[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 116 (Thursday, June 17, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33836-33837]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-13498]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-NM-56-AD; Amendment 39-13674; AD 2004-12-14]
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 an inspection of the alternating current (AC) power cables, 
realignment of the AC power cable retaining clamp, and corrective 
actions if necessary. This action is necessary to prevent chafing of 
the AC power cables against the alternator, which could result in a 
short circuit and impaired performance of AC-powered components, 
possibly leading to loss of flight-critical information to the flight 
deck and reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is 
intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective July 22, 2004.
    The incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of July 22, 2004.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from AvCraft Aerospace GmbH, P.O. Box 1103, D-82230 Wessling, 
Germany. This information may be examined at the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, 
SW., Renton, Washington; or at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

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 
series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on April 1, 2004 
(69 FR 17086). That action proposed to require an inspection of the 
alternating current (AC) power cables, realignment of the AC power 
cable retaining clamp, and corrective actions if necessary.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments have been submitted on the 
proposed AD or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, the FAA has determined 
that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the 
rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    We estimate that 53 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by 
this AD, that it will take approximately 3 work hours per airplane to 
accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $65 
per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $122 per 
airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $16,801, or $317 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

[[Page 33837]]

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

0
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

0
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]

0
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2004-12-14 Fairchild Dornier GmbH (Formerly Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH): 
Amendment 39-13674. Docket 2003-NM-56-AD.

    Applicability: Model 328-100 series airplanes, serial numbers 
3005 through 3119 inclusive; certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent chafing of the alternating current (AC) power cables 
against the alternator, which could result in a short circuit and 
impaired performance of AC-powered components, possibly leading to 
loss of flight-critical information to the flight deck and reduced 
controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:

Corrective Actions

    (a) Within 400 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
perform a general visual inspection of the AC power cables for 
damage due to chafing of the cables against the alternator, realign 
the cable retaining clamp, repair any damaged cables, install 
protective sleeving over the cables, and install cable ties; in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Dornier Service 
Bulletin SB-328-24-433, dated April 12, 2002.


    Note 1: 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.''

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (b) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, is authorized 
to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.

Incorporation by Reference

    (c) The actions shall be done in accordance with Dornier Service 
Bulletin SB-328-24-433, dated April 12, 2002. 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 AvCraft Aerospace 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 National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For 
information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 
741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in German 
airworthiness directive 2003-084, dated March 20, 2003.

Effective Date

    (d) This amendment becomes effective on July 22, 2004.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 7, 2004.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-13498 Filed 6-16-04; 8:45 am]
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