[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 5 (Wednesday, January 8, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 999-1001]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-151]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NM-77-AD; Amendment 39-13010; AD 2002-26-21]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Dornier Model 328-100 and -300 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 and -300 series airplanes, 
that requires inspecting the electrical wire harness next to the fuel 
line at the left electric fuel pump for signs of chafing; securing the 
electrical wire harness to the fuel line using ty-rap; and taking 
corrective actions, if necessary. This action is necessary to prevent 
damage to the electrical wire harness, which could

[[Page 1000]]

result in electrical arcing and an increased potential for fire or 
explosion. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe 
condition.

DATES: Effective February 12, 2003.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of February 12, 2003.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from FAIRCHILD DORNIER, DORNIER Luftfahrt GmbH, PO 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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2125; 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 and 
-300 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on 
September 13, 2002 (67 FR 57984). That action proposed to require 
inspecting the electrical wire harness next to the fuel line at the 
left electric fuel pump for signs of chafing; securing the electrical 
wire harness to the fuel line using ty-rap; and taking corrective 
actions, if necessary.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
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

    The FAA estimates that 100 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 1 work hour per 
airplane to accomplish the required inspection and securing of the 
electrical wire harness, and that the average labor rate is $60 per 
work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $6,000, or $60 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. The cost impact figures discussed 
in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform 
the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures 
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to 
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other 
administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will not have a substantial direct 
effect 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, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    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:

2002-26-21 Dornier Luftfahrt GMBH: Amendment 39-13010. Docket 2002-
NM-77-AD.

    Applicability: Model 328-100 series airplanes, as listed in 
Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-24-391, dated September 11, 2001; 
and Model 328-300 series airplanes, as listed in Dornier Service 
Bulletin SB-328J-24-120, dated September 12, 2001; 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 damage to the electrical wire harness, made up of 
wiring and a protective sleeve, which could result in electrical 
arcing and an increased potential for fire or explosion, accomplish 
the following:

Inspection

    (a) Within 400 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
do a one-time general visual inspection to detect chafing damage to 
the electrical wire harness, made up of wiring and a protective 
sleeve, next to the fuel line at the left electric fuel pump; per 
Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-24-391, dated September 11, 2001 
(for Model 328-100 series airplanes); or Dornier Service Bulletin 
SB-328J-24-120, dated September 12, 2001 (for Model 328-300 series 
airplanes); as applicable.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is defined as: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior 
area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, 
or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within 
touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be 
necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the 
inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally 
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, 
flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of 
access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be 
required to gain proximity to the area being checked.''

No Chafing: Secure the Electrical Wire Harness

    (b) If no chafing damage to the electrical wire harness, made up 
of wiring and a protective sleeve, is detected during the

[[Page 1001]]

inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, before further 
flight, secure the electrical wire harness to the fuel line using 
ty-rap, per Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-24-391, dated September 
11, 2001 (for Model 328-100 series airplanes); or Dornier Service 
Bulletin SB-328J-24-120, dated September 12, 2001 (for Model 328-300 
series airplanes); as applicable.

Chafing: Corrective Action(s) and Secure the Electrical Wire Harness

    (c) If any chafing damage to the electrical wire harness, made 
up of wiring and a protective sleeve, is detected during the 
inspection required byparagraph (a) of this AD, before further 
flight, do the action(s) specified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) 
of this AD, as applicable, and paragraph (c)(3) of this AD, per 
Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-24-391, dated September 11, 2001 
(for Model 328-100 series airplanes); or Dornier Service Bulletin 
SB-328J-24-120, dated September 12, 2001 (for Model 328-300 series 
airplanes); as applicable.
    (1) For any damaged protective sleeve: Repair or replace the 
protective sleeve, per the applicable service bulletin.
    (2) For any damaged wiring: Replace the electrical wire harness, 
made up of wiring and a protective sleeve, with a new electrical 
wire harness, per the applicable service bulletin.
    (3) Secure the electrical wire harness, made up of wiring and a 
protective sleeve, to the fuel line using ty-rap, per the applicable 
service bulletin.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (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, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA. 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.

Special Flight Permits

    (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.

Incorporation by Reference

    (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with Dornier Service 
Bulletin SB-328-24-391, dated September 11, 2001; or Dornier Service 
Bulletin SB-328J-24-120, dated September 12, 2001; 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, PO 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 directives 2002-049 and 2002-050, both dated March 7, 
2002.

Effective Date

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on February 12, 2003.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 30, 2002.
Kevin Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-151 Filed 1-7-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P