[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 62 (Friday, March 29, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14013-14014]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-7400]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 95-NM-70-AD; Amendment 39-9553; AD 96-07-04]
Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F27 Mark 050 and 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 F27 Mark 050 and Model F28 Mark 0100
series airplanes, that requires an inspection to verify that adequate
clearance exists between the insulation screen and the two adjacent
terminal bolts, and replacement of the circuit breaker terminal bolts
with new bolts, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by a report
that circuit breaker terminal bolts that were too long were discovered
installed in the circuit breaker panels. The actions specified by this
AD are intended to prevent damage to the insulation screen between
adjacent rows of circuit breakers, as the result of a circuit breaker
terminal bolt being too long; this condition could lead to electrical
arcing and loss of the associated electrical system, which could result
in the potential for an electrical fire.
DATES: Effective April 29, 1996.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of April 29, 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 F27 Mark 050
and Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes was published in the Federal
Register on November 28, 1995 (60 FR 58584). That action proposed to
require a one-time inspection to verify that adequate clearance exists
between the insulation screen and the two adjacent terminal bolts, and
replacement of the circuit breaker terminal bolts with new bolts, if
necessary.
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 44 Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes of
U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take
approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the required
actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on
these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators of Model F28
Mark 0100
[[Page 14014]]
series airplanes is estimated to be $2,640, or $60 per airplane.
Should an operator of Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes be
required to accomplish the necessary bolt replacement, it will take
approximately 7 work hours per airplane to accomplish the replacement,
at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost
approximately $100 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost
impact of any necessary replacement action is estimated to be $520 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.
Currently there are no Fokker Model F27 Mark 050 series airplanes
on the U.S. Register. However, should an affected airplane be imported
and placed on the U.S. Register in the future, it will take
approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the required
inspection, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on
these figures, the impact of the required inspection on operators of
Model F27 Mark 050 series airplanes will be $60 per airplane.
Should an operator of Model F27 Mark 050 series airplanes be
required to accomplish the necessary bolt replacement, it will take
approximately 17 work hours per airplane to accomplish the replacement,
at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost
approximately $150 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost
impact of any necessary replacement action is estimated to be $1,170
per airplane.
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:
96-07-04 Fokker: Amendment 39-9553. Docket 95-NM-70-AD.
Applicability: Model F27 Mark 050 series airplanes having serial
numbers 20247 through 20292 inclusive, and 20294 through 20297
inclusive; and Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes having serial
numbers 11390 through 11479 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 request approval for an
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) 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 electrical arcing and subsequent loss of the
associated electrical system, which could result in the potential
for an electrical fire, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD,
perform an inspection to verify if adequate clearance exists between
the insulation screen and the two adjacent terminal bolts in
accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-20-001, dated January
15, 1994 (for Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes), or Fokker
Service Bulletin SBF50-20-003, dated January 11, 1994 (for Model F27
Mark 050 series airplanes), as applicable.
(1) If adequate clearance is found, no further action is
required by this AD.
(2) If inadequate clearance is found, prior to further flight,
replace the circuit breaker terminal bolts with new bolts in
accordance with the applicable 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
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.
(d) The inspection and replacement shall be done in accordance
with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-20-001, dated January 15, 1994,
or Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-20-003, dated January 11, 1994, 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.
(e) This amendment becomes effective on April 29, 1996.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 21, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-7400 Filed 3-28-96; 8:45 am]
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