[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 182 (Wednesday, September 18, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49055-49056]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-23714]


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


DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94-NM-249-AD; Amendment 39-9758; AD 96-19-12]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fokker 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 F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes, that 
requires inspection and adjustment of the torque value of the attaching 
parts of the interlock mechanism of the large cargo doors, removal of a 
spring from that mechanism, and installation of a new microswitch 
bracket. This amendment is prompted by a report indicating that a 
spring on the interlock lever of the large cargo doors may become 
disconnected or the lever may become jammed in the ``activated'' state. 
The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent the spring 
from becoming disconnected or the lever from jamming. If other failures 
occur, the flightcrew could dispatch the airplane with improperly 
locked cargo doors; this condition could result in the opening and/or 
separation of the cargo doors while the airplane is in flight and 
subsequent rapid decompression and/or structural damage to the 
airplane.

DATES: Effective October 23, 1996.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of October 23, 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 July 19, 1995 
(60 FR 37038). For certain airplanes, that action proposed to require 
an inspection to determine the torque value of the attaching parts of 
the interlock mechanism of the large cargo doors, and adjustment of the 
torque values that are outside certain limits. For other airplanes, the 
action proposed to require removal of a spring from the interlock 
mechanism of the large cargo doors, and installation of a new 
microswitch bracket and two new springs in the interlock mechanism.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comments received.

Support for the Proposal

    One commenter supports the proposed rule.

Request for Extension of Compliance Time

    One commenter requests that the compliance time for the proposed 
actions be extended from the proposed 6 months to 12 months. This 
commenter, a U.S. operator, states that its fleet includes 40 of the 61 
U.S.-registered airplanes that would be affected by the rule. Extending 
the compliance time to 12 months will allow the commenter to accomplish 
the required modifications during a scheduled ``C'' check, when the 
airplanes are brought to the main maintenance base for an extended 
hold. Adoption of the proposed 6-month compliance time would require 
that this commenter special-schedule its airplanes for the 
accomplishment of the modification at stations other than the main 
base; however, adoption of a 12-month compliance time would allow this 
commenter's fleet to be modified at the same place and by the same 
technicians familiar with the task.
    The FAA does not concur with the commenter's request. In developing 
an appropriate compliance time for this AD, the FAA considered not only 
the safety implications, but the manufacturer's recommendations, the 
Dutch airworthiness authority's recommendations, the availability of 
required parts, and the practical aspect of accomplishing the 
modification within an interval of time that parallels normal scheduled 
maintenance for affected operators. The FAA also considered the fact 
that the referenced Fokker service bulletin (containing the procedures 
for accomplishing the required actions) has been available to all 
operators of Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes since August 
1993; therefore, U.S. operators have had ample time since then to 
consider initiating those actions, which this AD ultimately mandates. 
In light of all of these items, the FAA finds that 6 months is the 
appropriate period of time that affected airplanes can be permitted to 
continue to operate without compromising safety. Under the provisions 
of paragraph (b) of the final rule, however, the FAA may consider 
requests for adjustments to the compliance time if data are submitted 
to substantiate that such an adjustment would provide an acceptable 
level of safety.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
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 61 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD.
    For 7 of these airplanes, it will take approximately 6 work hours 
per airplane to accomplish the required inspection, at an average labor 
rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of 
the inspection required by this AD on U.S. operators of these airplanes 
is estimated to be $2,520, or $360 per airplane.
    For the other 54 airplanes, it will take approximately 12 work 
hours per airplane to accomplish the required removal and installation, 
at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost 
approximately $1,200 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the removal and installation required by this AD on U.S. 
operators of these airplanes is estimated to be $103,680, or $1,920 per 
airplane.

[[Page 49056]]

    The cost impact figures discussed above are 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:

96-19-12  Fokker: Amendment 39-9758. Docket 94-NM-249-AD.

    Applicability: Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes; as listed 
in Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-52-045, dated August 25, 1993; 
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 the opening and/or separation of the large cargo 
doors while the airplane is in flight, which could result in rapid 
decompression and/or structural damage to the airplane, accomplish 
the following:
    (a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, 
accomplish either paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, as 
applicable, in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-52-
045, dated August 25, 1993.
    (1) For airplanes having serial numbers listed in Part 1 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-52-
045, dated August 25, 1993: Perform an inspection to determine the 
torque value of the attaching parts of the interlock mechanism of 
the large cargo doors, in accordance with Part 1 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. If the torque 
value is outside the limits specified in paragraphs 2.C.(1) and 
2.C.(2) of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin, 
prior to further flight, adjust the torque value in accordance with 
the service bulletin.
    (2) For airplanes having serial numbers listed in Part 2 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-52-
045, dated August 25, 1993: Remove the spring from the interlock 
mechanism, and install a new microswitch bracket and new springs in 
the interlock mechanism, in accordance with Part 2 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the 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 actions shall be done in accordance with Fokker Service 
Bulletin SBF100-52-045, dated August 25, 1993. 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 October 23, 1996.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 10, 1996.
James V. Devany,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-23714 Filed 9-17-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U