AD 2020-09-13 "New Or More Restrictive Airworthiness Limitations Are Necessary"

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 328 Support Services GmbH Model 328-300 airplanes.

This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 22, 2020.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019-0271, dated October 30, 2019 (“EASA AD 2019-0271”) (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or “the MCAI”), to correct an unsafe condition for all 328 Support Services GmbH Model 328-300 airplanes. The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all 328 Support Services GmbH Model 328-300 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on February 12, 2020 (85 FR 7897). The NPRM was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The NPRM proposed to require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as specified in an EASA AD.

The FAA is issuing this AD to address the potential failure of parts, which could lead to reduced control of the airplane; and to address the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane. See the MCAI for additional background information.

FMI: www.regulations.gov