[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 233 (Monday, December 6, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 68056-68058]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-31475]


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 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
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 

  Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 233 / Monday, December 6, 1999 / 
Proposed Rules  

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-325-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 
Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to all Fokker Model F.28 Mark 0070 
and 0100 series airplanes. This proposal would require a measurement of 
the resistance of the electrical connectors of the auxiliary power unit 
(APU) to detect a short circuit; an inspection to determine if the 
grommets or shrink sleeves are present; and modification, if necessary. 
This proposal is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. 
The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to detect and 
prevent a short circuit of a fire extinguisher electrical system due to 
a lack of shrink sleeves or grommets, and consequent disabling of the 
affected fire extinguisher system.

DATES: Comments must be received by January 5, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-325-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
obtained from Fokker Services B.V., P.O. Box 231, 2150 AE Nieuw-Vennep, 
the Netherlands. This information may be examined at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington.

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:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed 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 above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 99-NM-325-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 99-NM-325-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The Rijksluchtvaartdienst (RLD), which is the airworthiness 
authority for the Netherlands, notified the FAA that an unsafe 
condition may exist on all Fokker Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 series 
airplanes. The RLD advises that a fire extinguisher electrical circuit 
for the auxiliary power unit (APU) was found shorted. A subsequent 
inspection revealed that similar conditions affected the engine fire 
extinguisher circuits, due to twisted wires that allowed the contact 
pins to touch. Further investigation established that certain types of 
electrical cartridge connectors on both the engine and APU fire 
extinguisher bottles did not have heat shrink sleeves installed during 
production. In this condition, a short circuit cannot be detected by 
the resistance check described in the current maintenance program. The 
lack of shrink sleeves or grommets, if not corrected, could result in a 
short circuit of a fire extinguisher electrical system, and consequent 
disabling of the affected fire extinguisher system.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Fokker has issued Service Bulletin SBF100-26-015, dated August 15, 
1999, which describes procedures for performing a measurement of the 
resistance of the electrical lines on the auxiliary power unit (APU) 
and engine fire extinguishers to detect a short circuit; a general 
visual inspection to determine if the grommets or shrink sleeves are 
present; and modification, if necessary. The modification involves 
applying shrink sleeves to electrical wiring. Accomplishment of the 
actions specified in the service bulletin is intended to adequately 
address the identified unsafe condition. The RLD classified this 
service bulletin as mandatory and issued Dutch airworthiness directive 
1999-110, dated August 31, 1999, in order to assure the continued 
airworthiness of these airplanes in the Netherlands.

FAA's Conclusions

    These airplane models are manufactured in the Netherlands and are 
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 RLD has kept the FAA 
informed of the situation

[[Page 68057]]

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 Proposed 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, the proposed AD would require accomplishment of 
the actions specified in the service bulletin described previously.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 123 airplanes of US registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD.
    It would take approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the measurement specified in Part A of the referenced service bulletin, 
at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, 
the cost impact of this measurement proposed by this AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $14,760, or $120 per airplane.
    It would take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish 
the inspection specified in Part B of the referenced service bulletin, 
at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, 
the cost impact of this inspection proposed by this AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $7,380, or $60 per airplane.
    Should an operator be required to accomplish the modification 
specified in Part B of the referenced service bulletin, it would take 
approximately 2 works hour per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the modification proposed by this AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $120 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed 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 proposed herein would 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 
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
regulation (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under 
Executive Order 12866; (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 
and (3) If promulgated, 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 copy of the draft 
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting 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.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
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:

Fokker Services B.V.: Docket 99-NM-325-AD.

    Applicability: All Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 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 (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 detect and prevent a short circuit of a fire extinguisher 
electrical system due to a lack of shrink sleeves or grommets, and 
consequent disabling of the affected fire extinguisher system, 
accomplish the following:

Inspection and Modification, If Necessary

    (a) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, 
perform a measurement of the resistance of the electrical lines on 
the auxiliary power unit (APU) and engine fire extinguisher bottles 
to detect a short circuit, in accordance with Part A of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-26-
015, dated August 15, 1999.
    (1) If no short circuit is detected, at the next scheduled 
weight check of the fire extinguishing bottle, or within 2 years 
after the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, whichever 
occurs first, perform a general visual inspection to determine if 
the grommets or shrink sleeves are present and installed properly. 
If any grommet or shrink sleeve is missing or not installed 
properly, prior to further flight, perform the modification of the 
connectors, in accordance with Part B of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the service bulletin.
    (2) If any short circuit is detected, prior to further flight, 
perform a general visual inspection to determine if the grommets or 
shrink sleeves are present and installed properly. If any grommet or 
shrink sleeve is missing or not installed properly, prior to further 
flight, perform the modification of the connectors, in accordance 
with Part B of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service 
bulletin.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is defined as ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior 
area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, 
or irregularity. This level of inspection is made under normally 
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, 
flashlight, or drop-light, and may require removal or opening of 
access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be 
required to gain proximity to the area being checked.''

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (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, 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.

Special Flight Permits

    (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.


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    Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Dutch 
airworthiness directive 1999-110, dated August 31, 1999.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 30, 1999.
D.L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-31475 Filed 12-3-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U