AD/Do 328/3 RVSM Operations (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.001(1) of CASR 1998.  The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

Dornier 328 Series Aeroplanes

AD/DO 328/3 RVSM Operations 1/2006 DM

Applicability:	Model 328-100 series aeroplanes, serial numbers 3005 up to and including 3119, without Fairchild Dornier Service Bulletins SB-328-34-413 Revision 1 dated 18 November 2002 and either SB-328-53-403 Revision 1 dated 7 November 2002 or Revision 2 dated 13 May 2003 incorporated.
Requirement:	1.    Amend the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) by inserting the following statement into the Limitations Section, this may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this Directive in the AFM:
“Operation in Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum airspace is prohibited.”
Note 1:  Dornier All Operator Telex AOT-328-34-021 dated 11 September 2002 refers, however the AOT only limits the prohibition to European Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) airspace.
2.    Perform the actions specified in both SB-328-34-413 Revision 1 and SB-328-53-403 Revision 2.
Actions accomplished in accordance with SB-328-53-403 Revision 1, before the effective date of this Directive, are acceptable for partial compliance with this Requirement.
The Requirement 1 AFM amendment may be removed following compliance with Requirement 2.
Note 2:  LBA AD 2002-337/2 refers.
Compliance:	For Requirement 1 - Within seven days after the effective date of this Directive.
For Requirement 2 - Before requesting an RVSM Airworthiness Approval.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 23 November 2005.

Background: The German Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA) has advised the Eurocontrol has found large height deviations whilst monitoring the performance of the Dornier 328 RVSM fleet and that as a result the approval for RVSM operations has been suspended in European airspace.  RVSM operations may be resumed following optional actions in accordance with the two referenced SBs.

James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

14 November 2005