[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 113 (Tuesday, June 11, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29467-29468]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-14225]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 92-NM-71-AD; Amendment 39-9657; AD 96-12-14]
RIN 2120-AA64


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 reinforcing the lower right-hand wing skin at the fueling 
adapter. This amendment is prompted by results of tests, which revealed 
that fatigue cracks can develop in the lower right-hand wing skin at 
the attachment bolt holes of the fueling adapter. The actions specified 
by this AD are intended to prevent reduced structural capability of the 
wing and fuel leakage.

DATES: Effective July 16, 1996.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of July 16, 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: Ruth E. 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: 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 as a supplemental notice of proposed 
rulemaking in the Federal Register on April 2, 1996 (61 FR 14515). That 
action proposed to require reinforcing the lower right-hand wing skin 
at the fueling adapter.

Discussion of Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the

[[Page 29468]]

making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to the 
single comment received.
    The commenter supports the proposed rule.

Conclusion

    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.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 18 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 20 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor 
rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $950 
per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $38,700, or $2,150 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.

Regulatory Impact

    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:

96-12-14  Fokker: Amendment 39-9657. Docket 92-NM-71-AD.

    Applicability: Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes; serial 
numbers 11244 through 11286 inclusive, 11289, 11290 through 11293 
inclusive, 11295, 11297, 11300, 11303, 11306, 11308, 11310, and 
11312; certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
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 (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 reduced structural capability of the wing and fuel 
leakage, accomplish the following:
    (a) Prior to the accumulation of 12,000 total landings, or 
within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
later, reinforce the lower right-hand wing skin at the fueling 
adapter by installing a new stringer and new internal and external 
doubler plates, in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-
57-008, Revision 2, dated September 22, 1995.

    Note 2: Accomplishment of the reinforcement in accordance with 
Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-57-008, Revision 1, dated March 29, 
1992, prior to the effective date of this AD is acceptable for 
compliance with the requirement of paragraph (a) of this AD.

    (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 3: 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 reinforcement shall be done in accordance with Fokker 
Service Bulletin SBF100-57-008, Revision 2, dated September 22, 
1995. 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 July 16, 1996.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 31, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-14225 Filed 6-10-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U