90 FR 63 pgs. 14569-14572 - Airworthiness Directives; Deutsche Aircraft GmbH (Type Certificate Previously Held by 328 Support Services GmbH; AvCraft Aerospace GmbH; Fairchild Dornier GmbH; Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH) Airplanes
Type: RULEVolume: 90Number: 63Pages: 14569 - 14572
Pages: 14569, 14570, 14571, 14572Docket number: [Docket No. FAA-2024-2714; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00405-T; Amendment 39-22996; AD 2025-06-08]
FR document: [FR Doc. 2025-05643 Filed 4-2-25; 8:45 am]
Agency: Transportation Department
Sub Agency: Federal Aviation Administration
Official PDF Version: PDF Version
[top]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-2714; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00405-T; Amendment 39-22996; AD 2025-06-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Deutsche Aircraft GmbH (Type Certificate Previously Held by 328 Support Services GmbH; AvCraft Aerospace GmbH; Fairchild Dornier GmbH; Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH) Airplanes
AGENCY:
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION:
Final rule.
SUMMARY:
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Deutsche Aircraft GmbH (Type Certificate previously held by 328 Support Services GmbH; AvCraft Aerospace GmbH; Fairchild Dornier GmbH; Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH) Model 328-100 and Model 328-300 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a nose landing gear (NLG) uplock bracket assembly cracking. This AD requires an inspection of the affected part and applicable on-condition actions, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference (IBR). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES:
This AD is effective May 8, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 8, 2025.
ADDRESSES:
[top] AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-2714; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information
Material Incorporated by Reference:
• For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; website easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
• You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-2714.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Joe Salameh, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 206-231-3536; email: joe.salameh@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Deutsche Aircraft GmbH Model 328-100 and Model 328-300 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on December 27, 2024 (89 FR 105487). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2024-0137, dated July 11, 2024, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union (EASA AD 2024-0137) (also referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states an occurrence of NLG uplock bracket assembly cracking was discovered which, if not addressed, could result in uncommanded NLG extension which, in combination with a one engine inoperative condition during initial climb, may result in reduced climb performance, with possible impact with terrain or obstacle.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require an inspection of the affected part and applicable on-condition actions, as specified in EASA AD 2024-0137. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-2714.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on this product. Except for minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2024-0137 specifies procedures for a detailed inspection for any discrepancy ( i.e., any corrosion, crack, dent, nick, deformation, and measurement not within specified dimensions of the referenced service information) of the NLG uplock bracket assembly, part number 001A322D3100002, and applicable on-condition actions. The on-condition actions include additional detailed inspections for any discrepancy of the fasteners (which includes corrosion, cracks, dents, nicks, and deformation), replacement of the fasteners, and contacting Deutsche Aircraft GmbH for instructions and doing those instructions. EASA AD 2024-0137 also states that the AD is considered an interim measure and further AD action may follow. This material is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Interim Action
The FAA considers that this AD is an interim action. If final action is later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking then.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates this AD will affect 30 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
| Labor cost | Parts cost | Cost per product | Cost on U.S. operators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 18 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,530 | $0 | Up to $1,530 | Up to $45,900. |
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-condition actions that are required based on the results of any required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these on-condition actions:
| Labor cost | Parts cost | Cost per product |
|---|---|---|
| 2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 | $117 | $287 |
| *?The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost estimates for the on-condition instructions specified in this AD. | ||
Paperwork Reduction Act
[top] 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 currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39-AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority:
49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§?39.13 [Amended]
2. The FAA amends §?39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive:
2025-06-08 Deutsche Aircraft GmbH (Type Certificate Previously Held by 328 Support Services GmbH; AvCraft Aerospace GmbH; Fairchild Dornier GmbH; Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH): Amendment 39-22996; Docket No. FAA-2024-2714; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00405-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 8, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Deutsche Aircraft GmbH (Type Certificate previously held by 328 Support Services GmbH; AvCraft Aerospace GmbH; Fairchild Dornier GmbH; Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH) Model 328-100 and Model 328-300 airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing gear.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of nose landing gear (NLG) uplock bracket assembly cracking. The FAA is issuing this AD to address this unsafe condition which, if not addressed, could result in uncommanded NLG extension which, in combination with a one engine inoperative condition during initial climb, may result in reduced climb performance, with possible impact with terrain or obstacle.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0137, dated July 11, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0137).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0137
(1) Where EASA AD 2024-0137 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2024-0137.
(3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-0137 specifies corrective actions if "any discrepancy, as defined in the SB, is detected," for this AD, replace that text with "any corrosion, crack, dent, nick, deformation, or measurement not within specified dimensions of the SB is detected."
(4) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024-0137 specifies additional actions if "any discrepancy is detected," for this AD, replace that text with "any discrepancy, which includes corrosion, cracks, dents, nicks, and deformation, is detected."
(5) Paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2024-0137 specifies to report inspection results to Deutsche Aircraft GmbH within a certain compliance time. For this AD, report inspection results at the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(5)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
(i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.
(i) Additional AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or responsible Flight Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD and email to: AMOC@faa.gov . Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Deutsche Aircraft GmbH's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(j) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Joe Salameh, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 206-231-3536; email: joe.salameh@faa.gov.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
[top] (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0137, dated July 11, 2024.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; website easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
(5) You may view this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov .
Issued on March 27, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-05643 Filed 4-2-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P