[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 227 (Friday, November 22, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 59322-59323]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-29724]


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


DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-NM-80-AD; Amendment 39-9827; AD 96-24-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F27 Mark 100, 200, 300, 
400, 500, 600, and 700 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to all Fokker Model F27 Mark 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 
and 700 series airplanes, that requires replacement of certain rudder 
horn assemblies with a new assembly. For certain airplanes, the 
amendment also requires replacement of certain rudder control rods with 
a new rod. This amendment is prompted by reports of cracked rudder 
horns and a cracked rudder control rod, caused by impact overload. The 
actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent such an overload 
and consequent cracking of the subject parts, which could result in 
reduced structural integrity of the rudder horn assembly or loss of 
rudder control; this condition could lead to reduced controllability of 
the airplane.

DATES: Effective December 27, 1996.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of December 27, 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 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 all Fokker Model F27 Mark 100, 
200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 series airplanes was published in the 
Federal Register on August 27, 1996 (61 FR 44004). That action proposed 
to require replacement of certain rudder horn assemblies with a new 
rudder horn assembly. For certain airplanes, that action also proposed 
to require replacement of certain rudder control rods with a new rudder 
control rod.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    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 34 Fokker Model F27 Mark 100, 200, 300, 400, 
500, 600, and 700 series airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by 
this AD. It will take approximately 7 work hours per airplane to 
accomplish the replacement of the rudder horn assembly, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately 
$2,656 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the 
replacement of the rudder horn assembly required by this AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $101,490, or $2,985 per airplane.
    There currently are no Fokker Model F27 Mark 100, 200, 300, 400, 
500, 600, or 700 series airplanes on the U.S. Register that will 
require the replacement of the rudder control rod. The only airplanes 
that will require this replacement currently are operated by non-U.S. 
operators under foreign registry; therefore, they are not directly 
affected by this AD action. However, the FAA considers that inclusion 
of that requirement in this rule is necessary to ensure that the unsafe 
condition is addressed in the event that any of these airplanes are 
imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future.
    Should any of those airplanes (having serial numbers 10102, and 
10105 through 10165, inclusive) be imported and placed on the U.S. 
Register in the future, it will take approximately 5 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the replacement of the rudder control rod, at an 
average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost 
approximately $635 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the replacement of the rudder control rod required by this AD 
on U.S. operators is estimated to be $935 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of

[[Page 59323]]

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:

96-24-01 Fokker: Amendment 39-9827. Docket 96-NM-80-AD.

    Applicability: All Model F27 Mark 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 
and 700 series airplanes, 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 an impact overload and consequent cracking of the 
subject parts, which could result in reduced structural integrity of 
the rudder horn assembly or loss of rudder control, and, 
consequently, lead to reduced controlability of the airplane, 
accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, 
accomplish paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD, as applicable, 
in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin F27/27-131, Revision 1, 
dated June 15, 1994.
    (1) For all airplanes: Replace the rudder horn assembly, having 
part number (P/N) 3401-042-901 or 3401-042-401, with a new rudder 
horn assembly, having P/N F3402-070-407, in accordance with Part 1 
of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin.
    (2) For airplanes having serial numbers 10102, and 10105 through 
10165 inclusive: Replace the rudder control rod, having P/N 5233-
018-xxx, with a new rudder control rod, having P/N F8507-052-403, 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 replacements shall be done in accordance with Fokker 
Service Bulletin F27/27-131, Revision 1, dated June 15, 1994. 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 December 27, 1996.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 14, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-29724 Filed 11-21-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U