[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 203 (Tuesday, October 21, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54579-54581]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-27787]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-NM-246-AD; Amendment 39-10169; AD 97-19-16]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment 
adopting airworthiness directive (AD) 97-19-16, that was sent 
previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of Fokker Model F28 
Mark 0100 series airplanes equipped with Rolls-Royce Tay 650-15 
engines, by individual notices. This AD requires a revision to the FAA-
approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to include procedures to prohibit 
use of reverse engine thrust power settings between idle and emergency 
maximum; and submission of a report to the airplane manufacturer. This 
action is prompted by a report that, during preparation for takeoff, an 
engine fan blade failure occurred, followed by an engine fire. The 
actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent uncontained engine 
fan blade failure due to high cycle fatigue cracking, which could 
result in loss of thrust from the affected engine and secondary damage 
to aircraft and/or fire.

DATES: Effective October 27, 1997, to all persons except those persons 
to whom it was made immediately effective by emergency AD 97-19-16, 
issued on September 12, 1997, which contained the requirements of this 
amendment.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before November 20, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-246-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.

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 (425) 
227-2141; fax (425) 227-1320.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On September 12, 1997, the FAA issued 
emergency AD 97-19-16, which is applicable to Fokker Model F28 Mark 
0100 series airplanes equipped with Rolls-Royce (RR) Tay 650-15 
engines.
    That action was prompted by a report that during preparation for 
takeoff, a Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplane equipped with 
Rolls-Royce Tay 650-15 engines sustained an engine fan blade failure, 
followed by an engine fire. Investigation revealed that five fan blades 
failed at the root area, three fan blades failed at mid-height, and the 
remainder were severely damaged.
    Further investigation revealed that all five fan blades failed due 
to rapid high cycle fatigue cracking with low cycle fatigue cracking 
origin. Evidence of rapid high cycle fatigue cracking indicates that an 
operational effect is causing high vibratory stresses. Rolls Royce 
considers that the high cycle fatigue cracking was caused by vibration 
during previous thrust reverser applications. This condition, if not 
corrected, could result in uncontained engine fan blade failure due to 
high cycle fatigue cracking, which could result in loss of thrust from 
the affected engine and secondary damage to aircraft and/or fire.

FAA's Conclusions

    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 Rijksluchtvaartdienst (RLD), 
which is the airworthiness authority for the Netherlands, 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.

Explanation of the Requirements of the Rule

    Since the unsafe condition described is likely to exist or develop 
on other airplanes of the same type design registered in the United 
States, the FAA issued emergency AD 97-19-16 to require a revision to 
the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM). The

[[Page 54580]]

revision includes procedures to prohibit use of reverse engine thrust 
power settings between idle and emergency maximum.
    This AD also requires that operators submit a report to the 
airplane manufacturer describing any occurrence where the idle reverse 
thrust limitations specified in this AD are exceeded.
    This is considered to be interim action until final action is 
identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking.

Publication and Effectivity of AD

    Since it was found that immediate corrective action was required, 
notice and opportunity for prior public comment thereon were 
impracticable and contrary to the public interest, and good cause 
existed to make the AD effective immediately by individual notices 
issued on September 12, 1997, to all known U.S. owners and operators of 
Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes equipped with Rolls-Royce 
Tay 650-15 engines. These conditions still exist, and the AD is hereby 
published in the Federal Register as an amendment to section 39.13 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.13) to make it effective as 
to all persons.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this 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 under the caption Addresses. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will 
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments 
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and 
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the 
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be 
needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the 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 that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 97-NM-246-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

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.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory 
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further 
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory 
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is 
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be 
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final 
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. 
A copy of it, if filed, 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, 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:

97-19-16  Fokker: Amendment 39-10169. Docket 97-NM-246-AD.

    Applicability: Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes equipped 
with Rolls-Royce (RR) Tay 650-15 engines, 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 (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 uncontained failure of the engine fan blades, which 
could result in loss of thrust from the affected engine, and 
secondary damage to the airplane and/or fire, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) Within 72 hours after the effective date of this AD, revise 
the Limitations Section, Subsection 2.06.01 ``Thrust Reverser,'' of 
the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to add the following. 
This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM.

``THRUST REVERSER

    Thrust reversers are intended for ground use only. Intentional 
use of reverse thrust in flight is prohibited. After reverse thrust 
has been initiated, a full stop landing must be made.

Maximum Reverse Thrust Lever Positions

    Normal Operation:

--The idle detent position shall not be exceeded in normal 
operation.
    Emergency Operation:
--In case of emergency, the emergency maximum reverse thrust may be 
used.
--Stabilized operation with the reverse lever in an intermediate 
position between idle reverse and emergency maximum reverse is 
prohibited.
--If directional control problems occur, select forward idle.

Exceeding the idle reverse thrust limitations must be reported.''
    (b) If the idle reverse thrust limitations specified in 
paragraph (a) of this AD are exceeded, within 10 days after 
exceeding the idle reverse thrust limitations, submit a report of 
that occurrence to Fokker Services, Technical Support Department, P. 
O. Box 75047, 1117 ZN Schiphol Airport, The Netherlands. Information 
collection requirements contained in this regulation have been 
approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the

[[Page 54581]]

provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et 
seq.) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
    (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.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Netherlands 
airworthiness directive BLA 1997-091(A), dated September 9, 1997.

    (e) This amendment becomes effective on October 27, 1997, to all 
persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately 
effective by emergency AD 97-19-16, issued on September 12, 1997, 
which contained the requirements of this amendment.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 15, 1997.
James V. Devany,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-27787 Filed 10-20-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U