[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 70 (Wednesday, April 10, 1996)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 15908-15910]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-8916]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-NM-171-AD]


Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 and 0070 
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 
and 0070 series airplanes. This proposal would require modification of 
the wheel brake assembly on the main landing gear. This proposal is 
prompted by reports of aluminum brake pistons that have ballooned and 
failed. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to 
prevent such failure of the pistons, which could result in leakage of 
the hydraulic fluid, resultant loss of braking capability, and a 
possible brake fire.

DATES: Comments must be received by May 20, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 95-NM-171-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: Ruth Harder, Aerospace Engineer, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206) 
227-1721; fax (206) 227-1149.

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.

[[Page 15909]]

    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 95-NM-171-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. 95-NM-171-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 and 0070 
series airplanes. The RLD advises that it has received reports of 
ballooned (bulging) aluminum brake pistons found on Fokker Model F28 
Mark 0100 series airplanes. Some of these aluminum brake pistons had 
cracked and caused hydraulic leakage, which resulted in brake fires. 
Investigation revealed that heavy braking during a high kinetic energy 
landing or during a rejected takeoff (RTO) may result in high brake 
temperatures. These high temperatures are transferred to the aluminum 
brake pistons, and may result in bulging, cracking, and subsequent 
failure of the pistons. Such failure of the aluminum pistons, if not 
corrected, could result in leakage of hydraulic fluid, resultant loss 
of braking capability, and a possible brake fire.
    The aluminum brake pistons installed on certain Fokker Model Mark 
0100 series airplanes are identical to those installed on certain 
Fokker Model Mark 0070 series airplanes; therefore, both of these 
airplane models are subject to the same identified unsafe condition.
    Fokker has issued Service Bulletin SBF100-32-092, dated January 11, 
1995, which describes procedures for modification of the wheel brake 
assembly on the main landing gear. The modification entails replacing 
the aluminum brake pistons of certain brake assemblies with stainless 
steel pistons, which can tolerate higher temperatures. The Fokker 
service bulletin refers to Aircraft Braking Systems Service Bulletin 
Fo100-32-63, dated January 13, 1995, as an additional source of service 
information for accomplishment of the replacement. The Aircraft Braking 
Systems service bulletin also describes an alternative procedure that 
involves installation of a cylinder sleeve kit, which will provide a 
longer wear brake assembly when certain other modifications are 
performed.
    The RLD classified the Fokker service bulletin as mandatory and 
issued Dutch airworthiness directive BLA 1995-013 (A), dated February 
28, 1995, 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 
section 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, the 
proposed AD would require modification of the wheel brake assembly on 
the main landing gear either by replacing the aluminum brake pistons 
with stainless steel brake pistons, or by installing a cylinder sleeve 
kit. The actions would be required to be accomplished in accordance 
with the service bulletins described previously.
    The FAA estimates that 122 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD.
    The proposed replacement of the brake pistons, if accomplished, 
would take approximately 9 work hours per airplane (when accomplished 
as part of a normal brake overhaul), at an average labor rate of $60 
per work hour. Required parts would be provided by the manufacturer at 
no cost to operators. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this 
proposed replacement action on U.S. operators is estimated to be $540 
per airplane.
    The proposed installation of the cylinder sleeve kit, if 
accomplished, would take approximately 9 work hours per airplane (when 
accomplished as part of a normal brake overhaul), at an average labor 
rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost approximately 
$4,400 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this 
proposed installation action on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$4,940 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are 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 USC 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

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

Fokker: Docket 95-NM-171-AD.

    Applicability: Model F28 Mark 0100 and 0070 series airplanes; 
equipped with Aircraft Braking Systems Corporation (ABSC) brake 
assemblies having part number (P/N) 5008132-2, -3, -4, -5, -6, or -
7, 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

[[Page 15910]]
otherwise 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 (c) 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 loss of braking capability and possible brake fire 
due to failure of the brake pistons, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 9 months after the effective date of this AD, or at 
the next scheduled or unscheduled brake overhaul, whichever occurs 
first: Modify ABSC wheel brake assemblies having P/N 5008132-2, -3, 
-4, -5, -6, or -7, all serial numbers, by accomplishing either 
paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Replace the brake assemblies with modified units having 
stainless steel pistons, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-092, dated January 
11, 1995. Or
    (2) Install a cylinder sleeve kit in accordance with Aircraft 
Braking Systems Service Bulletin Fo100-32-63, dated January 13, 
1995.
    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
an ABSC brake assembly having part number 5008132-2, -3, -4, -5, -6, 
or -7, on any airplane unless it has been modified in accordance 
with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-092, dated January 11, 1995, 
or Aircraft Braking Systems Service Bulletin Fo100-32-63, dated 
January 13, 1995.
    (c) 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.

    (d) 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 4, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-8916 Filed 4-9-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P