[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 122 (Thursday, June 25, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34560-34562]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-16049]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-102-AD; Amendment 39-10607; AD 98-13-19]
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.

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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 a one-

[[Page 34561]]

time detailed visual inspection of the forward fuel feed lines in the 
left- and right-hand engine nacelles for chafing; replacement of 
damaged parts with serviceable parts; and modification of the supports 
and improved routing for the high- and low-tension leads of the inboard 
ignition units. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness 
authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent 
chafing on the forward fuel feed lines, which could result in fuel 
leakage and consequent increased risk of fire in the engine nacelles.

DATES: Effective July 30, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of July 30, 1998.

ADDRESSES: 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 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: 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: 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 April 23, 1998 (63 FR 20141). That action proposed 
to require a one-time detailed visual inspection of the forward fuel 
feed lines in the left- and right-hand engine nacelles for chafing; 
replacement of damaged parts with serviceable parts; and modification 
of the supports and improved routing for the high- and low-tension 
leads of the inboard ignition units.

Comments

    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 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD.
    It will take approximately 1 work hour 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 is estimated to be $2,040, or $60 per 
airplane.
    It will take approximately 4 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the required modification, at an average labor rate of $60 per work 
hour. The cost of required parts would be minimal. Based on these 
figures, the cost impact of the modification required by this AD on 
U.S. operators is estimated to be $8,160, or $240 per airplane.
    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:

98-13-19  Fokker Services B.V.: Amendment 39-10607. Docket 98-NM-
102-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 
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 chafing on the forward fuel feed lines, which could 
result in fuel leakage and consequent increased risk of fire in the 
engine nacelles, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, perform 
a one-time detailed visual inspection of the left- and right-hand 
engine nacelles for chafing of the forward fuel feed lines by the 
high- and low-tension leads of the inboard ignition units, in 
accordance with Part 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker 
Service Bulletin F27/28-62, dated September 1, 1997. If any chafing 
is detected, prior to further flight, replace the fuel line with a 
new fuel line in accordance with Part 1 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the service bulletin.
    (b) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the supports and reroute the high- and low-tension leads of the 
inboard ignition units, in accordance with Part 2 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of

[[Page 34562]]

Fokker Service Bulletin F27/28-62, dated September 1, 1997.
    (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 F27/28-62, dated September 1, 1997. 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 directive BLA 1997-094 (A), dated September 30, 1997.

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on July 30, 1998.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 11, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-16049 Filed 6-24-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U