AD 99-06-14 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, certified 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 elevator trim system due to paint/ moisture contamination, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Within 2 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time visual inspection of the elevator trim system for paint contamination on the actuator pistons and examine the trim actuator moisture indicator to determine the desiccant moisture level, in accordance with the Dornier Alert Service Bulletin ASB-328-27-017, Revision 2, dated July 28, 1998. (1) If no paint contamination is detected on the actuator pistons, and the moisture indicator of the trim actuator is blue or pale blue, no further action is required by paragraph (a) of this AD. (2) If no paint contamination is detected on the actuator pistons and the moisture indicator of the trim actuator is pale pink, pink, or white, prior to further flight, accomplish corrective actions in accordance with paragraph 2.B(3) of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin. (3) If any paint contamination is detected on the actuator pistons and the moisture indicator of the trim actuator is pale blue or blue, prior to further flight, remove the paint in accordance with the alert service bulletin. (4) If any paint contamination is detected on the actuator pistons and the moisture indicator of the trim actuator is pale pink, pink, or white; prior to further flight, replace the trim actuator with a new or serviceable trim actuator and either replace or regenerate the desiccant in accordance with the alert service bulletin. Note 2: Aviac Technologies, the manufacturer of the desiccant, has issued Identification Procedure for Desiccant DAV/AP98-214, Revision 0, dated April 22, 1998, as an additional source of service information to determine the level of saturation of the desiccant. (b) Within 2 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time visual inspection to verify installation of the flat gasket in each end of the flex drive, and to determine if the flat gasket is in good condition (i.e., shows no signs of wear), in accordance with Dornier Alert Service Bulletin ASB-328-27-017, Revision 2, dated July 28, 1998. (1) If the gasket is installed and in good condition, no further action is required by paragraph (b) of this AD. (2) If the gasket is missing or is installed and not in good condition, prior to further flight, replace the gasket with a new gasket, and torque the nuts, in accordance with the alert service bulletin. Note 3: Accomplishment of the actions required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD, prior to the effective date of this AD, in accordance with Dornier Alert Service Bulletin ASB-328-27-017, Revision 1, dated October 1, 1997, is considered acceptable for compliance with the applicable actions specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD. (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 4: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116. (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. (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Dornier Alert Service Bulletin ASB-328-27-017, Revision 2, dated July 28, 1998. 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 5: The subject of this AD is addressed in German airworthiness directive 97-188, dated July 3, 1997. (f) This amendment becomes effective on April 22, 1999. Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 9, 1999. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 99-6217 Filed 3-17-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-M