[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]



=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P