[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 126 (Friday, June 28, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33650-33651]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-16245]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-NM-231-AD; Amendment 39-9681; AD 96-13-12]
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 replacement of a bus power control unit (BPCU) and two 
generator control units (GCU) with new improved units. This amendment 
is prompted by results of the manufacturer's re-certification and 
laboratory testing of a BPCU, which revealed abnormal functions of the 
BPCU and the GCU. The actions specified by this AD are intended to 
prevent such abnormal functions, which could result in electrical short 
circuits in the electrical power distribution systems and a subsequent 
fire.

DATES: Effective August 2, 1996.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of August 2, 1996.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from 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: Gary Lium, Aerospace Engineer, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206) 
227-1112; fax (206) 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 4, 1996 
(61 FR 15000). That action proposed to require replacement of the 
generator control units (GCU's) 2PC and 12PC with new improved units 
having part number 118-000-1. The AD also will require replacement of 
the bus power control unit (BPCU) 20PC with a new improved unit having 
part number 106-000-3.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the single comment received.
    The commenter supports the proposed rule.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comment 
noted above, 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 12 Dornier Model 328-100 series airplanes of 
U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take 
approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the required 
actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. The 
manufacturer will provide required parts at no cost to the operators. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $720, or $60 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.

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:

96-13-12 Dornier: Amendment 39-9681. Docket 95-NM-231-AD.

    Applicability: Model 328-100 series airplanes having serial 
numbers 3005 through 3024 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 (b) 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 abnormal functions of the bus power control units and 
the generator control units, which could result in electrical short 
circuits in the electrical power distribution systems and a 
subsequent fire, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, perform 
the requirements of paragraph (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD, in 
accordance with Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-24-061, Revision 1, 
dated November 3, 1994.
    (1) Remove the generator control units 2PC and 12PC and replace 
them with new improved units having part number 118-000-1. And,

[[Page 33651]]

    (2) Remove bus power control unit 20PC and replace it with a new 
improved unit having part number 106-000-3.
    (b) 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.

    (c) 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.
    (d) The removals and replacements shall be done in accordance 
with Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-24-061, Revision 1, dated 
November 3, 1994, which contains the following effective pages:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Revision level                        
           Page No.--             shown on page     Date shown on page  
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1, 3-..........................  1-.............  Nov. 3, 1994.         
2-.............................  Original-......  Oct. 14, 1994.        
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This incorporation by reference is 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 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.
    (e) This amendment becomes effective on August 8, 1996.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 19, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-16245 Filed 6-27-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P