[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 112 (Friday, June 12, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 27906-27908]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-13693]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-0284; Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-016-AD; 
Amendment 39-15939; AD 2009-12-16]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH Models Dornier 
228-100, Dornier 228-101, Dornier 228-200, Dornier 228-201, Dornier 
228-202, and Dornier 228-212 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) 
for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation 
authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe 
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe 
condition as:

    The manufacturer reported findings of missing primer on the 
internal of the elevator and rudder of aircraft S/N 8200. The 
aircraft S/N 8200 was with RUAG for maintenance purposes. 
Investigation performed by RUAG showed that the paint removal 
procedure for the rudder and elevator was changed from a paint 
stripping with brush and scraper to a procedure where the parts were 
submerged in a tank filled with hot liquid stripper. The stripper is 
called TURCO 5669 from Henkel Surface Technologies. The stripping 
process is described in the Technical Process Bulletin No. 238799 
dated 09/01/1999. This paint stripping process change was not 
communicated to and not approved by the TC-Holder.

We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective July 17, 2009.
    On July 17, 2009, the Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the Docket Management Facility, 
U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West 
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., 
Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Greg Davison, Glider Program Manager, 
901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City,

[[Page 27907]]

Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4130; fax: (816) 329-4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on March 30, 2009 (74 
FR 14097), and proposed to supersede AD 2008-08-15, Amendment 39-15467 
(73 FR 21220; April 21, 2008). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe 
condition for the specified products. The MCAI states that:

    The manufacturer reported findings of missing primer on the 
internal of the elevator and rudder of aircraft S/N 8200. The 
aircraft S/N 8200 was with RUAG for maintenance purposes. 
Investigation performed by RUAG showed that the paint removal 
procedure for the rudder and elevator was changed from a paint 
stripping with brush and scraper to a procedure where the parts were 
submerged in a tank filled with hot liquid stripper. The stripper is 
called TURCO 5669 from Henkel Surface Technologies. The stripping 
process is described in the Technical Process Bulletin No. 238799 
dated 09/01/1999. This paint stripping process change was not 
communicated to and not approved by the TC-Holder.

Corrosion damage can occur through insufficient surface protection. 
Consequently, the MCAI requires a detailed visual inspection of the 
inner structure of the rudder and elevator for signs of corrosion, de-
bonded primer (yellow-green), and any deviation of surface protection. 
If the inspection results show corrosion beyond the acceptable level or 
areas with de-bonded primer, the inspection results have to be reported 
to RUAG Aerospace Services GmbH for further decisions. If necessary, 
repair the affected parts in accordance with the applicable repair 
instruction obtained from RUAG Aerospace Services GmbH.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are 
highlighted in a note within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 17 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 3 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $80 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of 
this AD to the U.S. operators to be $4,080, or $240 per product.
    We have no way of determining the number of airplanes or the 
associated costs of any follow-on repairs or replacements that might be 
required by this AD.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this AD will not have Federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD:
    (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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD Docket.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
the Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES 
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing Amendment 39-15467 (73 FR 
21220; April 21, 2008) and adding the following new AD:

2009-12-16 Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH: Amendment 39-15939; Docket No. 
FAA-2009-0284; Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-016-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective July 17, 
2009.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2008-08-15, Amendment 39-15467.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Dornier 228-100, Dornier 228-101, Dornier 
228-200, Dornier 228-201, Dornier 228-202, and Dornier 228-212 
airplanes, all serial numbers, that:
    (1) Are certificated in any category; and

[[Page 27908]]

    (2) have had the rudder and/or elevator replaced or repaired at 
Fairchild Dornier or RUAG between the year 2000 and 2005. The 
concerned rudder and elevator part numbers and serial numbers are 
listed on page 7 of RUAG Aerospace Defence Technology Dornier 228 
Service Bulletin No. SB-228-270 (includes undated attachments 1 and 
2 to SB-228-270 Rev. 1), Rev. No. 1, dated November 28, 2008.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 51: Standard 
Practices/Structures.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:

    The manufacturer reported findings of missing primer on the 
internal of the elevator and rudder of aircraft S/N 8200. The 
aircraft S/N 8200 was with RUAG for maintenance purposes. 
Investigation performed by RUAG showed that the paint removal 
procedure for the rudder and elevator was changed from a paint 
stripping with brush and scraper to a procedure where the parts were 
submerged in a tank filled with hot liquid stripper. The stripper is 
called TURCO 5669 from Henkel Surface Technologies. The stripping 
process is described in the Technical Process Bulletin No. 238799 
dated 09/01/1999. This paint stripping process change was not 
communicated to and not approved by the TC-Holder.

Corrosion damage can occur through insufficient surface protection. 
Consequently, the MCAI requires a detailed visual inspection of the 
inner structure of the rudder and elevator for signs of corrosion, 
de-bonded primer (yellow-green), and any deviation of surface 
protection. If the inspection results show corrosion beyond the 
acceptable level or areas with de-bonded primer, the inspection 
results have to be reported to RUAG Aerospace Services GmbH for 
further decisions. If necessary, repair the affected parts in 
accordance with the applicable repair instruction obtained from RUAG 
Aerospace Services GmbH.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions:
    (1) Within 2 months after July 17, 2009 (the effective date of 
this AD), do a detailed visual inspection on the inner structure of 
the rudder and elevator for signs of corrosion, de-bonded primer 
(yellow-green), and any other deviation of surface protection 
following RUAG Aerospace Defence Technology Dornier 228 Service 
Bulletin No. SB-228-270 (includes undated attachments 1 and 2 to SB-
228-270 Rev. 1), Rev. No. 1, dated November 28, 2008.
    (2) If you find corrosion or areas with de-bonded primer as a 
result of the inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, 
before further flight, do the following:
    (i) Report the inspection results to RUAG Aerospace Services 
GmbH, Dornier 228 Customer Support, P.O. Box 1253, 82231 Wessling, 
Federal Republic of Germany, telephone: +49 (0) 8153-30-2280; fax: 
+49 (0) 8153-30-3030 and request FAA-approved repair instructions 
following RUAG Aerospace Defence Technology Dornier 228 Service 
Bulletin No. SB-228-270 (includes undated attachments 1 and 2 to SB-
228-270 Rev. 1), Rev. No. 1, dated November 28, 2008.
    (ii) Repair corrosion following FAA-approved repair instructions 
obtained from RUAG Aerospace Services GmbH.

FAA AD Differences

    Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this 
AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send 
information to ATTN: Greg Davison, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small 
Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4130; fax: (816) 329-4090. Before using 
any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify 
your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight 
Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has 
approved the information collection requirements and has assigned 
OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to MCAI German AD D-2007-350R1, dated January 30, 
2009; and RUAG Aerospace Defence Technology Dornier 228 Service 
Bulletin No. SB-228-270 (includes undated attachments 1 and 2 to SB-
228-270 Rev. 1), Rev. No. 1, dated November 28, 2008, for related 
information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use RUAG Aerospace Defence Technology Dornier 228 
Service Bulletin No. SB-228-270 (includes undated attachments 1 and 
2 to SB-228-270 Rev. 1), Rev. No. 1, dated November 28, 2008, to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact RUAG 
Aerospace Services GmbH, Dornier 228 Customer Support, P.O. Box 
1253, 82231 Wessling, Federal Republic of Germany, telephone: +49 
(0) 8153-30-2280; fax: +49 (0) 8153-30-3030; E-mail: 
[email protected]; Internet: http://www.ruag.com/.
    (3) You may review copies of the service information 
incorporated by reference for this AD at the FAA, Central Region, 
Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106. For information on the availability of this material at the 
Central Region, call (816) 329-3768.
    (4) You may also review copies of the service information 
incorporated by reference for this AD 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.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 4, 2009.
Kim Smith,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E9-13693 Filed 6-11-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P