AD 2014-04-02 Airworthiness Directives; DORNIER LUFTFAHRT GmbH Airplanes

Models named: 228-212. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to DORNIER LUFTFAHRT GmbH Model 228-212 airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.

Unless already done, do the actions in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD: (1) Inspect the MLG axle following the Accomplishment Instructions in RUAG Aerospace Services GmbH Dornier 228 Service Bulletin No. SB-228-300, Revision 1, dated April 25, 2013, at the time specified in paragraphs (f)(1)(i) or (f)(1)(ii) of this AD. (i) If, as of April 1, 2014 (the effective date of this AD), the main landing gear (MLG) has 6,000 or more hours time-in-service (TIS) since new or is 10 years old or is more than 10 years old: Within the next 400 hours TIS after April 1, 2014 (the effective date of this AD) or within the next 6 months after April 1, 2014 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs first. (ii) If, as of April 1, 2014 (the effective date of this AD), the MLG has less than 6,000 hours TIS since new or is between 5 to 10 years old: Before or upon accumulating 6,400 hours TIS or within 6 months after April 1, 2014 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs first. (2) If, during the inspection required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, any discrepancies are found outside the limits specified in RUAG Aerospace Services GmbH Dornier 228 Service Bulletin No. SB-228-300, Revision 1, dated April 25, 2013, before further flight, make all necessary corrective actions following the Accomplishment Instructions in RUAG Aerospace Services GmbH Dornier 228 Service Bulletin No. SB-228-300, Revision 1, dated April 25, 2013.

The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4123; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: karl.schletzbaum@faa.gov . Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service. (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as improper restoration of corrosion protection as the likely cause of initial fatigue cracking of the main landing gear (MLG) axle. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct possible corrosion and cracking of the MLG axle, which could lead to failure of the MLG axle resulting in a runway excursion with consequent damage to the airplane and injury to the occupants.

None.