[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 17, 1995)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 3358-3359]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-1055]



 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 10 / Tuesday, January 17, 1995 / 
Proposed Rules  
[[Page 3358]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94-NM-250-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 a visual inspection to 
verify proper clearance between the engine fuel supply-line and the 
hydraulic line in certain areas, and replacement of damaged fuel lines. 
This proposed AD would also require installation of additional clamps 
on the out line of the lift-dumper in certain cases. This proposal is 
prompted by a report indicating that fuel was found leaking from the 
right-hand wheel bay on one airplane due to chafing of the fuel supply 
line. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent 
such chafing, which could result in fuel leakage, and, subsequently, 
lead to a possible fire hazard and engine fuel depravation.

DATES: Comments must be received by February 27, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 94-NM-250-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 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 94-NM-250-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. 94-NM-250-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, during a pre-flight walk-around 
inspection, fuel was found leaking from the right-hand wheel bay on a 
Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplane. Investigation revealed that a fuel 
supply line had been chafed through. The cause of such chafing has been 
attributed to the fuel line rubbing against a hydraulic line connecting 
union. This condition, if not corrected, could result in fuel leakage, 
and, subsequently, lead to a possible fire hazard and engine fuel 
depravation.
    Fokker has issued Service Bulletin SBF100-28-026, dated March 12, 
1993, which describes procedures for a one-time visual inspection to 
verify proper clearance between the engine fuel supply-line and the 
hydraulic line in zones 631 and 531. It also provides procedures for an 
inspection to detect damage of fuel lines, and replacement of damaged 
fuel lines. This service bulletin also describes procedures for 
installation of two additional clamps on the out line of the lift-
dumper in cases where clearance is less than 3mm (0.118 inch). The RLD 
classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued Netherlands 
airworthiness directive BLA 93-042 (A), dated March 22, 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 (14 CFR 21.29) 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 a one-time visual 
inspection to verify proper clearance between the engine fuel supply-
line and the hydraulic line [[Page 3359]] in zones 631 and 531. It 
would also require an inspection to detect damage of fuel lines, and 
replacement of damaged fuel lines. This proposed AD would also require 
installation of two additional clamps on the out line of the lift-
dumper in cases where clearance is less than 3mm (0.118 inch) and no 
damage is detected on the fuel lines. The actions would be required to 
be accomplished in accordance with the service bulletin described 
previously.
    The FAA estimates that 83 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 1 work 
hour per airplane to accomplish the proposed actions, and that the 
average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the 
total cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to 
be $4,980, or $60 per airplane.
    The total cost impact figure discussed above is based on 
assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed 
requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish 
those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted.
    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 
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:

Fokker: Docket 94-NM-250-AD.

    Applicability: Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes, serial 
numbers 11244 through 11438 inclusive, certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must use the authority 
provided in paragraph (b) to request approval from the FAA. This 
approval may address either no action, if the current configuration 
eliminates the unsafe condition; or different actions necessary to 
address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such a request 
should include an assessment of the effect of the changed 
configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no 
case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair 
remove any airplane from the applicability of this AD.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent chafing of the fuel supply line, which could result 
in fuel leakage, and, subsequently, lead to a possible fire hazard 
and engine fuel depravation, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform 
a visual inspection to verify proper clearance between the engine 
fuel supply-line and the hydraulic line in zones 631 and 531 and to 
detect damage of the fuel supply-line, in accordance with Fokker 
Service Bulletin SBF100-28-026, dated March 12, 1993.
    (1) If the clearance is found to be 3mm (0.118 inch) or more and 
no damage is found, no further action is required by this AD.
    (2) If the clearance is found to be 3mm or more and damage is 
found, prior to further flight, replace the damaged fuel line in 
accordance with the service bulletin.
    (3) If the clearance is found to be less than 3mm and no damage 
is found, within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, 
install 2 additional clamps on the out line of the lift-dumper, in 
accordance with the service bulletin.
    (4) If the clearance is found to be less than 3mm and damage is 
found, prior to further flight, replace the damaged fuel line, and 
install 2 additional clamps on the out line of the lift-dumper, in 
accordance with the service bulletin.
    (b) 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 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Secs. 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 10, 1995.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 95-1055 Filed 1-13-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U