[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 59 (Tuesday, March 26, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13083-13084]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-7133]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-NM-99-AD; Amendment 39-9551; AD 96-07-02]


Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 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 F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes, that 
requires inspections to verify the correct operation of the main 
landing gear (MLG) downlock actuators, and replacement of any 
discrepant unit with a serviceable unit. This amendment also will 
require eventual replacement of the MLG downlock actuators with 
improved units. This amendment is prompted by reports of improper 
operation of the MLG downlock actuator due to jamming. The actions 
specified by this AD are intended to prevent such jamming of the 
downlock actuator, which could result in failure of the MLG downlock 
system, and a potential gear-up landing.

DATES: Effective April 25, 1996.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of April 25, 1996.

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: 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) 227-1149.

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 F28 Mark 0100 
series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on December 11, 
1995 (60 FR 63468). That action proposed to require repetitive 
inspections to verify the correct operation of the MLG downlock 
actuators; and replacement of any discrepant unit with a serviceable 
unit. For airplanes on which no discrepant unit is found, the AD also 
will require recording the accomplishment of each inspection on the 
unit nameplate. In addition, the AD will require eventual replacement 
of the MLG downlock actuators with improved units.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the single comment received.
    The commenter supports the proposed rule.
    After careful review of the available data, including the comment 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
    The FAA estimates that 119 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 21 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor 
rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will be supplied by the 
vendor at no cost to operators. Based on these figures, the cost impact 
of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $149,940, or $1,260 per 
airplane.
    The 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 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. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

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

96-07-02  Fokker: Amendment 39-9551. Docket 95-NM-99-AD.

    Applicability: Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes equipped 
with Dowty Aerospace Hydraulics main landing gear (MLG) downlock 
actuators having part number (P/N) 201218001, 201218002, 201218003, 
or 201218004, all serial numbers; 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 request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent jamming of the MLG downlock actuator and a potential 
gear-up landing, accomplish the following:

[[Page 13084]]

    (a) Within 2 months after the effective date of this AD, and 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,250 landings: Perform an 
inspection to verify correct operation of the MLG downlock actuator 
having P/N 201218001, 201218002, 201218003, or 201218004, all serial 
numbers, in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-072, 
dated March 30, 1993, and Dowty Aerospace Hydraulics Service 
Bulletin F100-32-505, Revision 1, dated April 16, 1993.
    (1) If the MLG downlock actuator operates as specified in the 
inspection procedure contained in the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Dowty Aerospace Hydraulics Service Bulletin F100-32-505, Revision 1, 
dated April 16, 1993, prior to further flight, record the 
accomplishment of the inspection on the unit nameplate in accordance 
with the Dowty Aerospace Hydraulics service bulletin. Following 
accomplishment of each subsequent inspection required by this AD, 
record the accomplishment of the inspection in accordance with the 
requirement of this paragraph.
    (2) If any MLG downlock actuator does not operate as specified 
in the inspection procedure contained in the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Dowty Aerospace Hydraulics Service Bulletin F100-32-
505, Revision 1, dated April 16, 1993, prior to further flight, 
replace the downlock actuator with a serviceable unit, in accordance 
with Chapter 32-32-05 of the Aircraft Maintenance Manual. 
Thereafter, perform repetitive inspections of the replacement unit 
in accordance with paragraph (a) of this AD until the replacement 
required by paragraph (b) of this AD is accomplished.
    (b) Within 9 months after the effective date of this AD, replace 
any MLG downlock actuator having P/N 201218001, 201218002, 
201218003, or 201218004, any serial number, with an improved unit 
having P/N 201218005, 201218006, 201218007, or 201218008, 
respectively; in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-
074, dated July 21, 1993, and Dowty Aerospace Hydraulics Service 
Bulletin F100-32-506, dated June 9, 1993. Accomplishment of this 
replacement constitutes terminating action for the repetitive 
inspections required by paragraph (a) of this AD.
    (c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
on any airplane a MLG downlock actuator having P/N 201218001, 
201218002, 201218003, or 201218004, any serial number.
    (d) 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.

    (e) 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.
    (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with Fokker Service 
Bulletin SBF100-32-072, dated March 30, 1993; Fokker Service 
Bulletin SBF100-32-074, dated July 21, 1993; Dowty Aerospace 
Hydraulics Service Bulletin F100-32-505, Revision 1, dated April 16, 
1993; or Dowty Aerospace Hydraulics Service Bulletin F100-32-506, 
dated June 9, 1993, as applicable. 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.
    (g) This amendment becomes effective on April 25, 1996.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 19, 1996.
James V. Devany,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-7133 Filed 3-25-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P