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), Department of Transportation (DOT).

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2004-06-01, which applied to certain Dornier Model 328-100 series airplanes; and AD 2009-06-09, which applied to all Dornier Model 328-100 series airplanes. AD 2004-06-01 required replacement of the existing main landing gear (MLG) leg assembly with a modified assembly. AD 2009-06-09 required modifying the MLG main body and trailing arm bushings, and revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. This AD continues to require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations; as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES:

This AD is effective May 26, 2020.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 26, 2020.

ADDRESSES:

For the material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 89990 1000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet www.easa.europa.eu . You may find this IBR material on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu . You may view this IBR material 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. It is also available in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0088.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0088; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The address for Docket Operations is 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:

Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3228; email Todd.Thompson@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019-0270, dated October 30, 2019 (“EASA AD 2019-0270”) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or “the MCAI”), to correct an unsafe condition for all 328 Support Services GmbH Model 328-100 airplanes.

EASA AD 2019-0270 also specifies that it takes over the applicable requirements of EASA AD 2006-0197, dated July 11, 2006 (which corresponds to FAA AD 2008-17-01 R1, Amendment 39-16106 (74 FR 63569, December 4, 2009) (“AD 2008-17-01 R1”); and EASA AD 2010-0054, dated March 25, 2010 (which corresponds to FAA AD 2012-01-08, Amendment 39-16920 (77 FR 3583, January 25, 2012) (“AD 2012-01-08”). Accomplishing the existing maintenance or inspection program revision required in this AD terminates the requirements of AD 2008-17-01 R1 and AD 2012-01-08 for Model 328-100 series airplanes.

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2004-06-01, Amendment 39-13527 (69 FR 13715, March 24, 2004) (“AD 2004-06-01”); and AD 2009-06-09, Amendment 39-15845 (74 FR 12249, March 24, 2009) (“AD 2009-06-09”). AD 2004-06-01 applied to certain Dornier Model 328-100 series airplanes; and AD 2009-06-09, applied to all Dornier Model 328-100 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on February 3, 2020 (85 FR 5906). The NPRM was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The NPRM proposed to require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as specified in a EASA AD. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the potential failure of parts, which could lead to reduced control of the airplane; and to address the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

Comments

The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this final rule. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Clarification of Paragraph (i) of This AD

Once the existing maintenance or inspection program is revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, paragraph (i) of this AD does not allow for the later use of alternative actions or intervals unless these alternative actions or intervals are approved as specified in “Ref. Publications” section of EASA AD 2019-0270. Paragraph (i) of the proposed AD used the word “except” to describe the allowance for alternative actions or intervals. To make the language consistent with the language in the “Ref. Publications” section of EASA AD 2019-0270, the FAA has changed the wording to “unless they are approved.”

Conclusion

The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed, except for minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor changes:

• Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM.

Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51

EASA AD 2019-0270 describes, among other actions, airworthiness limitations for certification maintenance requirements that include, among other items, safe life limits and fuel tank system limitations. This material 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.

Costs of Compliance

The FAA estimates that this AD affects 21 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

The FAA has determined that revising the existing maintenance or inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, although the agency recognizes that this number may vary from operator to operator. In the past, the agency has estimated that this action takes 1 work-hour per airplane. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection program changes for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has determined that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane estimate. The FAA estimates the total cost per operator for the new actions to be $7,650 (90 work-hours × $85 per work-hour).

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.

The FAA is 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

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 that this AD:

(1) Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866,

(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

• Air transportation
• Aircraft
• Aviation safety
• Incorporation by reference
• Safety

Adoption of the Amendment

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

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2004-06-01, Amendment 39-13527 ( 69 FR 13715, March 24, 2004); and AD 2009-06-09, Amendment 39-15845 (74 FR 12249, March 24, 2009); and adding the following new AD:

2020-07-20 328 Support Services GmbH (Type Certificate Previously Held by AvCraft Aerospace GmbH; Fairchild Dornier GmbH; Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH): Amendment 39-19899; Docket No. FAA-2020-0088; Product Identifier 2019-NM-195-AD.

(a) Effective Date

This AD is effective May 26, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

(1) This AD replaces AD 2004-06-01, Amendment 39-13527 (69 FR 13715, March 24, 2004); and AD 2009-06-09, Amendment 39-15845 (74 FR 12249, March 24, 2009).

(2) This AD affects AD 2008-17-01 R1, Amendment 39-16106 (74 FR 63569, December 4, 2009) (“AD 2008-17-01 R1”); and AD 2012-01-08, Amendment 39-16920 (77 FR 3583, January 25, 2012) (“AD 2012-01-08”).

(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 airplanes, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/Maintenance Checks.

(e) Reason

This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the potential failure of parts, which could lead to reduced control of the airplane; and to address the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision

Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0270, dated October 30, 2019 (“EASA AD 2019-0270”).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019-0270

(1) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2019-0270 do not apply to this AD.

(2) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2019-0270 specifies a compliance time of “Within 12 months” after its effective date to “revise the approved AMP,” this AD requires “revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable” to incorporate the “limitations, tasks and associated thresholds and intervals” specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2019-0270 within 90 days after the effective date of this AD.

(3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2019-0270 is at the applicable “associated thresholds” specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2019-0270, or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.

(4) The provisions specified in paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA AD 2019-0270 do not apply to this AD.

(5) The “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2019-0270 does not apply to this AD.

(i) Provisions for Alternative Actions, Intervals, and Critical Design Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCLs)

After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, and CDCCLs are allowed unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the “Ref. Publications” section of EASA AD 2019-0270.

(j) Terminating Action for Other ADs

(1) Accomplishing the existing maintenance or inspection program revision required by paragraph (g) of this AD terminates all requirements of AD 2008-17-01 R1.

(2) Accomplishing the existing maintenance or inspection program revision required by paragraph (g) of this AD terminates all requirements of AD 2012-01-08 for Model 328-100 airplanes only.

(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) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-NM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. 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 instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or 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

For more information about this AD, 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; email Todd.Thompson@faa.gov.

(m) Material Incorporated by Reference

(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.

(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.

(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on May 26, 2020.

(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0270, dated October 30, 2019.

(ii) [Reserved]

(4) For information about EASA AD 2019-0270, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 89990 6017; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; Internet www.easa.europa.eu . You may find this EASA AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu .

(5) You may view this material 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. This material may be found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0088.

(6) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html .