AD 2002-16-16 Airworthiness Directives; Dornier Model 328-100 and -300 Series Airplanes

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

Model 328-100 series airplanes, as listed in Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-26-342, dated November 2, 2000; and Model 328-300 series airplanes, as listed in Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328J-26-049, Revision 1, dated June 11, 2001; 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 (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.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent failure of the actuating cartridge on the auxiliary power unit (APU) fire extinguisher, which could result in the inability to extinguish an APU fire in-flight, and consequent reduced structural integrity of the airplane, accomplish the following: Removal, Inspection, Corrective Actions, and Reinstallation (a) Within 45 days after the effective date of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3) of this AD, per Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-26-342, dated November 2, 2000 (for Model 328-100 series airplanes); or Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328J-26-049, Revision 1, dated June 11, 2001 (for Model 328-300 series airplanes); as applicable. (1) Remove the fire extinguisher bottle equipped with the actuating cartridge from the APU. (2) Inspect the identification plate on the fire extinguisher bottle to verify if the correct actuating cartridge (part number (P/N) 30903964) has been installed. If the correct actuating cartridge has not been installed, before further flight, replace the existing actuating cartridge with a correct actuating cartridge, P/N 30903964, and vibra etch the identification plate to indicate the new P/N, per the service bulletin. (3) Reinstall the fire extinguisher bottle equipped with the correct actuating cartridge into the APU. Note 2: Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-26-342, dated November 2, 2000; and Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328J-26-049, Revision 1, dated June 11, 2001; both reference Pacific Scientific Service Bulletin 33100016-26-1, dated November 15, 2000, as an additional source of service information for accomplishing the inspection and replacement. (b) Accomplishment of the actions specified in Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328J-26-049, dated November 2, 2000 (for Model 328-300 series airplanes), is acceptable for compliance with the actions required by paragraph (a) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (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, 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 3: 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 (d) 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 (e) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be done per Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-26-342, dated November 2, 2000; or Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328J-26-049, Revision 1, dated June 11, 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, PO 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 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in German airworthiness directives 2001-291 and 2001-292, both dated October 18, 2001. Effective Date (f) This amendment becomes effective on Sepetmber 23, 2002. Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 9, 2002. Vi Lipski, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 02-20707 Filed 8-16-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P