbers 
3005 through 3047 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 (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 fatigue cracking of the keel beam, which could result 
in reduced structural integrity of the airplane, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) Prior to the accumulation of 11,900 total landings, or 
within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs later, install two reinforcing brackets on the keel beam in 
the lower shell of the main landing gear bay in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-53-
156, Revision 2, dated December 10, 1996, or Revision 3, dated 
January 8, 1997.
    (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, 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.

    (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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 31, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-8899 Filed 4-3-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U