AD 97-05-05

97-05-05 DORNIER: Amendment 39-9949. Docket 96-NM-116-AD. Applicability: Model 328-100 series airplanes having serial numbers 3005 through 3014 inclusive; certificated in any category.

NOTE 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise 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 (b) 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 as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent failure of the diagonal braces that connect the left and right wings to the fuselage, which could result in unstable movement of the wings and adversely affect the aerodynamic characteristics of the wings, accomplish the following:

(a) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, perform the actions required by paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD.

(1) Check the clearance between the diagonal braces that connect the left and right wings to the fuselage and the Z-profile of the frame to which the top fairing is attached, in accordance with Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-53-051, dated August 16, 1994.

(i) If the clearance meets or exceeds the minimum limits specified in the service bulletin, no further action is required by paragraph (a)(1) of this AD.

(ii) If the clearance is less than the minimum limits specified in the service bulletin, prior to further flight, modify the Z-profile of the frame to which the top fairing is attached, in accordance with the service bulletin.

(2) Check each diagonal brace for damage or wear, in accordance with the service bulletin.

(i) If no damage or wear is detected, no further action is required by paragraph (a)(2) of this AD.

(ii) If any damage or wear is detected, prior to further flight, repair the diagonal brace in accordance with a method approved by the Manager Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate.

(b) 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, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, 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, Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

NOTE 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

(c) 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.

(d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Dornier Service Bulletin SB-328-53-051, dated August 16, 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, 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.

(e) This amendment becomes effective on April 3, 1997.