[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 144 (Thursday, July 28, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page ]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-17858]


[Federal Register: July 28, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 93-NM-76-AD; Amendment 39-8982; AD 94-15-11]


Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F-27 Mark 100, 200, 300, 
400, 500, 600, and 700 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Fokker Model F-27 series airplanes, that requires 
the implementation of a corrosion prevention and control program either 
by accomplishing specific tasks or by revising the maintenance 
inspection program to include such a program. This amendment is 
prompted by reports of incidents involving corrosion and fatigue 
cracking in transport category airplanes that are approaching or have 
exceeded their economic design goal; these incidents have jeopardized 
the airworthiness of the affected airplanes. The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to prevent degradation of the structural 
capabilities of the airplane due to the problems associated with 
corrosion.

DATES: Effective August 29, 1994.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of August 29, 1994.

ADDRESSES: 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 
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, 
Rules Docket, 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: Mark Quam, Aerospace Engineer, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206) 
227-2145; fax (206) 227-1320.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Fokker Model F-27 series 
airplanes was published in the Federal Register on March 14, 1994 (59 
FR 11739). That action proposed to require the implementation of a 
corrosion prevention and control program either by accomplishing 
specific tasks or by revising the maintenance inspection program to 
include such a program.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comments received.
    One commenter supports the proposal.
    Another commenter suggests that the FAA reconsider the 
applicability of the proposed AD. This commenter requests that the 
applicability statement be worded so that it will not affect future 
models of this airplane, such as the Model F-27 Mark 800, which does 
not exist yet. The FAA concurs. Inclusion of a reference to that model 
in the applicability of the proposed rule was in error. The final rule 
has been revised to delete reference to it.
    This same commenter points out that the latest version of the 
parallel Netherlands Airworthiness Directive (BLA) is BLA 91-113, Issue 
3, dated November 1, 1993. The preamble to the notice referred to an 
earlier version of this BLA that was issued June 26, 1992. The FAA 
acknowledges this information.
    After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule with the change previously 
described. The FAA has determined that this change will neither 
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
the AD.
    The FAA estimates that 55 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this proposed AD. It will take an average of approximately 
7 work hours per basic task to accomplish the 75 basic tasks called out 
in the Document; this represents a total average of 525 work hours. The 
average labor rate is $55 per work hour. Based on these figures, the 
total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators for the 6-year average 
inspection cycle is estimated to be $1,588,125, or $28,875 per 
airplane.
    The total cost impact figure discussed above is based on 
assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the 
requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish 
those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted.
    The FAA recognizes that the obligation to maintain aircraft in an 
airworthy condition is vital, but sometimes expensive. Because AD's 
require specific actions to address specific unsafe conditions, they 
appear to impose costs that would not otherwise be borne by operators. 
However, because of the general obligation of operators to maintain 
aircraft in an airworthy condition, this appearance is deceptive. 
Attributing those costs solely to the issuance of this AD is 
unrealistic because, in the interest of maintaining safe aircraft, most 
prudent operators would accomplish the required actions even if they 
were not required to do so by the AD.
    A full cost-benefit analysis has not been accomplished for this AD. 
As a matter of law, in order to be airworthy, an aircraft must conform 
to its type design and be in a condition for safe operation. The type 
design is approved only after the FAA makes a determination that it 
complies with all applicable airworthiness requirements. In adopting 
and maintaining those requirements, the FAA has already made the 
determination that they establish a level of safety that is cost-
beneficial. When the FAA, as in this AD, makes a finding of an unsafe 
condition, this means that this cost-beneficial level of safety is no 
longer being achieved and that the proposed actions are necessary to 
restore that level of safety. Because this level of safety has already 
been determined to be cost-beneficial, a full cost-benefit analysis for 
this AD would be redundant and unnecessary.
    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 part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) 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:

94-15-11 Fokker: Amendment 39-8982. Docket 93-NM-76-AD.

    Applicability: Model F-27 Mark 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 
700 series airplanes (does not include Model F-27 MK 050 series 
airplanes) airplanes, certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To preclude degradation of the structural capabilities of the 
airplane due to the problems associated with corrosion, accomplish 
the following:

    Note 1: This AD references Fokker Document SE-291, ``F-27 
Corrosion Control Program,'' including all revisions through October 
1, 1993 (hereafter referred to as ``the Document''), for basic 
tasks, definitions of corrosion levels, compliance times, and 
reporting requirements. In addition, this AD specifies inspection 
and reporting requirements beyond those included in the Document. 
Where there are differences between the AD and the Document, the AD 
prevails.
    Note 2: As used throughout this AD, the term ``the FAA'' is 
defined differently for different operators, as follows: For those 
operators complying with paragraph (a) of this AD, ``the FAA'' is 
defined as ``the Manager of the Standardization Branch, ANM-113, 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate.'' For those operators operating 
under Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 121 or 129, and 
complying with paragraph (b) of this AD, ``the FAA'' is defined as 
``the cognizant Principal Maintenance Inspector (PMI).'' For those 
operators operating under FAR Part 91 or 125, and complying with 
paragraph (b) of this AD, ``the FAA'' is defined as ``the cognizant 
Maintenance Inspector at the appropriate FAA Flight Standards 
office.''
    Note 3: The FAA recommends that priority for implementing the 
corrosion prevention and control program, specified in this AD, be 
given to older aircraft and areas requiring a significant upgrade of 
previous maintenance procedures to meet the program requirements.

    (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this AD, complete 
each of the basic tasks specified in Section 2.4 of the Document in 
accordance with the procedures of the Document, and the schedule 
specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD.

    Note 4: A ``basic task,'' as defined in Section 2.4 of the 
Document, includes inspections; procedures for a corrective action, 
including repairs, under identified circumstances; application of 
sealants or corrosion inhibitors; and other follow-on actions.
    Note 5: Airplane ``areas'' are those items listed in columnar 
form in the ``ACTION'' statement of each task, as listed in the 
Document.
    Note 6: Basic tasks completed in accordance with the Document 
before the effective date of this AD may be credited for compliance 
with the initial basic task requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of this 
AD.
    Note 7: Where non-destructive inspection (NDI) methods are 
employed, in accordance with Section 2.4 of the Document, the 
standards and procedures used must be acceptable to the 
Administrator in accordance with FAR Section 43.13.

    (1) Complete the initial basic task of each aircraft zone 
specified in Section 2.4 of the Document as follows:
    (i) For airplane areas that have not yet exceeded the ``Initial 
Inspection Time (IIT)'' for a basic task as of one year after the 
effective date of this AD: Initial compliance must occur no later 
than the IIT, or no later than one Repeat Inspection Time (RIT) 
interval measured from a date one year after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs later.
    (ii) For airplane areas that have exceeded the IIT for a 
particular basic task as of one year after the effective date of 
this AD: Initial compliance must occur within one RIT interval for 
that task, or within 6 years, measured from a date one year after 
the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
    (iii) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) of 
this AD, accomplish the initial basic task, for each area that 
exceeds the IIT for that area, at a minimum rate of one such area 
every two years, beginning one year after the effective date of this 
AD.

    Note 8: This paragraph does not require inspection of any area 
that has not exceeded the IIT for that area.
    Note 9: This minimum rate requirement may cause an undue 
hardship on some small operators. In those circumstances, requests 
for adjustments to the implementation rate will be evaluated on a 
case-by-case basis under the provisions of paragraph (h) of this AD.

    (2) Repeat each basic task at a time interval not to exceed the 
RIT interval specified in the Document for that task.
    (b) As an alternative to the requirements of paragraph (a) of 
this AD: Prior to one year after the effective date of this AD, 
revise the FAA-approved maintenance/inspection program to include 
the corrosion control program specified in the Document; or to 
include an equivalent program that is approved by the FAA. In all 
cases, the initial basic task for each airplane area must be 
completed in accordance with the compliance schedule specified in 
paragraph (a)(1) of this AD.
    (1) Any operator complying with paragraph (b) of this AD may use 
an alternative recordkeeping method to that otherwise required by 
FAR Section 91.417 or Section 121.380 for the actions required by 
this AD, provided it is approved by the FAA and is included in a 
revision to the FAA-approved maintenance/inspection program.
    (2) Subsequent to the accomplishment of the initial basic task, 
extensions of RIT intervals specified in the Document must be 
approved by the FAA.
    (c) To accommodate unanticipated scheduling requirements, it is 
acceptable for an RIT interval to be increased by up to 10%, but not 
to exceed 6 months. The FAA must be informed, in writing, of any 
such extension within 30 days after such adjustment of the schedule.
    (d)(1) If, as a result of any inspection conducted in accordance 
with paragraph (a) or (b) of this AD, Level 3 corrosion is 
determined to exist in any airplane area, accomplish either 
paragraph (d)(1)(i) or (d)(1)(ii) within 7 days after such 
determination:
    (i) Submit a report of that determination to the FAA and 
complete the basic task in the affected aircraft zones on all Model 
F-27 series airplanes in the operator's fleet; or
    (ii) Submit to the FAA for approval one of the following:
    (A) A proposed schedule for performing the basic tasks in the 
affected aircraft zones on the remaining Model F-27 series airplanes 
in the operator's fleet, which is adequate to ensure that any other 
Level 3 corrosion is detected in a timely manner, along with 
substantiating data for that schedule; or
    (B) Data substantiating that the Level 3 corrosion found is an 
isolated occurrence.

    Note 10: Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2.1 of the 
Document, which would permit corrosion that otherwise meets the 
definition of Level 3 corrosion (i.e., which is determined to be a 
potentially urgent airworthiness concern requiring expeditious 
action) to be treated as Level 1 if the operator finds that it ``can 
be attributed to an event not typical of the operator's usage of 
other airplanes in the same fleet,'' this paragraph requires that 
data substantiating any such finding be submitted to the FAA (ref. 
Note 2 of this AD) for approval.

    (2) The FAA may impose schedules other than those proposed, upon 
finding that such changes are necessary to ensure that any other 
Level 3 corrosion is detected in a timely manner.
    (3) Within the time schedule approved under paragraph (d)(1) or 
(d)(2) of this AD, accomplish the basic tasks in the affected 
aircraft zones of the remaining Model F-27 series airplanes in the 
operator's fleet.
    (e) If, as a result of any inspection after the initial 
inspection conducted in accordance with paragraph (a) or (b) of this 
AD, it is determined that corrosion findings exceed Level 1 in any 
area, within 60 days after such determination, implement a means, 
approved by the FAA, to reduce future findings of corrosion in that 
area to Level 1 or better.
    (f) Before any operator places into service any airplane subject 
to the requirements of this AD, a schedule for the accomplishment of 
basic tasks required by this AD must be established in accordance 
with paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this AD, as applicable:
    (1) For airplanes previously maintained in accordance with this 
AD, the first basic task in each aircraft zone to be performed by 
the new operator must be accomplished in accordance with the 
previous operator's schedule or with the new operator's schedule, 
whichever would result in the earlier accomplishment date for that 
task. After each basic task has been performed once, each subsequent 
task must be performed in accordance with the new operator's 
schedule.
    (2) For airplanes that have not been previously maintained in 
accordance with this AD, the first basic task for each aircraft zone 
to be performed by the new operator must be accomplished prior to 
further flight or in accordance with a schedule approved by the FAA.
    (g) Within 7 days after the date of detection of any Level 3 
corrosion, and within 3 months after the date of detection of any 
Level 2 corrosion, submit a report to Fokker of such findings, in 
accordance with Section 2.5 of the Document.

    Note 11: Reporting to the FAA of Level 2 and Level 3 corrosion 
found as a result of any opportunity inspections is highly 
desirable.

    (h) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time, which provides an acceptable level of safety, may 
be used when approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-
113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit 
their requests through the cognizant Maintenance Inspector at the 
appropriate FAA Flight Standards office, who may concur or comment 
and then send it to the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    Note 12: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    (i) 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.
    (j) Reports of inspection results required by this AD have been 
approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the 
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et 
seq.) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
    (k) The completion of the ``basic tasks'' shall be done in 
accordance with Fokker Document SE-291, ``F-27 Corrosion Control 
Program,'' including all revisions through October 1, 1993, which 
contains the following list of effective pages:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      Revision                          
                                       level                            
      Task No.          Page No.-     shown on     Date shown on page   
                                       page-                            
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              Introduction                              
                                                                        
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      1, 6-8.......          1  October 1, 1993.        
                      2-5, 9-26....          2  October 1, 1993.        
                                                                        
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                          Corrosion Inspections                         
                                                                        
------------------------------------------------------------------------
53-100-1............  1............          2  October 1, 1993.        
53-120-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
53-180-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
53-180-2............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
53-200-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
53-210-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
53-220-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
53-230-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
53-230-2............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
53-240-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
53-300-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
53-310-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
53-310-2............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
53-330-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
53-330-2............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
53-330-3............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
53-330-4............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
53-340-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
53-400-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
53-400-2............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
54-020-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
54-025-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
54-030-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
54-035-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
54-040-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
54-045-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
55-510-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
55-520-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
55-520-2............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
55-520-3............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
55-520-4............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
55-523-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
55-530-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
55-530-2............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
55-530-3............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
55-533-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
55-540-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
55-543-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-610-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-611-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-611-2............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-611-3............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-620-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-621-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-621-2............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-621-3............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-652-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-652-2............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-653-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-662-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-662-2............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-663-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-700-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-700-2............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-700-3............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-711-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-712-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-713-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-713-2............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-713-3............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-714-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-714-2............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-714-3............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-715-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-715-2............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-715-3............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-715-4............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-720-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-730-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-730-2............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-740-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-750-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-750-2............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-750-3............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
71-010-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
71-015-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
                                                                        
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              Illustrations                             
                                                                        
------------------------------------------------------------------------
53-100-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
53-120-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
53-330-4............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
53-400-2............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
55-520-3............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
55-520-4............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
55-530-2............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
55-530-3............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-611-2............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-700-2............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-700-3............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-740-1............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
57-750-3............  1-...........          2  October 1, 1993.        
                                                                        
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                                Appendix A                              
                                                                        
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      1-9..........          1  May 3, 1991.            
                                                                        
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Appendix B                              
                                                                        
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      1............          2  October 1, 1993.        
                                                                        
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Appendix C                              
                                                                        
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      1............          2  October 1, 1993.        
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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.
    (l) This amendment becomes effective on August 29, 1994.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 18, 1994.
S.R. Miller,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 94-17858 Filed 7-27-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U