[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 238 (Monday, December 13, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 69394-69396]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-32023]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-315-AD; Amendment 39-11461; AD 99-26-01]
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 a one-time inspection to verify the tension values of 
the aileron control cables of the left-and right-hand wings, and 
corrective actions, if necessary. This action also requires either 
replacement of the aileron control cables with new, improved aileron 
control cables, or replacement of the aileron control cables with new, 
improved aileron control cables and modification of the pulley bracket 
on the rear face of the bulkhead at frame station 3100. The FAA is 
issuing this AD in response to mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information issued by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The 
actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent interference 
between the turnbuckles of the aileron control cables and the 
lightening holes, which could result in binding of the aileron control 
cables and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

DATES: Effective January 12, 2000.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the regulation as of 
January 12, 2000.
    The FAA must receive any comments on this rule on or before January 
12, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-315-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
    You may get the service information referenced in this AD from 
Fokker Services B.V., P.O. Box 231, 2150 AE Nieuw-Vennep, the 
Netherlands. You may examine this information at 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, during regular business hours.

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 FAA that an 
unsafe condition may exist on certain Fokker Model F27 Mark 050 series 
airplanes. The RLD received reports indicating that reduced tension of 
the aileron control cables could cause the cable turnbuckles to rub 
against the edges of the lightening holes, through which the aileron 
control cables run. This interference, if not corrected, could result 
in binding of the aileron control cables and consequent reduced 
controllability of the airplane.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The manufacturer issued Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-27-016, 
Revision 3, dated April 29, 1996. This bulletin describes procedures 
you must use for adjusting the tension of the aileron control cables, 
and includes information for replacing the aileron control cables with 
new, improved aileron control cables and modification of the pulley 
bracket on the rear face of the bulkhead at frame station 3100.
    The manufacturer also issued Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-27-040, 
dated May 10, 1996. This bulletin describes an alternative procedure 
for replacing the aileron control cables with new, improved aileron 
control cables.
    When you accomplish the actions specified in these service 
bulletins, you will adequately address the identified unsafe condition. 
The RLD classified

[[Page 69395]]

these service bulletins as mandatory and issued Dutch airworthiness 
directive 1995-075/3 (A), dated May 31, 1996, in order to ensure 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. The FAA examined the 
findings of the RLD, reviewed the available information, and determined 
that we should issue an AD covering products of this type design 
certificated for operation in the United States.
    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, FAA is issuing this AD to require you to take 
action to prevent interference between the turnbuckles of the aileron 
control cables and the lightening holes, which could result in binding 
of the aileron control cables and consequent reduced controllability of 
the airplane. This AD requires you to accomplish the actions specified 
in the service bulletins described previously, except as discussed 
below.

Differences Between Final Rule and Service Information

    Part 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service 
Bulletin SBF50-27-016, Revision 3, recommends adjustment of the aileron 
control cables. This AD requires an inspection to verify the tension 
values of the aileron control cables of the left-and right-hand wings 
prior to adjustment of the aileron control cables. If the tension 
values of the aileron control cables are within the limits specified by 
Part 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions, you do not need to adjust 
the aileron control cables.

Cost Impact

    None of the airplanes affected by this action is on the U.S. 
Register. All airplanes covered by this rule currently are operated by 
non-U.S. operators under foreign registry; therefore, they are not 
directly affected by this AD action. However, FAA considers that this 
rule is necessary to ensure that the unsafe condition is addressed if 
any of these airplanes are placed on the U.S. Register in the future.
    Should an affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S. 
Register in the future, it would require approximately 10 work hours to 
accomplish the required inspection, at an average labor rate of $60 per 
work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this AD would be 
$600 per airplane.
    If an affected airplane is placed on the U.S. register, and the 
operator chooses to comply with this AD using the requirements listed 
in paragraph (d)(2)(i), which includes replacing the aileron control 
cables, it would take about 24 work hours. The average labor rate is 
$60 per work hour, and the required parts would cost about $1,517. The 
total cost for parts and labor is estimated to be $2,957 per airplane.
    If an affected airplane is placed on the U.S. register, and the 
operator chooses to comply with this AD using the requirements listed 
in paragraph (d)(2)(ii), which includes replacing the aileron control 
cables and modifying the pulley bracket, it would take about 170 work 
hours. The average labor rate is $60 per work hour, and the required 
parts would cost about $2,300. The total cost for parts and labor is 
estimated to be $12,500 per airplane.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not 
preceded by notice and opportunity for public comment, FAA invites 
comments on this rule. You may submit whatever written data, views, or 
arguments you choose. You need to include the rule's docket number and 
submit your comments to the address specified under the caption 
``ADDRESSES.'' The FAA will consider all comments received on or before 
the closing date. We may amend this rule in light of comments received. 
Factual information that supports your ideas and suggestions is 
extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and 
determining whether we need to take additional rulemaking action.
    The FAA is re-examining the writing style we currently use in 
regulatory documents, in response to the Presidential memorandum of 
June 1, 1998. That memorandum requires federal agencies to communicate 
more clearly with the public. We are interested in your comments on 
whether the style of this document is clearer, and in any other 
suggestions you might have to improve the clarity of FAA communications 
that affect you. You can get more information about the Presidential 
memorandum and the plain language initiative at http://
www.plainlanguage.gov.
    The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental and energy aspects of this rule that might 
suggest a need to modify this rule. You may examine all comments we 
receive before and after the closing date in the rule in the Rules 
Docket. We will file a report in the Rules Docket that summarizes each 
FAA contact with the public that concerns the substantive parts of this 
AD.
    If you want us to acknowledge the receipt of your comments, you 
must include a self-addressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard, write 
``Comments to Docket Number 99-NM-315-AD.'' We will date stamp and mail 
the postcard back to you.

Regulatory Impact

    These regulations will not have a substantial direct effect 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, the FAA has determined that 
this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive 
Order 13132.
    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. The FAA has prepared a final evaluation and placed it 
in the Rules Docket. You can get a copy of this evaluation at the 
location listed under the caption ADDRESSES.

[[Page 69396]]

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 14 CFR part 
39 (part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations) 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. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

99-26-01 Fokker Services B.V.: Amendment 39-11461. Docket 99-NM-315-
AD.

    (a) What airplanes does this directive apply to? This directive 
applies to:

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           Manufacturer                    Model                 Series         Line/Serial #    Cert.  Category
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Fokker...........................  F27                    Mark 050...........      20103-20172  All.
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    (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate 
any of the above airplanes on the U.S. Register. However, the AD 
does not apply to your airplane if you already accomplished the 
requirements of either:
    (1) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-27-040, dated May 10, 1996, or
    (2) Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service 
Bulletin SBF50-27-016, Revision 3, dated April 29, 1996.
    (c) What problem does this AD address? There is evidence that 
the turnbuckles of the aileron control cables can interfere with the 
lightening holes. This can cause the control cables to bind, which 
can reduce the pilot's ability to control the airplane.
    (d) What must I do to address this problem? To address this 
problem, you must:
    (1) Perform a one-time inspection to verify the tension values 
of the aileron control cables. Perform this inspection within 30 
days after the effective date of this AD. The tension values are 
specified in Part 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker 
Service Bulletin SBF50-27-016, Revision 3, dated April 29, 1996.
    (i) If the tension values of the aileron control cables are 
within the values specified in the service bulletin, you need to 
take no further action to comply with paragraph (d)(1) of this AD.
    (ii) If the tension values of the aileron control cables are not 
within the values specified in the service bulletin, then prior to 
further flight, adjust the aileron control cables to the specified 
tension values in accordance with the service bulletin.
    (2) Within 5 months after the effective date of this AD, or at 
the next scheduled 4,000 flight hour inspection, whichever occurs 
first, accomplish paragraph (d)(2)(i) or (d)(2)(ii) of the AD. Since 
the new, improved aileron control cables are not interchangeable 
with the existing aileron control cables, you must replace all 
aileron control cables at the same time.
    (i) Replace all aileron control cables with new, improved 
aileron control cables, in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin 
SBF50-27-040, dated May 10, 1996; or
    (ii) Replace all aileron control cables with new, improved 
aileron control cables; and modify the pulley bracket on the rear 
face of the bulkhead at frame station 3100; in accordance with Part 
2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin 
SBF50-27-016, Revision 3, dated April 29, 1996.
    (e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? Yes.
    (1) You may use an alternative method of compliance or adjust 
the compliance time if:
    (i) Your alternative provides an acceptable level of safety; and
    (ii) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, approves your alternative. Submit your request 
for approval through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may 
add comments and then send it to the Manager.
    (2) This AD applies to each airplane identified in paragraph (a) 
of this AD, regardless of whether it has been otherwise 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 (e) 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 you have not eliminated the unsafe condition, specific 
actions you propose to address it.
    (f) Where can I get information about any already-approved 
alternative methods of compliance? Contact the International Branch, 
ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2110; fax (425) 
227-1149.
    (g) What if I need to fly the airplane to another location to 
comply with this AD? The FAA can issue you a special flight permit 
under sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations 
(14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate your airplane to a location 
where you can accomplish the requirements of this AD.
    (h) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by 
reference? Yes. Actions required by this AD must be done in 
accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-27-040, dated May 10, 
1996, or Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-27-016, Revision 3, dated 
April 29, 1996, as applicable. Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-27-016, 
Revision 3, includes the following effective pages:

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                              Revision Level Shown
          Page No.                   on Page         Date Shown  on Page
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1-5, 10, 12.................  3...................  Apr. 29, 1996.
6, 9........................  2...................  July 7, 1992.
7, 8, 11, 15, 16............  1...................  May 24, 1991.
13, 14......................  Original............  Dec. 29, 1989.
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The Director of the Federal Register approved this incorporation by 
reference under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You can get 
copies of these service bulletins from Fokker Services B.V., P.O. 
Box 231, 2150 AE Nieuw-Vennep, the Netherlands. You can look at 
copies at 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: The subject of this AD is addressed in issued Dutch 
airworthiness directive 1995-075/3 (A), dated May 31, 1996.

    (i) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment 
becomes effective on January 12, 2000.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 6, 1999.

D.L. Riggin,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-32023 Filed 12-10-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P