AD 97-24-01 Airworthiness Directives; Dornier Model 328-100 Series Airplanes

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

All Model 328-100 series airplanes, certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise 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 (f) 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 bushings of the main landing gear (MLG) trailing arm, which could result in collapse of the MLG during landing, accomplish the following: (a) For airplanes that have accumulated 3,000 total flight hours or more as of the effective date of this AD: Within 7 days after the effective date of this AD, conduct an external visual inspection to detect damage or migration of the bushings of each MLG trailing arm, in accordance with Section 2.B(1) of Dornier Alert Service Bulletin ASB-328-32-019, dated September 17, 1997. (b) For airplanes that have accumulated less than 3,000 total flight hours as of the effective date of this AD: Prior to accumulation of 3,000 total flight hours, or within 300 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, conduct a detailed visual inspection to detect damage of the bushings of each MLG trailing arm, in accordance with Section 2.B(2) of Dornier Alert Service Bulletin ASB-328-32-019, dated September 17, 1997. (c) If no damage or migration is detected during the inspection required by paragraph (a) or (b) of this AD within 300 flight hours after the inspection, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 300 flight hours, conduct a detailed visual inspection to detect damage of the bushings of each MLG trailing arm, in accordance with Section 2.B(2) of Dornier Alert Service Bulletin ASB-328-32-019, dated September 17, 1997. (d) If any damage or migration is detected during any inspection required by paragraph (a), (b), or (c) of this AD, prior to further flight, replace any affected bushing in accordance with Section 2.B(2) of Dornier Alert Service Bulletin ASB-328-32-019, dated September 17, 1997. Thereafter, except as provided by paragraph (e) of this AD, continue to inspect the bushings in accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD. (e) For airplanes on which all bushings of both MLG trailing arms have been replaced in accordance with Dornier Alert Service Bulletin ASB-328-32-019, dated September [[Page 61436]] 17, 1997: Within 3,000 flight hours after replacement of the bushings, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 300 flight hours, inspect the new bushings in accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD. (f) 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 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. (g) 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. (h) The inspection and replacement shall be done in accordance with Dornier Alert Service Bulletin ASB-328-32-019, dated September 17, 1997. 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 Dornier Deutsche Aerospace, P.O. Box 1103, D-82230 Wessling, Federal Republic of 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. (i) This amendment becomes effective on December 3, 1997. Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 10, 1997. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 97-30103 Filed 11-17-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U