[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 183 (Monday, September 22, 1997)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 49457-49458]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-25056]


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Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
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This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

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Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 183 / Monday, September 22, 1997 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 49457]]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-NM-182-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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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to all Dornier Model 328-100 series 
airplanes. This proposal would require replacement of the Anti-Skid 
Control Unit (ASCU) of the aircraft braking system with an improved 
unit. This proposal is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. 
The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent 
disconnect of the ASCU and reversion to manual braking during operation 
on runways contaminated by standing water, slush, or wet snow, which 
could result in reduced braking efficiency.

DATES: Comments must be received by October 20, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 95-NM-182-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
obtained from Dornier Deutsche Aerospace, P.O. Box 1103, D-82230 
Wessling, Federal Republic of Germany. This information may be examined 
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Connie Beane, Aerospace Engineer, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2796; 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 notice may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    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 notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 95-NM-182-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-103, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 95-NM-182-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA), which is the airworthiness authority 
for the Federal Republic of Germany, notified the FAA that an unsafe 
condition may exist on all Dornier Model 328-100 series airplanes. The 
LBA advises that, during operation on runways contaminated by standing 
water, slush, or wet snow, a prolonged drop in wheel speed can cause 
the anti-skid system to switch to manual braking. Investigation 
revealed that the speed comparator interval of the Anti-Skid Control 
Unit (ASCU) is too short, which may cause the ASCU to disengage under 
very slippery conditions. This condition, if not corrected, could 
result in reduced braking efficiency under slippery runway conditions.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Dornier has issued Service Bulletin SB-328-32-097, dated May 23, 
1995, and Revision 1, dated June 1, 1995, which describe procedures for 
replacement of the ASCU having part number (P/N) AE20464 with an 
improved ASCU having P/N AE20768. Accomplishment of the actions 
specified in the service bulletins is intended to adequately address 
the identified unsafe condition. The LBA classified these service 
bulletins as mandatory and issued German airworthiness directive 95-
131/4, dated October 19, 1995, in order to assure 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 
section 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

[[Page 49458]]

in the service bulletins described previously.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 27 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 1 work 
hour per airplane to accomplish the proposed actions, and that the 
average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts would be 
provided by the manufacturer at no cost to operators. Based on these 
figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $1,620, or $60 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.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations proposed herein would 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 
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    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:

Dornier: Docket 95-NM-182-AD.

    Applicability: All Dornier 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 
otherwise 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 disconnect of the Anti-Skid Control Unit (ASCU) of 
the aircraft braking system and reversion to manual braking during 
operation on runways contaminated by standing water, slush, or wet 
snow, which could result in reduced braking efficiency, accomplish 
the following:
    (a) Within six months after the effective date of this AD, 
remove the ASCU of the aircraft braking system having part number 
(P/N) AE20464 and install ASCU having P/N AE20768, in accordance 
with Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-32-097, dated May 23, 1995, or 
Revision 1, dated June 1, 1995.
    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
on any airplane an ASCU having P/N AE20464.
    (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, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, 
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, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Secs. 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.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in German 
airworthiness directive 95-131/4, dated October 19, 1995.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 16, 1997.
James V. Devany,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-25056 Filed 9-19-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P