Airworthiness directives: Dornier,

[Federal Register: April 12, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 69)]

[Rules and Regulations]

[Page 17512-17514]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr12ap99-4]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-157-AD; Amendment 39-11114; AD 99-08-08]

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 all Dornier Model 328-100 series airplanes, that requires repetitive lubrication of the engine control push-pull cables, and installation of heating tubes on the control cables in the cockpit area and in the left-hand and right-hand engine balconies, which terminates the repetitive lubrication requirement. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent ice from building up on the engine control push- pull cables, which could result in friction or jamming of the engine controls, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

DATES: Effective May 17, 1999.

The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of May 17, 1999.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from FAIRCHILD DORNIER, DORNIER Luftfahrt 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 Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norman B. Martenson, Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2110; 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 328-100 series airplanes was published

[[Page 17513]]

as a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register on January 28, 1999 (64 FR 4370). That action proposed to require repetitive lubrication of the engine control push-pull cables. That action also proposed to require the installation of heating tubes on the control cables in the cockpit area and in the left-hand and right-hand engine balconies, which would terminate the repetitive lubrication requirement.

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

The FAA estimates that 50 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 4 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required lubrication, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact on U.S. operators is estimated to be $12,000, or $240 per airplane.

The FAA estimates that the installation of heating tubes on the control cables required in this AD action will take approximately 50 work hours per airplane to accomplish, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will be supplied by the manufacturer at no cost to the operators. Based on these figures, the cost impact on U.S. operators is estimated to be $150,000, or $3,000 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.

Regulatory Impact

The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct effects 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, in accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

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.

   Sec. 39.13 [Amended]

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

   99-08-08 Dornier Luftfahrt GMBH: Amendment 39-11114. Docket 98-NM- 157-AD.

   Applicability: All Model 328-100 series airplanes, certificated in any category.

   Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

   Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

   To prevent ice from building up on the engine control push-pull cables, which could result in friction or jamming of the engine controls, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:

   (a) Within 2 months after the effective date of this AD, lubricate the engine control push-pull cables in accordance with Dornier Alert Service Bulletins ASB-328-76-022, dated December 22, 1997, and ASB-328-76-015, Revision 3, dated January 9, 1998. Repeat the lubrication thereafter at intervals not to exceed 300 flight hours until the actions required by paragraph (b) of this AD are accomplished.

   (b) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the actions specified in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this AD. Accomplishment of these actions constitutes terminating action for the repetitive lubrication requirement of paragraph (a) of this AD.

   (1) Install heating tubes on the control cables in the cockpit area in accordance with Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-76-254, dated June 30, 1998, or Revision 1, dated August 6, 1998.

   (2) Install heating tubes on the control cables in the left and right engine balconies in accordance with Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-76-267, Revision 1, dated September 25, 1998, or Revision 2, dated October 8, 1998.

   Alternative Methods of Compliance

   (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116.

   Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

   Special Flight Permits

   (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

   Incorporation by Reference

   (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Dornier Alert Service Bulletin ASB-328-76-022, dated December 22, 1997; Dornier Alert Service Bulletin ASB-328-76-015, Revision 3, dated January 9, 1998; Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-76-254, dated June 30, 1998; Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-76-254, Revision 1, dated August 6, 1998; Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-76-267, Revision 1, dated September 25, 1998; and Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-76-267, Revision 2, dated October 8, 1998, 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 FAIRCHILD DORNIER, DORNIER Luftfahrt GmbH, P.O. Box 1103, D-82230 Wessling, Germany. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,

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   1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

   Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in German airworthiness directives 1998-105, dated January 30, 1998, and 1997- 148/6, dated December 3, 1998.

   (f) This amendment becomes effective on May 17, 1999.

   Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 31, 1999. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

   [FR Doc. 99-8536Filed4-9-99; 8:45 am]

   BILLING CODE 4910-13-P