AD 98-06-13

This action confirms the effective date of Airworthiness Directive (AD) 98-06-13 which applies to Models 228-100, 228-101, 228-200, and 228-201 airplanes equipped with certain main landing gear (MLG). AD 98-06-13 requires replacing the MLG axle assembly with an MLG axle assembly of improved design. This AD was the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Germany. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent main landing gear failure, which, if not corrected, could result in loss of control of the airplane during landing operations.

Final rule

98-06-13 DORNIER LUFTFAHRT GMBH: Amendment 39-10391; Docket No. 97-CE-124- AD.
Applicability: Models 228-100, 228-101, 228-200, and 228-201 (all serial numbers) airplanes, certificated in any category, equipped with a main landing gear (MLG) axle housing assembly that has part numbers (P/N) A-511000D00F, A-521000D00F, A-511000E00F, and A- 521000E00F (or FAA-approved equivalent part numbers).

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.

Compliance: Required within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished.

To prevent main landing gear failure, which, if not corrected, could result in loss of control of the airplane during landing operations, accomplish the following:

(a) Replace the main landing gear (MLG) axle housing assembly (P/N's A- 511000D00F, A-521000D00F, A-511000E00F, and A-521000E00F, or FAA-approved equivalent part numbers), with a new MLG axle housing assembly of improved design in accordance with Dornier 228 Service Bulletin No. SB-228-214, dated January 28, 1994.

(b) 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.

(c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, 1201 Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate.

NOTE 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Small Airplane Directorate.

(d) The replacement required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Dornier 228 Service Bulletin No. SB-228-214, dated January 28, 1994. 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 Luftfahrt GmbH, Product Support, P.O. Box 1103, D-82230 Wessling, FederalRepublic of Germany. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

NOTE 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in German AD 94-042 Dornier, dated February 9, 1994.

(e) This amendment becomes effective on June 15, 1998.

The FAA published this direct final rule with request for comments in the Federal Register on March 16, 1998 (63 FR 12605). The FAA uses the direct final rulemaking procedure for a non-controversial rule where the FAA anticipates that there will be no adverse public comment. This direct final rule advised the public that no adverse comments were anticipated, and that unless a written adverse comment, or a written notice of intent to submit such an adverse comment, were received within the comment period, the regulation would become effective on June 15, 1998. No adverse comments were received, and thus this notice confirms that this final rule will become effective on that date.