[Federal Register: March 30, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 61)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 16471-16473]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr30mr04-3]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-NM-300-AD; Amendment 39-13542; AD 2004-06-16]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Dornier Model 328-100 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 series airplanes, that
requires repetitive inspections of certain support arms of the ground
spoiler assemblies for cracking, and replacement of any ground spoiler
assembly having cracking with a new ground spoiler assembly. This
amendment would also require certain inspections for discrepancies of
the ground spoiler assemblies and the flap of each wing; and corrective
actions if necessary. This action is necessary to prevent failure of
the support arms due to cracking, which could result in loss of
function and/or separation of the affected ground spoiler assemblies
from the airplane, and consequent reduced controllability of the
airplane during landing or rejected take-off operations. This action is
intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
DATES: Effective May 4, 2004.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of May 4, 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, Rules Docket,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
[[Page 16472]]
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
series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on January 27,
2004 (69 FR 3861). That action proposed to require repetitive
inspections of certain support arms of the ground spoiler assemblies
for cracking, and replacement of any ground spoiler assembly having
cracking with a new ground spoiler assembly. That action also proposed
to require certain inspections for discrepancies of the ground spoiler
assemblies and the flap of each wing; and 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
We estimate that 53 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by
this AD.
It will take approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish
the general visual, contour, and clearance inspections of the ground
spoilers, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these
figures, the cost impact of these inspections on U.S. operators is
estimated to be $6,890, or $130 per airplane.
It will take approximately 4 work hours per airplane to accomplish
the inspection of the support arms for the ground spoilers, at an
average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the
cost impact of this inspection on U.S. operators is estimated to be
$13,780, or $260 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. 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
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:
2004-06-16 Fairchild Dornier GmbH (Formerly Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH):
Amendment 39-13542. Docket 2002-NM-300-AD.
Applicability: Model 328-100 series airplanes, as listed in
Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-57-435, Revision 1, dated August 7,
2002; and Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-57-439, Revision 1, dated
March 10, 2003; certificated in any category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent failure of the support arms of the ground spoiler
assemblies due to cracking, which could result in loss of function
and/or separation of the affected ground spoiler assemblies from the
airplane, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane
during landing or rejected take-off operations, accomplish the
following:
Visual, Contour, and Clearance Inspections of Ground Spoilers, and
Corrective Actions
(a) Within 400 flight cycles after the effective date of this
AD: Do the inspections for discrepancies of the ground spoiler
assemblies and the wing flaps by doing all the actions per the
Accomplishment Instructions of Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-57-
439, Revision 1, dated March 10, 2003. Any applicable corrective
action must be done before further flight per the service bulletin.
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.''
Inspection of Ground Spoiler Support Arms
(b) Within 4 weeks after the effective date of this AD, or prior
to the accumulation of 4,000 total flight cycles, whichever is
later: Do an eddy current inspection for cracking in the bottom edge
of the flange for ground spoiler support arms No. 3 and No. 8, left
and right sides of the airplane. Do the inspection by accomplishing
all of the actions per the Accomplishment Instructions of Dornier
Service Bulletin SB-328-57-435, Revision 1, dated August 7, 2002.
Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,000
flight cycles.
Corrective Action
(c) If any cracking is found during any inspection required by
paragraph (b) of this AD, before further flight, replace the
affected ground spoiler assembly with a new ground spoiler assembly
per the applicable section(s) of chapters 27 or 57 of the Dornier
Model 328-100 Airplane Maintenance Manual.
Certain Recommendations in Service Bulletins Not Required
(d) Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-57-435, Revision 1, dated
August 7, 2002, states to contact Dornier if any crack is found in a
support arm for a ground spoiler, and to send
[[Page 16473]]
the affected ground spoiler to Dornier, but those actions are not
required by this AD. Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-57-439,
Revision 1, dated March 10, 2003, recommends that inspection results
for cracking of support arms be sent to Dornier, but that action is
not required by this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(e) 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
(f) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be
done in accordance with Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-57-435,
Revision 1, dated August 7, 2002; and Dornier Service Bulletin SB-
328-57-439, Revision 1, dated March 10, 2003; 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 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 Office of the Federal Register, 800 North
Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in German
airworthiness directives 2002-258, dated September 5, 2002, and
2003-357, dated November 11, 2003.
Effective Date
(g) This amendment becomes effective on May 4, 2004.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 19, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-6683 Filed 3-29-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P