[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 193 (Tuesday, October 6, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53553-53555]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-26393]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-NM-173-AD; Amendment 39-10812; AD 98-21-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Dornier Model 328-100 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive
(AD), applicable to all Dornier Model 328-100 series airplanes, that
currently requires repetitive visual inspections for signs of fuel
leakage on the outer wing beginning with Rib 21 and continuing outward;
and corrective action, if necessary. This amendment adds a requirement
for modification of the lower panels of the outer wing area, which
terminates the repetitive inspection requirements. This action also
limits the applicability of the existing AD. 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 fuel leakage on the outboard wing, which could
result in a fuel explosion and fire.
DATES: Effective November 10, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-
57-255, dated January 21, 1998, as listed in the regulations, is
approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of November 10,
1998.
The incorporation by reference of Dornier Alert Service Bulletin
ASB-328-57-020, dated October 28, 1997, was approved previously by the
Director of the Federal Register as of February 25, 1998 (63 FR 6642,
February 10, 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) by superseding AD 98-04-06,
amendment 39-10319 (63 FR 6642, February 10, 1998), which is applicable
to all Dornier Model 328-100 series airplanes, was published in the
Federal Register on August 13, 1998 (63 FR 43347). The action proposed
to continue to require repetitive visual inspections for signs of fuel
leakage of the outer wing beginning with Rib 21 and continuing outward;
and corrective action, if necessary. The action also proposed to add a
requirement for modification of the lower panels of the outer wing
area, which would terminate the repetitive inspection requirements. In
addition, the action proposed to limit the applicability of the
existing AD.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response
[[Page 53554]]
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 50 airplanes of U.S. registry that will be
affected by this AD.
The repetitive inspection that is currently required by AD 98-04-
06, and retained in this AD, takes approximately 2 work hours per
airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour.
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the currently required
inspection on U.S. operators is estimated to be $6,000, or $120 per
airplane, per inspection cycle.
The new modification that is required in this AD action takes
approximately 7 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost
impact of the modification required by this AD on U.S. operators is
estimated to be $21,000, or $420 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 removing amendment 39-10319 (63 FR
6642, February 10, 1998), and by adding a new airworthiness directive
(AD), amendment 39-10812, to read as follows:
98-21-04 Dornier Luftfahrt GMBH: Amendment 39-10812. Docket 98-NM-
173-AD. Supersedes AD 98-04-06, amendment 39-10319.
Applicability: Model 328-100 series airplanes, serial numbers
3005 through 3098 inclusive, excluding serial number 3089;
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)(1)
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 fuel leakage on the outboard wing, which could result
in a fuel explosion and fire, accomplish the following:
Restatement of Requirements of AD 98-04-06
(a) Within 30 days after February 25, 1998 (the effective date
of AD 98-04-06, amendment 39-10319), perform a visual inspection of
the left-and right-hand outer wings, beginning with Rib 21 and
continuing outward, for signs of fuel leakage, in accordance with
Dornier Alert Service Bulletin ASB-328-57-020, dated October 28,
1997. If any sign of fuel leakage is detected, prior to further
flight, re-seal the respective fuel tank in accordance with the
alert service bulletin. Repeat the inspection at intervals not to
exceed 1,500 flight hours or 6 months, whichever occurs first, until
the actions required by paragraph (b) of this AD are accomplished.
New Requirements of this AD
(b) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, drill a
drainhole in the lower panels of the left- and right-hand outer
wings, in accordance with Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-57-255,
dated January 21, 1998. Accomplishment of the requirements of this
paragraph constitutes terminating action for the repetitive
inspections required by paragraph (a) of this AD.
(c)(1) 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.
(2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in
accordance with AD 98-04-06, amendment 39-10319, are approved as
alternative methods of compliance with this AD.
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
Secs. 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-328-57-020, dated October 28, 1997, and Dornier
Service Bulletin SB-328-57-255, dated January 21, 1998.
(1) The incorporation by reference of Dornier Service Bulletin
SB-328-57-255, dated January 21, 1998, is approved by the Director
of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) The incorporation by reference of Dornier Alert Service
Bulletin ASB-328-57-020, dated October 28, 1997, was approved
previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of February
25, 1998 (63 FR 6642, February 10, 1998).
(3) 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 1998-218, dated May 7, 1998.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on November 10, 1998.
[[Page 53555]]
Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 28, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-26393 Filed 10-5-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P