AD 2002-03-15 Airworthiness Directives; Dornier Model 328-100 and -300 Series Airplanes

Models named: 328-100, 328-300 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 328-100 airplanes, serial numbers 3005 through 3119 inclusive, on which Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-27-319, dated June 26, 2000, or Revision 1, dated September 27, 2000, has been accomplished; and Model 328-300 series airplanes, serial numbers 3105 through 3184 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.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent detachment of the aileron potentiometer lever, which could result in jamming of the elevator and/or aileron flight control systems and reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: Testing and Corrective Action (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, test the left- and right-hand potentiometer levers of the aileron flight control system to determine whether, with the bolt in position and the clamping force across the splines relaxed, the levers can be pulled off the splined shaft, in accordance with the Dornier service bulletin listed in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, as applicable. (1) For Dornier Model 328-100 series airplanes: Accomplishment Instructions, “Aileron System,” of Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-27-359, dated March 29, 2001. (2) For Dornier Model 328-300 series airplanes: Accomplishment Instructions, “Aileron System,” of Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328J-27-064, Revision 1, dated April 12, 2001. (b) If, as a result of the test required by paragraph (a) of this AD, any lever cannot be removed, before further flight, retighten the nut and bolt and replace the split pin, in accordance with the Dornier service bulletin listed in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, as applicable. (c) If, as a result of the test required by paragraph (a) of this AD, any lever can be detached from the splined shaft, perform the actions specified in paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this AD, as applicable. (1) If a potentiometer lever having either part number (P/N) 001A271A2062 000 or 001A271A2062 002 is available from stock or from the airplane manufacturer, before further flight, replace the defective lever with a new lever having either P/N 001A271A2062 000 or 001A271A2062 002; in accordance with the Dornier service bulletin listed in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, as applicable. After the installation of the new lever and before further flight, test the new lever as required in paragraph (a) of this AD. (2) If a potentiometer lever is not available from stock or from the airplane manufacturer, before further flight, reassemble the existing lever with loctite, in accordance with the Dornier service bulletin listed in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, as applicable and, within 4,000 flight hours or 24 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever comes first, replace the lever with a new lever having P/N 001A271A2062 000 or 001A271A2062 002; in accordance with a method specified in paragraph (c)(2)(i) or (c)(2)(ii) of this AD. (i) In accordance with a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA; or the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA) (or its delegated agent). (ii) In accordance with the Dornier service bulletin specified in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, as applicable. Alternative Methods of Compliance (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. 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 (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. Incorporation by Reference (f) Except as provided by paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-27-359, dated March 29, 2001; or Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328J-27-064, Revision 1, dated April 12, 2001; 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 directive 2001-167/2, dated June 28, 2001, and German airworthiness directive 2001-168, dated June 14, 2001. Effective Date (g) This amendment becomes effective on March 27, 2002. Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 8, 2002. Ali Bahrami, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 02-3612 Filed 2-19-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P