[Federal Register: April 1, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 63)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 17086-17088]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr01ap04-22]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2003-NM-56-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Dornier Model 328-100 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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[[Page 17087]]
SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Dornier Model 328-100
series airplanes. This proposal would require inspection of the
alternating current (AC) power cables, realignment of the AC power
cable retaining clamp, and corrective actions if necessary. These
actions are 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. These actions are intended to address
the identified unsafe condition.
DATES: Comments must be received by May 3, 2004.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-NM-56-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this
location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232.
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address:
9-anm-nprmcomment@faa.gov. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must
contain ``Docket No. 2003-NM-56-AD'' in the subject line and need not
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 or 2000 or
ASCII text.
The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be
obtained from AvCraft Aerospace GmbH, P.O. Box 1103, D-82230 Wessling,
Germany. This information may be examined at the FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington.
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:
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as
they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments,
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this action may be changed in
light of the comments received.
Submit comments using the following format:
Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example,
discuss a request to change the compliance time and a request to change
the service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
For each issue, state what specific change to
the proposed AD is being requested.
Include justification (e.g., reasons or data)
for each request.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested
persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 2003-NM-56-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Availability of NPRMs
Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules
Docket No. 2003-NM-56-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055-4056.
Discussion
The Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA), which is the airworthiness authority
for Germany, notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on
certain Dornier Model 328-100 series airplanes. The LBA advises that
chafing of the alternating current (AC) power cables against the
alternator has been reported. This condition, if not corrected, 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.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
Dornier has issued Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-24-433, dated
April 12, 2002, which describes procedures for a visual inspection of
AC power cables for damage due to chafing of the cables against the
alternator, realignment of the cable retaining clamp, repair of any
damaged cables, installation of protective sleeving over the cables,
and installation of cable ties. Accomplishment of the actions specified
in the service bulletin is intended to adequately address the
identified unsafe condition. The LBA classified this service bulletin
as mandatory and issued German airworthiness directive 2003-084, dated
March 20, 2003, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these
airplanes in Germany.
FAA's Conclusions
This airplane model is manufactured in Germany and is type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
Sec. 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the
applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the LBA has kept the FAA informed of
the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the
LBA, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action
is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States.
Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered
in the United States, the proposed AD would require accomplishment of
the actions specified in the service bulletin described previously,
except as discussed below.
Differences Between the Proposed AD, German Airworthiness Directive,
and Service Information
Operators should note that Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-24-433,
dated April 12, 2002, recommends doing the actions in the service
bulletin ``at the next A-check or equivalent.'' German airworthiness
directive 2003-084, dated March 20, 2003, recommends doing the actions
``at the next A-Check at latest.'' Because ``A-check'' schedules vary
among operators, this proposed AD would require accomplishment of the
actions within 400 flight cycles after the effective date of this
proposed AD, and accomplishment of any required
[[Page 17088]]
corrective action before further flight. We find that compliance within
400 flight cycles after the effective date of this proposed AD is
appropriate for affected airplanes to continue to operate without
compromising safety.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 53 airplanes of U.S. registry would be
affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 3 work
hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed actions, and that the
average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Required parts would cost
approximately $122 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost
impact of the proposed 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 proposed 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 proposed herein 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. Therefore, it
is determined that this proposal would not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that 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);
and (3) if promulgated, 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 copy of the draft
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend
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:
Fairchild Dornier GMBH (Formerly Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH): 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.
Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in German
airworthiness directive 2003-084, dated March 20, 2003.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 19, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-7358 Filed 3-31-04; 8:45 am]
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