[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 1, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-2181]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: February 1, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 93-NM-196-AD]

 

Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 
series airplanes. This proposal would require replacement of certain 
main landing gear (MLG) torque link dampers. This proposal is prompted 
by a report that certain MLG torque link dampers may have been 
assembled with incorrect parts. The actions specified by the proposed 
AD are intended to prevent loss of the damping characteristics of the 
torque link damper, which could lead to the loss of the MLG wheel 
assembly of the aircraft during takeoff or landing.

DATES: Comments must be received by March 28, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 93-NM-196-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
obtained from Fokker Aircraft USA, Inc., 1199 North Fairfax Street, 
Alexandria, Virginia 22314. This information may be examined at the 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Dulin, Aerospace Engineer, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206) 
227-2141; fax (206) 227-1320.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as 
they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number 
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All 
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing 
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested 
persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 93-NM-196-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 93-NM-196-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The Rijksluchtvaartdienst (RLD), which is the airworthiness 
authority for the Netherlands, recently notified the FAA that an unsafe 
condition may exist on certain Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 series 
airplanes. The RLD advises that certain main landing gear (MLG) torque 
link dampers may have been assembled with an incorrect part. 
Investigation into this problem has identified the affected dampers: 
one batch of 32 MLG torque link dampers, Menasco part number 23700-1, 
having serial numbers MAL417 through MAL427 inclusive, and MAL429 
through MAL449 inclusive. This condition, if not corrected, could 
result in loss of damping characteristics of the torque link damper, 
which could lead to the loss of the MLG wheel assembly of the aircraft 
during takeoff and landing.
    Fokker has issued Service Bulletin SBF100-32-077, dated July 6, 
1993, that describes procedures for a one-time inspection and 
replacement of suspect MLG torque link dampers with serviceable 
dampers. The RLD classified this service bulletin as mandatory and 
issued Netherlands Airworthiness Directive (BLA) 93-095 (A), dated July 
16, 1993, in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these 
airplanes in the Netherlands.
    This airplane model is manufactured in the Netherlands and is type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
Sec. 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations and the applicable 
bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this bilateral 
airworthiness agreement, the RLD has kept the FAA informed of the 
situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the 
RLD, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action 
is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.
    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered 
in the United States, the proposed AD would require replacement of 
suspect MLG torque link dampers with serviceable dampers. The actions 
would be required to be accomplished in accordance with the service 
bulletin described previously.
    The FAA estimates that 32 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 4 work 
hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed actions, and that the 
average labor rate is $55 per work hour. Required parts would cost 
approximately $900 per airplane. Based on these figures, the total cost 
impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $35,840, 
or $1,120 per airplane. This total cost figure assumes that no operator 
has yet accomplished the proposed requirements of this AD action.
    The regulations proposed herein would not have substantial direct 
effects 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, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this 
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under 
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 
and (3) if promulgated, 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 draft 
regulatory 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, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 14 
CFR part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C. 
106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

Fokker: Docket 93-NM-196-AD.

    Applicability: Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes, 
certificated in any category; equipped with Menasco main landing 
gear (MLG) torque link dampers, part number 23700-1, having serial 
numbers MAL417 through MAL427 inclusive, and MAL429 through MAL449 
inclusive.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent loss of damping characteristics of the torque link 
damper, which could lead to the loss of the MLG wheel assembly of 
the aircraft during takeoff or landing, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 14 days after the effective date of this AD, replace 
Menasco MLG torque link dampers, part number 23700-1, with a 
serviceable damper.
    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
a Menasco MLG torque link damper, part number 23700-1, having serial 
numbers MAL417 through MAL427, inclusive, or MAL429 through MAL449, 
inclusive, on any airplane.
    (c) 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: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR 
21.197 and 21.199 to operate the airplane to a location where the 
requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 26, 1994.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 94-2181 Filed 1-31-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U