[Federal Register: March 27, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 59)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 14889-14891]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr27mr03-2]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-CE-55-AD; Amendment 39-13096; AD 2003-06-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Dornier-Werke G.m.b.H. Model Do 27 Q-6
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
applies to all Dornier-Werke G.m.b.H. (Dornier) Model Do 27 Q-6
airplanes. This AD requires you to inspect the aileron and flap control
cables for proper clearance from the fuel lines in the fuselage and
make necessary adjustments; and inspect the fuel lines for damage and
correct routing. This AD also requires you to replace all damaged fuel
lines and reroute incorrectly routed fuel lines. After all other
corrective action is taken, this AD also requires you to install
protective sleeves on the fuel lines. This AD is the result of
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the
airworthiness authority for Germany. The actions specified by this AD
are intended to detect and correct damaged fuel lines and prevent the
potential for further damage occurring to the fuel lines in the
fuselage. Damage to the fuel lines could result in fuel leaking into
the fuselage, which could cause a fire or explosion.
DATES: This AD becomes effective on May 16, 2003.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the regulations as of May
16, 2003.
[[Page 14890]]
ADDRESSES: You may get the service information referenced in this AD
from Fairchild Dornier GmbH, PO Box 1103, D-82230 Wessling, Federal
Republic of Germany; telephone: (011) 49 81 53-30 1; facsimile: (011)
49 81 53-30 29 01. You may view this information at the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-CE-55-AD, 901 Locust, Room
506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at the Office of the Federal
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4143; facsimile: (816) 329-4090.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
What Events Have Caused This AD?
The Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA), which is the airworthiness authority
for Germany, recently notified FAA that an unsafe condition may exist
on all Dornier Model Do 27 Q-6 airplanes. The LBA reports that, during
an annual maintenance inspection, a damaged fuel line was found in the
area between the firewall and the instrument panel in the fuselage.
Further inspection revealed that the damaged fuel line was
incorrectly routed and not properly secured. Incorrect installation of
the fuel line allowed the aileron control cable to chafe the fuel line,
which caused the fuel line to leak.
What Is the Potential Impact if FAA Took No Action?
This condition, if not detected, corrected, and prevented, could
result in fuel leaking into the fuselage. This could cause a fire or
explosion.
Has FAA Taken Any Action to This Point?
We issued a proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation
Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to all
Dornier Model Do 27 Q-6 airplanes. This proposal was published in the
Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on January
6, 2003 (68 FR 516). The NPRM proposed to require you to inspect the
aileron and flap control cables in the fuselage for proper clearance
from the fuel lines and make any necessary adjustments; and inspect the
fuel lines for damage and correct routing. The NPRM also proposed to
require you to replace all damaged fuel lines and reroute incorrectly
routed fuel lines. After all other corrective action is taken, the NPRM
also proposed to require you to install protective sleeves on the fuel
lines.
Was the Public Invited To Comment?
The FAA encouraged interested persons to participate in the making
of this amendment. We did not receive any comments on the proposed rule
or on our determination of the cost to the public.
FAA's Determination
What Is FAA's Final Determination on This Issue?
After careful review of all available information related to the
subject presented above, we have determined that air safety and the
public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for
minor editorial corrections. We have determined that these minor
corrections:
[sbull] Provide the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for
correcting the unsafe condition; and
[sbull] Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
What Is the Difference Between This AD, the LBA AD, and the Service
Information?
The LBA AD and the service information requires (on German-
registered airplanes) inspection and, if necessary, adjustments and/or
replacement within the next 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the
effective date of the AD. We require that you inspect and, if
necessary, adjust and/or replace within the next 55 hours TIS after the
effective date of this AD. We do not have justification to require this
action within the next 10 hours TIS.
We use compliance times such as 10 hours TIS when we have
identified an urgent safety of flight situation. We believe that 55
hours TIS will give the owners or operators of the affected airplanes
enough time to have the actions accomplished without compromising the
safety of the airplanes.
Cost Impact
How Many Airplanes Does This AD Impact?
We estimate that this AD affects 2 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
What Is the Cost Impact of This AD on Owners/Operators of the Affected
Airplanes?
We estimate the following costs to accomplish the inspection:
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Total cost
Labor cost Parts cost per airplane Total cost on U.S. operators
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1 workhour x $60 = $60............. Not applicable............. $60 $60 x 2 = $120.
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We estimate the following costs to reroute any fuel line that will
be required based on the results of the inspection. We have no way of
determining the number of airplanes that may need such rerouting:
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Total cost per
Labor cost Parts cost airplane
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2 workhours x $60 = $120....... No parts required..... $120
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We estimate the following costs to accomplish any necessary
replacements that will be required based on the results of the
inspection. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that
may need such replacements:
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Labor cost Parts cost Total cost per airplane
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6 workhours x $60 = $360.................... $140 $360 + $140 = $500.
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[[Page 14891]]
Regulatory Impact
Does This AD Impact Various Entities?
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.
Does This AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?
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 copy of the final 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, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under 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. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows:
2003-06-08 Dornier-Werke G.m.b.H.: Amendment 39-13096; Docket No.
2002-CE-55-AD.
(a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects
Model Do 27 Q-6 airplanes, all serial numbers, that are certificated
in any category.
(b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate
any of the airplanes identified in paragraph (a) of this AD must
comply with this AD.
(c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by
this AD are intended to detect and correct damaged fuel lines and
prevent the potential for further damage occurring to the fuel lines
in the fuselage. Damage to the fuel lines could result in fuel
leaking into the fuselage, which could cause a fire or explosion.
(d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To
address this problem, you must accomplish the following:
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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) Inspect the following: Within the next 55 hours time-in- In accordance with Fairchild
(i) The aileron and flap control cable for service (TIS) after May 16, Dornier Do 27 Service Bulletin
proper clearance from the fuel lines in the 2003 (the effective date of No. SB-1141-0000, dated June
fuselage; and this AD). 12, 2002.
(ii) The fuel lines between the firewall and
instrument panel for damage and correct
routing
(2) Make adjustments and/or replacements if: Prior to further flight after In accordance with Fairchild
(i) Improper clearance is detected between the inspection required in Dornier Do 27 Service Bulletin
the aileron and control cable and the fuel paragraph (d)(1) of this AD and No. SB-1141-0000, dated June
lines; if any of the conditions 12, 2002.
(ii) Any fuel line is found damaged; or specified in paragraph (d)(2)
(iii) Any fuel line is incorrectly routed. of this AD are met.
(3) Install a protective sleeve around the Prior to further flight after In accordance with Fairchild
fuel lines the inspection required in Dornier Do 27 Service Bulletin
paragraph (d)(1) of this AD and No. SB-1141-0000, dated June
when all corrective actions 12, 2002.
have been accomplished.
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(e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? You may use an
alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if:
(1) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent
level of safety; and
(2) The Manager, Standards Office, Small Airplane Directorate,
approves your alternative. Submit your request through an FAA
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send
it to the Manager, Standards Office.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in paragraph
(a) of this AD, 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 (e) 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 you have not eliminated the unsafe condition, specific
actions you propose to address it.
(f) Where can I get information about any already-approved
alternative methods of compliance? Contact Karl Schletzbaum,
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust,
Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4144;
facsimile: (816) 329-4090.
(g) What if I need to fly the airplane to another location to
comply with this AD? The FAA can issue a special flight permit under
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate your airplane to a location where
you can accomplish the requirements of this AD.
(h) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by
reference? Actions required by this AD must be done in accordance
with Fairchild Dornier Do 27 Service Bulletin No. SB-1141-0000,
dated June 12, 2002. The Director of the Federal Register approved
this incorporation by reference under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part
51. You may get copies from Dornier GmbH, P.O. Box 1103, D-82230
Wessling, Federal Republic of Germany; telephone: (011) 49 81 53-30
1; facsimile: (011) 49 81 53-30 29 01. You may view copies at the
FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust,
Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in German AD 2002-
240, dated July 26, 2002.
(i) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment
becomes effective on May 16, 2003.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 19, 2003.
Sandra J. Campbell,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-7186 Filed 3-26-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P