[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 183 (Tuesday, September 22, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50505-50506]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-25150]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-NM-96-AD; Amendment 39-10790; AD 98-20-24]
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 a one-time inspection of direct current (DC) power unit 1VE to
determine whether electrical connections are correctly installed and
stud nuts are correctly torqued, and corrective actions, if necessary.
For certain airplanes, this amendment also requires replacement of the
existing DC power unit 1VE with a modified DC power unit. 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 overheating of electrical
connections, which could result in electrical arcing and consequent
fire.
DATES: Effective October 27, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of October 27, 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 July 7, 1998
(63 FR 36624). That action proposed to require a one-time inspection of
the direct current (DC) power unit 1VE to determine whether electrical
connections are correctly installed and stud nuts are correctly
torqued, and corrective actions, if necessary. For certain airplanes,
that action also proposed to require replacement of the existing DC
power unit 1VE with a modified DC power unit.
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, the manufacturer, requests that the FAA withdraw the
proposed rule. The commenter submits data reflecting the compliance
status of all affected airplanes, which indicate that all U.S.-
registered airplanes are in compliance with the proposed requirements
of the AD.
The FAA does not concur with the commenter's request to withdraw
the proposed AD. The data submitted by the commenter indicate that some
airplanes of foreign registry do not comply with the requirements of
the AD. If any airplane of foreign registry were to be placed on the
U.S. Register in the future, that airplane would be required to be in
compliance with the inspections and modifications specified in this AD.
Issuance of this AD is the appropriate vehicle to ensure that the
required inspection and modification are accomplished on such an
airplane prior to entry into the U.S.
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 50 Dornier Model 328-100 series airplanes of
U.S. registry will be affected by this AD.
It will take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish
the required inspection, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour.
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the required inspection on
U.S. operators is estimated to be $3,000, or $60 per airplane.
It will take approximately 4 work hours per airplane to accomplish
the required replacement, 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 the required
replacement on U.S. operators is estimated to be $12,000, or $240 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
[[Page 50506]]
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:
98-20-24 Dornier Luftfahrt GMBH: Amendment 39-10790. Docket 98-NM-
96-AD.
Applicability: Model 328-100 series airplanes, as listed in
Dornier Alert Service Bulletin ASB-328-24-021, dated November 25,
1997; or Dornier Alert Service Bulletin ASB-328-24-018, dated August
5, 1997; 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 overheating of electrical connections, which could
result in electrical arcing and consequent fire, accomplish the
following:
(a) For airplanes listed in Dornier Alert Service Bulletin ASB-
328-24-018, dated August 5, 1997: Within 10 days after the effective
date of this AD, perform the actions required by paragraphs (a)(1)
and (a)(2) of this AD, in accordance with Dornier Alert Service
Bulletin ASB-328-24-018, dated August 5, 1997.
(1) Perform a one-time visual inspection of direct current (DC)
power unit 1VE to determine whether electrical connections are
installed correctly, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of the alert service bulletin. If any discrepancy is
detected, prior to further flight, install the connections in
accordance with Figure 1 of the alert service bulletin.
(2) Perform a one-time torque inspection of the stud nuts of DC
power unit 1VE to determine whether they are torqued correctly, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service
bulletin. If any discrepancy is found, prior to further flight,
torque in accordance with Table 1 of the alert service bulletin.
(b) For airplanes listed in Dornier Alert Service Bulletin ASB-
328-24-021, dated November 25, 1997: Within 10 days after the
effective date of this AD, replace the existing DC power unit 1VE
with a modified DC power unit, in accordance with Dornier Alert
Service Bulletin ASB-328-24-021, dated November 25, 1997.
Note 2: Dornier Alert Service Bulletin 328-24-021, dated
November 25, 1997, refers to l'Equipement et la Construction
Electrique Alert Service Bulletin ASB 230GC02Y-24-001, dated
November 24, 1997, as an additional source of service information
for accomplishing the modification of the DC power unit.
(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 3: 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 actions shall be done in accordance with Dornier Alert
Service Bulletin ASB-328-24-018, dated August 5, 1997, or Dornier
Alert Service Bulletin ASB-328-24-021, dated November 25, 1997, as
applicable. 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 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in German
airworthiness directive 97-322, dated November 20, 1997; and German
airworthiness directive 97-354, dated December 18, 1997.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on October 27, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 15, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-25150 Filed 9-21-98; 8:45 am]
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