[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 13 (Thursday, January 21, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 3202-3203]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-1184]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-276-AD; Amendment 39-11004; AD 99-02-12]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 
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 certain Fokker Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 series 
airplanes, that requires a one-time visual inspection to detect 
discrepancies of the components of the torque link apex joint and 
shimmy damper attachments of the main landing gear (MLG), and repair or 
replacement of any discrepant component with a new or serviceable 
component. 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 
heavy vibration and possible damage to the components of the MLG, and 
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane during takeoff and 
landing.

DATES: Effective February 25, 1999.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of February 25, 1999.

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 certain Fokker Model F.28 Mark 
0070 and 0100 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on 
November 13, 1998 (63 FR 63423). That action proposed to require a one-
time visual inspection to detect discrepancies of the components of the 
torque link apex joint and shimmy damper attachments of the main 
landing gear (MLG), and repair or replacement of any discrepant 
component with a new or serviceable component.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comments received.
    Two commenters state that they are not affected by the proposed 
rule and, therefore, have no technical comments regarding the proposed 
rule.

[[Page 3203]]

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 131 Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 series 
airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will 
take approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required 
inspection, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based 
on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $15,720, or $120 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is 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:

99-02-12  Fokker Services B.V.: Amendment 39-11004. Docket 98-NM-
276-AD.

    Applicability: Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 series airplanes, 
as listed in Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-113, dated May 28, 
1998; 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 (d) 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 heavy vibration and possible damage to the components 
of the main landing gear (MLG), and consequent reduced 
controllability of the airplane during takeoff or landing, 
accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 45 days after the effective date of this AD, perform 
a one-time visual inspection to detect discrepancies of the 
components of the torque link apex joint and shimmy damper 
attachments of the MLG, in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin 
SBF100-32-113, dated May 28, 1998. If any discrepancy is detected, 
prior to further flight, repair or replace any discrepant component 
with a new or serviceable component, in accordance with the service 
bulletin.

    Note 2: In paragraph 2.F.(10) of the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-113, dated May 28, 1998, the 
parenthetical phrase that recommends the size of torque wrench to 
use, should read ``* * * (0 to 75 lbf ft),'' rather than ``* * * (0 
to 75 lbf in)''.

    (b) Submit a report of the inspection findings (positive or 
negative) to Fokker Services B.V., Technical Services, Attn.: 
Manager Airline Support, P.O. Box 75047, 1117 ZN Schiphol-Oost, the 
Netherlands; Fax No. 3120605200; at the time specified in paragraph 
(b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD, as applicable. Information collection 
requirements contained in this regulation have been approved by the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have 
been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
    (1) For airplanes on which the inspection required by paragraph 
(a) of this AD is accomplished after the effective date of this AD: 
Submit a report within 10 days after accomplishing the inspection 
required by paragraph (a) of this AD.
    (2) For airplanes on which the inspection required by paragraph 
(a) of this AD has been accomplished prior to the effective date of 
this AD: Submit a report within 30 days after the effective date of 
this AD.
    (c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
on any airplane a Menasco MLG having part number (P/N) 41050-5, -6, 
-7, or -8; or P/N 41060-1 or -2; unless it has been inspected in 
accordance with paragraph (a) of this AD.
    (d) 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 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

    (e) 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.
    (f) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this AD, the actions 
shall be done in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-
113, dated May 28, 1998. 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 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Dutch 
airworthiness directive BLA 1998-058 (A), dated May 29, 1998.

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on February 25, 1999.
    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 12, 1999.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager,
Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 99-1184 Filed 1-20-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P