[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 122 (Monday, June 27, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-14904]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: June 27, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94-NM-47-AD; Amendment 39-8945; AD 94-13-05]

 

Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes. This 
action requires modification of the electrical connections in a certain 
relay panel. This amendment is prompted by a report that, as a result 
of a previous modification, certain electrical wires with a positive 
voltage were connected to an electrical connector that is also wired to 
the liftdumper system, which could negatively affect the liftdumper 
system. The actions specified in this AD are intended to ensure 
protection against uncommanded deployment of the liftdumper.

DATES: Effective July 12, 1994.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of July 12, 1994.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before August 26, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 94-NM-47-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056.
    The service information referenced in this AD 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; or at 
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street NW., suite 
700, Washington, DC.

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: 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 Model F28 Mark 0100 
series airplanes were modified to increase air conditioning airflow at 
higher altitudes by augmenting the airflow through the turbine bypass 
valves. These airplanes were modified in accordance with Fokker Service 
Bulletin SBF100-21-026. On some airplanes, this modification resulted 
in the installation of electrical wires with a positive voltage into an 
electrical connector that is also wired for the liftdumper system. 
Incorporation of this modification on these airplanes could negatively 
affect the liftdumper system, since only electrical wires that are 
directly connected to a ground should be installed in this connector. 
This condition, if not corrected, could result in reduced protection 
against uncommanded deployment of the liftdumper.
    Fokker has issued Service Bulletin SBF100-21-045, Revision 1, dated 
November 17, 1993, that describes procedures for modification of the 
electrical connections in a certain relay panel. This modification 
entails disconnecting certain electrical wires from the connector in 
the number 2 relay panel and connecting these wires to a different 
connector. Accomplishment of this modification must be performed after 
or in conjunction with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-21-026, in order 
to ensure that only electrical wires that are directly connected to 
ground are installed to the electrical connector that is also wired for 
the liftdumper system.
    The RLD classified Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-21-045, as 
mandatory and issued Netherlands Airworthiness Directive BLA 92-079/2 
(A), dated December 24, 1993, in order to assure the continued 
airworthiness of these airplanes in the Netherlands.
    Fokker has also issued Service Bulletin SBF100-21-056, Revision 1, 
dated November 24, 1993, which supersedes Fokker Service Bulletins 
SBF100-21-026 and SBF100-21-045. Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-21-056 
describes procedures for augmentation of the flow through the turbine 
bypass valves of the air conditioning system to increase the air 
conditioning airflow at higher altitudes. The RLD classified this 
service bulletin as optional; however, the service bulletin 
incorporates the provisions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-21-045, 
including the instructions necessary to correct the wiring.
    This airplane model is manufactured in the Netherlands and is type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
Section 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, this AD is being issued to prevent reduced 
protection against uncommanded deployment of the liftdumper. This AD 
requires modification of the electrical connections in a certain relay 
panel. The actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with 
either of the service bulletins described previously.
    There currently are no Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes 
affected by this AD on the U.S. Register. All airplanes included in the 
applicability of this rule currently are operated by non-U.S. operators 
under foreign registry; therefore, they are not directly affected by 
this AD action. However, the FAA considers that this rule is necessary 
to ensure that the unsafe condition is addressed in the event that any 
of these subject airplanes are imported and placed on the U.S. Register 
in the future.
    Should an affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S. 
Register in the future, it would require approximately 7 work hours to 
accomplish the required actions, at an average labor charge of $55 per 
work hour. Required parts would cost approximately $80 per airplane. 
Based on these figures, the total cost impact of this AD would be $465 
per airplane.
    Since this AD action does not affect any airplane that is currently 
on the U.S. register, it has no adverse economic impact and imposes no 
additional burden on any person. Therefore, notice and public 
procedures hereon are unnecessary and the amendment may be made 
effective in less than 30 days after publication in the Federal 
Register.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not 
preceded by notice and opportunity for public comment, comments are 
invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this 
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 under the caption 
ADDRESSES. All communications received on or before the closing date 
for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light 
of the comments received. Factual information that supports the 
commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating 
the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional 
rulemaking action would be needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the 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 that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD 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 94-NM-47-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.
    The regulations adopted herein will 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 final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    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 final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from 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, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 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:

94-13-05 Fokker: Amendment 39-8945. Docket 94-NM-47-AD.

    Applicability: Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes having 
serial numbers 11244 through 11275 inclusive, 11277, and 11279; that 
have been modified in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin 
SBF100-21-026; certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent reduced protection against uncommanded deployment of 
the liftdumper, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the electrical connections in the number 2 relay panel in accordance 
with either Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-21-045, Revision 1, dated 
November 17, 1993, or Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-21-056, 
Revision 1, dated November 24, 1993.
    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no airplane shall be 
modified in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-21-026 
unless either Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-21-045, Revision 1, 
dated November 17, 1993, or Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-21-056, 
Revision 1, dated November 24, 1993, is also accomplished.
    (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 
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.
    (e) The modification shall be done in accordance with the 
following Fokker service bulletins, which contain the specified 
effective pages:

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                                                                      Revision level                            
  Service bulletin referenced and date             Page No.            shown on page      Date shown on page    
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SBF100-21-045, Revision 1, November 17,   1                           1.............  November 17, 1993.        
 1993.                                    2-9                         Original......  May 5, 1992.              
SBF100-21-056, Revision 1, November 24,   1-6, 26, 28                 1.............  November 24, 1993.        
 1993..                                   7-25, 27, 29, 30-58         Original......  July 30, 1993.            
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    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 Fokker Aircraft USA, Inc., 1199 North 
Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314. 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.
    (f) This amendment becomes effective on July 12, 1994.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 13, 1994.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 94-14904 Filed 6-24-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U