[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 110 (Thursday, June 7, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 26389-26391]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-12135]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0503; Product Identifier 2018-NM-048-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; 328 Support Services GmbH (Type 
Certificate Previously Held by AvCraft Aerospace GmbH; Fairchild 
Dornier GmbH; Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH) Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
328 Support Services GmbH Model 328-100 and -300 airplanes. This 
proposed AD was prompted by reports indicating corrosion on the 
horizontal stabilizer bearing supports at the contact surface to the 
horizontal stabilizer rear spar. This proposed AD would require 
inspections for corrosion and any other damage (i.e., cracking and 
chafing) of the horizontal stabilizer rear bearing supports, 
replacement of the affected horizontal stabilizer rear bearing supports 
if necessary, and modification of the horizontal stabilizer rear spar. 
We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 23, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact 328 
Support Services GmbH, Global Support Center, P.O. Box 1252, D-82231 
Wessling, Federal Republic of Germany; telephone +49 8153 88111 6666; 
fax +49 8153 88111 6565; email [email protected]; internet http://www.328support.de. You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-
231-3195.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0503; 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 this NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, 
and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations 
office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments 
will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3228.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0503; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-048-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM based on 
those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this NPRM.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2017-0239, dated November 30, 2017 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all 328 Support 
Services GmbH Model 328-100 and -300 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Occurrences were reported on horizontal stabilizer bearing 
supports being found corroded at the contact surface to the 
horizontal stabilizer rear spar. The corroded area was at the lower 
flange position, which is connected to the stabilizer rear spar and 
not visible without detachment of the fitting. Investigation 
determined that the corrosion is triggered by galvanic effect, due 
to a direct contact between the horizontal stabilizer rear spar, 
made from CFRP (carbon fibre reinforced plastic), and the aluminium 
rear attachment fitting.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
failure of the fitting and loss of one load path of the horizontal 
stabilizer attachment, possibly resulting in reduced control of the 
aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, 328 Support Services 
GmbH (328 SSG) issued Service Bulletin (SB) SB-328-55-557 and SB-
328J-55-324 to provide instructions for inspection of the affected 
area, replacement of the parts, and modification to improve 
corrosion behaviour by incorporating of glass fibre layer.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time inspection [detailed visual inspection and an eddy current 
inspection for chafing and corrosion] of the horizontal stabilizer 
rear bearing supports, and, depending on findings, accomplishment of 
applicable corrective action(s) [replacement of the affected 
horizontal stabilizer rear bearing supports]. This [EASA] AD also 
requires a modification of the horizontal stabilizer rear spar, 
irrespective of findings.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at http:/
/

[[Page 26390]]

www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0503.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    328 Support Services GmbH has issued Service Bulletin SB-328-55-
557, Revision 1, dated February 1, 2018; and Service Bulletin SB-328J-
55-324, Revision 1, dated February 1, 2018. This service information 
describes a detailed visual inspection and an eddy current inspection 
for corrosion and any other damage (i.e., cracking and chafing) of the 
horizontal stabilizer rear bearing supports, modification of the 
horizontal stabilizer rear spar, and replacement of the affected 
horizontal stabilizer rear bearing supports if necessary. These 
documents are distinct since they apply to different airplane models. 
This service information is reasonably available because the interested 
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by 
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 27 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
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Detailed visual inspection and eddy     4 work-hours x $85 per                $0            $340          $9,180
 current inspection.                     hour = $340.
Modification..........................  16 work-hours x $85 per                0           1,360          36,720
                                         hour = $1,360.
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    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacement 
that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. 
We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need 
this replacement:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement...................................  24 work-hours x $85 per hour =               (*)          $2,040
                                                 $2,040.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide part cost estimates for the on-condition
  action specified in this proposed 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.
    This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated 
by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as 
authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, 
issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and 
Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the 
Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable 
to transport category airplanes to the Director of the System Oversight 
Division.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 proposed 
regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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.


39.13  [Amended]

    2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive (AD):


[[Page 26391]]


328 Support Services GmbH (Type Certificate Previously Held by 
AvCraft Aerospace GmbH; Fairchild Dornier GmbH; Dornier Luftfahrt 
GmbH): Docket No. FAA-2018-0503; Product Identifier 2018-NM-048-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by July 23, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all 328 Support Services GmbH (Type 
Certificate previously held by AvCraft Aerospace GmbH; Fairchild 
Dornier GmbH; Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH) Model 328-100 and -300 
airplanes, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 55, Stabilizers.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports indicating corrosion on the 
horizontal stabilizer bearing supports at the contact surface to the 
horizontal stabilizer rear spar. We are issuing this AD to address 
corrosion on the horizontal stabilizer bearing supports and rear 
spar, which could lead to failure of the fitting and loss of one 
load path of the horizontal stabilizer attachment, and possibly 
result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Inspection and Modification

    (1) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(3)(i) or 
(g)(3)(ii) of this AD, do a detailed visual inspection and an eddy 
current inspection for corrosion and any other damage (i.e., 
cracking and chafing) of the horizontal stabilizer rear bearing 
supports in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 328 
Support Services GmbH Service Bulletin SB-328-55-557, Revision 1, 
dated February 1, 2018 (for Model 328-100 airplanes); or 328 Support 
Services GmbH Service Bulletin SB-328J-55-324, Revision 1, dated 
February 1, 2018 (for Model 328-300 airplanes); as applicable.
    (2) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(3)(i) or 
(g)(3)(ii) of this AD, modify the horizontal stabilizer rear spar in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 328 Support 
Services GmbH Service Bulletin SB-328-55-557, Revision 1, dated 
February 1, 2018 (for Model 328-100 airplanes); or 328 Support 
Services GmbH Service Bulletin SB-328J-55-324, Revision 1, dated 
February 1, 2018 (for Model 328-300 airplanes); as applicable.
    (3) Do the actions in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) at the 
applicable compliance time specified in paragraph (g)(3)(i) or 
(g)(3)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) For Group 1 airplanes as identified in 328 Support Services 
GmbH Service Bulletin SB-328-55-557, Revision 1, dated February 1, 
2018 (for Model 328-100 airplanes); or 328 Support Services GmbH 
Service Bulletin SB-328J-55-324, Revision 1, dated February 1, 2018 
(for Model 328-300 airplanes); as applicable: Within 1,000 flight 
cycles or 8 months, whichever occurs first after the effective date 
of this AD.
    (ii) For Group 2 airplanes as identified in 328 Support Services 
GmbH Service Bulletin SB-328-55-557, Revision 1, dated February 1, 
2018 (for Model 328-100 airplanes); or 328 Support Services GmbH 
Service Bulletin SB-328J-55-324, Revision 1, dated February 1, 2018 
(for Model 328-300 airplanes); as applicable: Within 5,000 flight 
hours or 30 months, whichever occurs first after the effective date 
of this AD.

(h) Corrective Action

    If, during the inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 
corrosion or any other damage (i.e., cracking and chafing) is 
detected, before further flight, replace the affected horizontal 
stabilizer rear bearing supports in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of 328 Support Services GmbH Service 
Bulletin SB-328-55-557, Revision 1, dated February 1, 2018 (for 
Model 328-100 airplanes); or 328 Support Services GmbH Service 
Bulletin SB-328J-55-324, Revision 1, dated February 1, 2018 (for 
Model 328-300 airplanes); as applicable.

(i) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the applicable time specified in paragraph (i)(1) or 
(i)(2) of this AD, no person may install a horizontal stabilizer 
rear bearing support, part number 001B551A1441000, on any airplane.
    (1) For Group 1 airplanes as identified in 328 Support Services 
GmbH Service Bulletin SB-328-55-557, Revision 1, dated February 1, 
2018 (for Model 328-100 airplanes); or 328 Support Services GmbH 
Service Bulletin SB-328J-55-324, Revision 1, dated February 1, 2018 
(for Model 328-300 airplanes); as applicable: After replacement of 
the horizontal stabilizer rear bearing supports as required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD.
    (2) For Group 2 airplanes as identified in 328 Support Services 
GmbH Service Bulletin SB-328-55-557, Revision 1, dated February 1, 
2018 (for Model 328-100 airplanes); or 328 Support Services GmbH 
Service Bulletin SB-328J-55-324, Revision 1, dated February 1, 2018 
(for Model 328-300 airplanes); as applicable: As of the effective 
date of this AD.

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective 
date of this AD using 328 Support Services GmbH Service Bulletin SB-
328-55-557, dated September 1, 2017 (for Model 328-100 airplanes); 
or 328 Support Services GmbH Service Bulletin SB-328J-55-324, dated 
September 1, 2017 (for Model 328-300 airplanes).

(k) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, 
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the International Section, send it to the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (l)(2) of this AD. Information 
may be emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any 
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or 
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight 
standards district office/certificate holding district office.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA); or 328 Support Services GmbH's EASA Design 
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval 
must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(l) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0239, dated November 30, 
2017, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD 
docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0503.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Todd Thompson, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards 
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; 
telephone and fax 206-231-3228.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 328 
Support Services GmbH, Global Support Center, P.O. Box 1252, D-82231 
Wessling, Federal Republic of Germany; telephone +49 8153 88111 
6666; fax +49 8153 88111 6565; email [email protected]; internet 
http://www.328support.de. You may view this service information at 
the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 206-231-3195.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on May 24, 2018.
James Cashdollar,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-12135 Filed 6-6-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P