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 all Dornier Model Do 27 Q-6 airplanes. The LBA reports that, during an annual maintenance inspection, a damaged fuel line was found in the area between the firewall and the instrument panel in the fuselage.
Further inspection revealed that the damaged fuel line was incorrectly routed and not properly secured. Incorrect installation of the fuel line allowed the aileron control cable to chafe the fuel line, which caused the fuel line to leak.
What Is the Potential Impact if FAA Took No Action?
This condition, if not detected, corrected, and prevented, could result in fuel leaking into the fuselage. This could cause a fire or explosion.
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 all Dornier Model Do 27 Q-6 airplanes. This proposal was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on January 6, 2003 (68 FR 516). The NPRM proposed to require you to inspect the aileron and flap control cables in the fuselage for proper clearance from the fuel lines and make any necessary adjustments; and inspect the fuel lines for damage and correct routing. The NPRM also proposed to require you to replace all damaged fuel lines and reroute incorrectly routed fuel lines. After all other corrective action is taken, the NPRM also proposed to require you to install protective sleeves on the fuel lines.
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 onThis 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.
What Is the Difference Between This AD, the LBA AD, and the Service Information?
The LBA AD and the service information requires (on German-registered airplanes) inspection and, if necessary, adjustments and/or replacement within the next 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of the AD. We require that you inspect and, if necessary, adjust and/or replace within the next 55 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD. We do not have justification to require this action within the next 10 hours TIS.
We use compliance times such as 10 hours TIS when we have identified an urgent safety of flight situation. We believe that 55 hours TIS will give the owners or operators of the affected airplanes enough time to have the actions accomplished without compromising the safety of the airplanes.
Cost Impact
How Many Airplanes Does This AD Impact?
We estimate that this AD affects 2 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 the inspection:
Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost per airplane
Total cost on U.S. operators
1 workhour x $60 = $60
Not applicable
$60
$60 x 2 = $120.
We estimate the following costs to reroute any fuel line that will be required based on the results of the inspection. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that may need such rerouting:
Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost per airplane
2 workhours x $60 = $120
No parts required
$120
We estimate the following costs to accomplish any necessary replacements that will be required based on the results of the inspection. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that may need such replacements:
Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost per airplane
6 workhours x $60 = $360
$140
$360 + $140 = $500.
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.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows: