Discussion
What events have caused this AD? The Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA), which is the airworthiness authority for Germany, recently notified FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Dornier Models 228-100, 228-101, 228-200 and 228-201, 228-202, and 228-212 airplanes. The LBA reports an occurrence of stuck contacts of the power relay of the heating circuit to the auxiliary cabin heater, Dornier option P05 or P09.
What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? Failure of the auxiliary cabin heater could lead to overheating and smoke in the cockpit.
Has FAA taken any action to this point? We issued a proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to certain Dornier Models 228-100, 228-101, 228-200, 228-201, 228-202, and 228-212 airplanes that have electrical cabin/cockpit heater option P05 or option P09 installed. This proposal was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on May 15, 2003 (68 FR 26242). The NPRM proposed to require you to modify the cockpit and cabin auxiliary heating wiring.
Was the public invited to comment? The FAA encouraged interested persons to participate in the making of this amendment. We did not receive any comments on the proposed rule or on our determination of the cost to the public.
FAA's Determination
What is FAA's final determination on this issue? After careful review of all available information related to the subject presented above, we have determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for minor editorial corrections. We have determined that these minor corrections:
--Provide the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
--Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM.
How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affectthis AD? On July 10, 2002, FAA published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs FAA's AD system. This regulation now includes material that relates to special flight permits, alternative methods of compliance, and altered products. This material previously was included in each individual AD. Since this material is included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD actions.
Cost Impact
How many airplanes does this AD impact? We estimate that this AD affects 14 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
What is the cost impact of this AD on owners/operators of the affected airplanes? We estimate the following costs to accomplish this modification. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that may need such modification:
Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost per airplane
3 workhours x $60 per hour = $180
$95
$275
Regulatory Impact
Does this AD impact various entities? The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it is determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.
Does this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a "significant rule" under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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. A copy of the final evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. FAA amends 39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows: