[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 122 (Thursday, June 25, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34572-34574]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-16449]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-89-AD; Amendment 39-10618; AD 98-13-27]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Dornier Model 328-100 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Dornier Model 328-100 series airplanes, that 
requires a one-time inspection to detect discrepancies of circuit 
breaker panels 10VE and 11VE; follow-on corrective actions; 
modification of the contact points; and installation of a high capacity 
fuse. This amendment also requires replacement of power relays 32HB and 
36HB on relay panel 22VE with new parts. 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 electrical short circuits of the contact points and 
power relays on the circuit breaker panels, which could result in 
increased risk of smoke and fire damage in the flight compartment.

DATES: Effective July 30, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of July 30, 1998.

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,

[[Page 34573]]

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 certain Dornier Model 328-100 
series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on April 21, 
1998 (63 FR 19689). That action proposed to require a one-time 
inspection to detect discrepancies of circuit breaker panels 10VE and 
11VE; follow-on corrective actions; modification of the contact points; 
and installation of a high capacity fuse. That action also proposed to 
require replacement of power relays 32HB and 36HB on relay panel 22VE 
with new parts.

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.
    It will take approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the required inspection and application of sealant to the contact 
points, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. The cost of the 
sealant will be minimal. Based on this figure, the cost impact of the 
required inspection and modification on U.S. operators is estimated to 
be $120 per airplane.
    It will take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish 
the required installation of a high capacity fuse on the circuit 
breaker panels, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required 
parts will be provided by the manufacturer at no cost to the operators. 
Based on this figure, the cost impact of the required installation on 
U.S. operators is estimated to be $60 per airplane.
    It will take approximately 5 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the required replacement of the relays, at an average labor rate of $60 
per work hour. Required parts will be provided by the manufacturer at 
no cost to the operators. Based on this figure, the cost impact of the 
required replacement on U.S. operators is estimated to be $300 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:

98-13-27 Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH: Amendment 39-10618. Docket 98-NM-
89-AD.

    Applicability: Model 328-100 series airplanes equipped with 
circuit breaker panels 10VE up to and including serial number 131, 
and 11VE up to and including serial number 133; and Model 328-100 
series airplanes, serial numbers 3005 through 3095 inclusive; 
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 (d) 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 electrical short circuits of the contact points and 
power relays on the circuit breaker panels, which could result in 
increased risk of smoke and fire damage in the flight compartment, 
accomplish the following:
    (a) For Model 328-100 series airplanes equipped with circuit 
breaker panels 10VE up to and including serial number 131, and 11VE 
up to and including serial number 133: Within 14 days after the 
effective date of this AD, perform a one-time visual inspection to 
detect discrepancies of circuit breaker panels 10VE and 11VE at the 
back lighting contact points, in accordance with Dornier Alert 
Service Bulletin ASB-328-31-016, dated April 2, 1997.
    (1) If no discrepancy is detected, prior to further flight, 
modify the contact points by applying additional sealant in 
accordance with the alert service bulletin.
    (2) If any discrepancy is detected, prior to further flight, 
replace the damaged circuit breaker panel with a new or serviceable 
panel and modify the contact points by applying additional sealant, 
in accordance with the alert service bulletin.
    (b) For Model 328-100 series airplanes, serial numbers 3005 
through 3095 inclusive: Within 90 days after the effective date of 
this AD, install a jiffy junction fitted with a high capacity fuse 
on circuit breaker panels 10VE and 11VE, in accordance with version 
1 or version 2, as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-31-226, dated June 16, 1997, 
including Price/Material Information Sheet.
    (c) For Model 328-100 series airplanes, serial numbers 3005 
through 3089 inclusive: Within 90 days after the effective date of 
this AD, replace relays 32HB and 36HB, part

[[Page 34574]]

number (P/N) DON405M520U5NL, on relay panel 22VE with new relays, P/
N 2504MY1, in accordance with Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-21-
218, dated July 2, 1997, including Price/Material Information Sheet.
    (d) 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.

    (e) 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.
    (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with Dornier Alert 
Service Bulletin ASB-328-31-016, dated April 2, 1997; Dornier 
Service Bulletin SB-328-31-226, dated June 16, 1997, including 
Price/Material Information Sheet; or Dornier Service Bulletin SB-
328-21-218, dated July 2, 1997, including Price/Material Information 
Sheet, 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, 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 97-136, dated May 22, 1997; 97-330, dated 
November 20, 1997; and 97-323, dated November 20, 1997.

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on July 30, 1998.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 15, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-16449 Filed 6-24-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U