[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 24 (Thursday, February 5, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 5873-5875]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-2523]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-NM-261-AD; Amendment 39-10300; AD 98-03-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F27 Mark 050 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Fokker Model F27 Mark 050 series airplanes. This 
action requires modification of the window frames surrounding the 
windshield windows and installation of reinforcement plates on all 
window frames of the flight compartment. For certain airplanes, this 
action requires modification of the window frames surrounding the 
sliding windows and direct vision windows of the flight compartment. 
This amendment is prompted by the issuance of mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. 
The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent structural 
degradation of the window frames of the flight compartment, which could 
result in depressurization of the airplane during flight.

DATES: Effective February 20, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of February 20, 1998.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before March 9, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-261-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
Fokker Services B.V., Technical Support Department, P.O. Box 75047, 
1117 ZN Schiphol Airport, the Netherlands. This information may be 
examined 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norman B. Martenson, Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Rijksluchtvaartdienst (RLD), which is 
the airworthiness authority for the Netherlands, notified the FAA that 
an unsafe condition may exist on certain Fokker Model F27 Mark 050 
series airplanes. The RLD advises that it has received a report 
indicating that, during

[[Page 5874]]

fatigue testing performed on a Model F27 Mark 050 test article, 
cracking was detected on the outside edges of the window frames of the 
flight compartment. Such fatigue cracking, if not detected and 
corrected in a timely manner, could result in structural degradation of 
the window frames of the flight compartment and depressurization of the 
airplane during flight.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Fokker has issued Service Bulletin SBF50-53-015, dated August 16, 
1989, which describes procedures for modification of the outside edges 
of the window frames surrounding the sliding windows and the direct 
vision windows of the flight compartment.
    Fokker also has issued Service Bulletins SBF50-53-016, dated 
December 20, 1989; and SBF50-53-048, dated October 17, 1994. These two 
service bulletins describe procedures for modification of the outside 
edges of the window frames surrounding the windshield windows, and 
installation of reinforcement plates on all window frames of the flight 
compartment.
    Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletins is 
intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition.
    The RLD classified the three referenced service bulletins as 
mandatory and issued Dutch airworthiness directives 89-98, dated August 
25, 1989; and 1990-002/2(A), dated February 28, 1995; in order to 
assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in the 
Netherlands.

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 21.19) 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.

Explanation of Requirements of the Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered 
in the United States, this AD is being issued to require accomplishment 
of the actions specified in the service bulletins described previously.

Cost Impact

    None of the airplanes affected by this action are on the U.S. 
Register. All airplanes included in the applicability of this rule 
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 this rule is necessary to ensure that the unsafe 
condition is addressed in the event that any of these subject airplanes 
are imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future. In that 
event, the following cost estimates are provided.
    It would require approximately 3 work hours to accomplish the 
actions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-53-015, at an average labor 
rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of 
this AD for accomplishment of this service bulletin would be $180 per 
airplane.
    It would require approximately 61 work hours to accomplish the 
actions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-53-016, at an average labor 
rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost approximately 
$3,600. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this AD for 
accomplishment of this service bulletin would be $7,260 per airplane.
    It would require approximately 170 work hours to accomplish the 
required actions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-53-048, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost 
approximately $3,000. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this 
AD for accomplishment of this service bulletin would be $13,200 per 
airplane.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    Since this AD action does not affect any airplane that is currently 
on the U.S. Register, it has no adverse economic impact and imposes no 
additional burden on any person. Therefore, prior notice and public 
procedures hereon are unnecessary and the amendment may be made 
effective in less than 30 days after publication in the Federal 
Register.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not 
preceded by notice and 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-261-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.
    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.

[[Page 5875]]

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:

98-03-08  Fokker: Amendment 39-10300. Docket 97-NM-261-AD.

    Applicability: Model F27 Mark 050 series airplanes; serial 
numbers 20103 through 20108 inclusive, 20110 through 20149 
inclusive, 20151 through 20155 inclusive, 20159, and 20160; 
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 structural degradation of the window frames of the 
flight compartment, which could result in depressurization of the 
airplane during flight, accomplish the following:
    (a) For airplanes having serial numbers 20103 through 20108 
inclusive, and 20110 through 20122 inclusive: Prior to the 
accumulation of 10,000 total flight cycles, or within 90 days after 
the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, modify the 
outside edges of the window frames surrounding the sliding windows 
and direct vision windows of the flight compartment, in accordance 
with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-53-015, dated August 16, 1989.
    (b) Prior to the accumulation of 15,000 total flight cycles, or 
within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
later, modify the outside edges of the window frames surrounding the 
windshield windows and install reinforcement plates on all window 
frames of the flight compartment; in accordance with Fokker Service 
Bulletin SBF50-53-016, dated December 20, 1989, or Fokker Service 
Bulletin SBF50-53-048, dated October 17, 1994.
    (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, International Branch, ANM-116, 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, International 
Branch, ANM-116.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

    (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.
    (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Fokker Service 
Bulletin SBF50-53-015, dated August 16, 1989; Fokker Service 
Bulletin SBF50-53-016, dated December 20, 1989; or Fokker Service 
Bulletin SBF50-53-048, dated October 17, 1994; as applicable. 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 Services B.V., Technical 
Support Department, P.O. Box 75047, 1117 ZN Schiphol Airport, the 
Netherlands. 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.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Dutch 
airworthiness directives 89-98, dated August 25, 1989; and 1990-002/
2 (A), dated February 28, 1995.

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on February 20, 1998.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 27, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-2523 Filed 2-4-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U