Airworthiness Directives; Dornier Model 328-300 Series Airplanes

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Dornier Model 328-300 series airplanes, that requires various one-time inspections for discrepancies of the ground spoiler assemblies and the flap of each wing, and related investigative and corrective actions. This action is necessary to prevent failure of certain ground spoiler support arms due to interference between the ground spoiler assemblies and the wing flaps, which could result in loss of function of affected ground spoiler assemblies and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES:

Effective June 15, 2004.

The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of June 15, 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., Renton, Washington; or 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.

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 all Dornier Model 328-300 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on March 17, 2004 (69 FR 12594). That action proposed to require various one-time inspections for discrepancies of the ground spoiler assemblies and the flap of each wing, and related investigative and corrective actions.

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

We have determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

We estimate that 48 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $6,240, or $130 per airplane.

The cost impact figure discussed above is 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

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

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2004-09-38 Fairchild Dornier GmbH (Formerly Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH): Amendment 39-13629. Docket 2003-NM-121-AD.

Applicability: All Model 328-300 airplanes, certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent failure of certain ground spoiler support arms due to interference between the ground spoiler assemblies and the wing flaps, which could result in loss of function of affected ground spoiler assemblies and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:

General Visual, Contour, and Clearance Inspections of Ground Spoilers, and Related Investigative/Corrective Actions

(a) Within 400 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD: Do one-time general visual, contour, and clearance 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-328J-57-180, Revision 1, dated March 10, 2003. Any applicable related investigative and corrective actions 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.”

Submission of Inspection Results Not Required

(b) Although the service bulletin referenced in this AD specifies to submit information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include such a requirement.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

(c) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.

Incorporation by Reference

(d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328J-57-180, Revision 1, dated March 10, 2003. 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 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.

Note 2:

The subject of this AD is addressed in German airworthiness directive 2003-120/2, dated July 24, 2003.

Effective Date

(e) This amendment becomes effective on June 15, 2004.