[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 2 (Tuesday, January 4, 2000)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 251-254]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-47]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-186-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F27 Mark 050, 200, 500, 
and 600 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.


[[Page 252]]


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 certain Fokker Model F27 Mark 050, 
200, 500, and 600 series airplanes. This proposal would require 
installation of certain components, and revisions of the Airplane 
Flight Manual. This action is necessary to prevent undetected failures 
of the horizontal and vertical stabilizer de-icing system, which could 
result in reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is 
intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by February 3, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-NM-186-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 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 98-NM-186-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. 98-NM-186-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 certain Fokker Model F27 Mark 050, 200, 500, and 
600 series airplanes. The RLD advises that it has received reports of 
malfunctions of the tail de-icing system, in which one or more sections 
of the de-icing boots failed to inflate during icing conditions. The 
de-icing system did not provide a monitoring capability that would 
advise the flight crew in the event of a failure of the system. Later, 
following the installation of a monitoring function in the de-icing 
system on some airplanes, operators have reported occasional nuisance 
warnings caused by failure of a pressure switch in the monitoring 
system. These conditions, if not corrected, could result in undetected 
failures of the horizontal and vertical stabilizer de-icing system, and 
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Fokker has issued Service Bulletins F27/30-44, dated February 20, 
1998 (for Model F27 Mark 200, 500, and 600 series airplanes), and 
SBF50-30-025, Revision 2, dated October 21, 1998 (for Model F27 Mark 
050 series airplanes). These service bulletins describe procedures for 
installation of a dedicated monitoring system for the horizontal and 
vertical stabilizer de-icing system. Service Bulletin F27/30-44 
references Fokker F27 Manual Change Notification (MCNO) F27-004, dated 
February 10, 1998, and Service Bulletin SBF50-30-25, Revision 2, 
references Fokker F50 MCNO F50-001, dated October 23, 1997. These 
MCNO's describe Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) revisions to be 
accomplished following installation of the monitoring system. The AFM 
revisions provide instructions to the flight crew regarding operation 
of the airplane in the event of a failure of the de-icing system.
    Fokker also has issued Service Bulletins F27/30-45 (for Model F27 
Mark 200, 500, and 600 series airplanes) and SBF50-30-026 (for Model 
F27 Mark 050 series airplanes), both dated August 11, 1999. These 
service bulletins describe procedures for installation of a modified 
pressure switch in the monitoring system for the horizontal and 
vertical stabilizer de-icing system.
    Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletins is 
intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition. The RLD 
classified these service bulletins as mandatory and issued Dutch 
airworthiness directives 1998-019/2 and 1997-113/3, both dated June 18, 
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 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 information described previously. 
The proposed AD also would require, for certain Model F27 Mark 050 
series airplanes, an AFM revision for checks of the de-icing system 
prior to flights into known or forecast icing conditions.

[[Page 253]]

Differences Between Proposed Rule and Dutch Airworthiness 
Directives

    The proposed AD would differ from the parallel Dutch airworthiness 
directives in that it would not require a revision to the Master 
Minimum Equipment List (MMEL) to allow dispatch with the monitoring 
system of the tail de-icing system deactivated, but would require 
installation of the modified pressure switch within 18 months after the 
effective date of the AD. Due to concerns of an insufficient quantity 
of modified pressure switches, the Dutch airworthiness directives 
specify amendment of the MMEL for deactivation of the de-icing 
monitoring system if the existing pressure switches fail, and specify 
installation of the modified switches ``within 10 days after they 
become available.'' However, after further discussion with the 
manufacturer, the FAA has been advised that an adequate number of 
modified pressure switches will be available to support installation 
within an 18-month compliance time. The FAA has determined that 
requiring the concurrent installation of the de-icing monitoring system 
and the modified pressure switches is appropriate to address the 
identified unsafe condition.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 37 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD.
    It would take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish 
the proposed AFM revision for operation of the airplane in the event of 
a failure of the de-icing system, at an average labor rate of $60 per 
work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this proposed AFM 
revision on U.S. operators is estimated to be $2,220, or $60 per 
airplane.
    It would take approximately 125 work hours per airplane to 
accomplish the proposed installations, at an average labor rate of $60 
per work hour. Required parts would cost approximately $11,000 per 
airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed 
installations on U.S. operators is estimated to be $684,500, or $18,500 
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.
    None of the Model F27 Mark 050 series airplanes affected by this 
action are on the U.S. Register. Should an affected airplane be 
imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future, it would take 
approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the proposed AFM 
revision for checks of the de-icing system, at an average labor rate of 
$60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this 
proposed AFM revision on U.S. operators is estimated to be $60 per 
airplane.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations proposed herein would 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, it 
is determined that this proposal would not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132.
    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 98-NM-186-AD.

    Applicability: Model F27 Mark 050 series airplanes as listed in 
Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-30-025, Revision 2, dated October 21, 
1998; and Model F27 Mark 200, 500, and 600 series airplanes, serial 
numbers 10603 through 10692 inclusive; 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 undetected failures of the horizontal and vertical 
stabilizer de-icing system, which could result in reduced 
controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:

AFM Revision (Mark 050 Airplanes)

    (a) For Model F27 Mark 050 series airplanes on which a de-icing 
distributor valve heating system has not been installed (Reference 
Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-30-024): Within 10 days after the 
effective date of this AD, revise the Limitations and Normal 
Procedures Sections of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) 
to include the following information. This may be accomplished by 
inserting a copy of this AD into the AFM.

``PRE-FLIGHT INSPECTION PROCEDURE FOR FLIGHTS INTO KNOWN OR FORECAST 
ICING CONDITIONS

     Cycle the airframe de-icing system twice through the 
Manual 1 and 2 position during ground operation.
     Visually check the tailplane leading edge de-icing 
boots for inflation.''

Installations and AFM Revision (Mark 050 Airplanes)

    (b) For Model F27 Mark 050 series airplanes: Within 18 months 
after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the requirements of 
paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Install a monitoring system for the horizontal and vertical 
stabilizer de-icing system in accordance with Fokker Service 
Bulletin SBF50-30-025, Revision 2, dated October 21, 1998. Prior to 
further flight thereafter, revise the FAA-approved AFM to 
incorporate the flight manual changes described in Fokker Manual 
Change Notification (MCNO) F50-001, dated October 23, 1997. 
Following accomplishment of the installation, the AFM revision 
required by paragraph (a) of this AD may be removed from the AFM.
    (2) Install a modified pressure switch in the monitoring system 
in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-30-026, dated 
August 11, 1999.

[[Page 254]]

Installations and AFM Revision (Mark 200, 500, 600 Airplanes)

    (c) For Model F27 Mark 200, 500, and 600 series airplanes: 
Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the 
requirements of paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Install a monitoring system for the horizontal and vertical 
stabilizer de-icing system in accordance with Fokker Service 
Bulletin F27/30-44, dated February 20, 1998. Prior to further flight 
thereafter, revise the FAA-approved AFM to incorporate the flight 
manual changes described in Fokker MCNO F27-004, dated February 10, 
1998.
    (2) Install a modified pressure switch in the monitoring system 
in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin F27/30-45, dated August 
11, 1999.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (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 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.

Special Flight Permits

    (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.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Dutch 
airworthiness directives 1998-019/2, and 1997-113/3, both dated June 
18, 1999.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 28, 1999.
D.L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-47 Filed 1-3-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U