[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 93 (Friday, May 12, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30529-30531]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-11546]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-253-AD; Amendment 39-11720; AD 2000-09-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F.28 Mark 0070 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 F.28

[[Page 30530]]

Mark 0070 series airplanes. This action requires a one-time inspection 
to detect loose bolts attaching the gustlock counter-bracket to the 
pulley on the elevator tension regulator assembly, and corrective 
action, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by issuance of 
mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil 
airworthiness authority. The actions specified in this AD are intended 
to prevent restricted elevator movement and consequent reduced 
controllability of the airplane.

DATES: Effective May 30, 2000.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of May 30, 2000.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before June 12, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-253-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
    The service information referenced in this AD 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; 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: The Rijksluchtvaartdienst (RLD), which is 
the airworthiness authority for the Netherlands, notified the FAA that 
an unsafe condition may exist on certain Fokker Model F.28 Mark 0070 
series airplanes. The RLD advises that, during a routine landing of a 
Model F.28 Mark 0070 series airplane, the flight crew could not move 
the control column to its fully aft position. A subsequent inspection 
revealed that one of the three bolts attaching the gustlock counter-
bracket to a pulley on the elevator tension regulator assembly became 
loose. The bolt had moved outwards slightly, obstructing the driving 
lever of the elevator and thus restricting the elevator deflection to 
21 degrees (airplane nose up) instead of the normal 25 degrees. This 
condition, if not corrected, could result in reduced controllability of 
the airplane.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Fokker has issued Service Bulletin SBF100-27-076, dated July 1, 
1999, which describes procedures for a one-time general visual 
inspection to detect discrepancies, and corrective action, if 
necessary. Discrepancies include improper installation, loose bolts, 
sealant damage or an insufficient amount of sealant, and incorrect 
torque values of the bolts or nuts. Corrective actions include removing 
the sealant (if present) from the bolt head and nut and checking the 
torque value of the bolt and nut; replacing any discrepant bolt, 
washer, or nut with a new component; ensuring specified torque values; 
and applying sealant to the bolt head and nut to prevent corrosion.
    Accomplishment of the inspections and corrective 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 1999-094, dated 
July 30, 1999, in order to assure 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 21.29) 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 the 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, this AD is being issued to prevent restricted 
elevator movement and consequent reduced controllability of the 
airplane. This AD requires accomplishment of the actions specified in 
the service bulletin described previously, except as described below.

Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Bulletin

    Operators should note that, although the effectivity listing in the 
Planning Information of the service bulletin specifies ``Model F.28 
Mark 0070/0100'' series airplanes, the applicability statement of this 
proposed AD specifies only ``Model F.28 Mark 0070 series airplanes.'' 
The FAA has determined that none of the affected Model F.28 Mark 0100 
series airplanes are currently eligible for import into the United 
States; therefore, no action is required for those airplanes by this 
AD. In addition, the FAA points out that only two of the airplanes 
listed in the service bulletin are included in this proposed AD because 
only serial numbers 11565 and 11569 are eligible for import into the 
United States; the other serial numbers listed in the service bulletin 
are not eligible for import into the United States.

Cost Impact

    None of the Model F.28 Mark 0070 series airplanes affected by this 
action are on the U.S. Register. All airplanes included in the 
applicability of this rule currently are operated by non-U.S. operators 
under foreign registry; therefore, they are not directly affected by 
this AD action. However, the FAA considers that this rule is necessary 
to ensure that the unsafe condition is addressed in the event that any 
of these subject airplanes are imported and 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 1 work hour to 
accomplish the required actions, at an average labor rate of $60 per 
work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $60 per airplane.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    Since this AD action does not affect any airplane that is currently 
on the U.S. register, it has no adverse economic impact and imposes no 
additional burden on any person. Therefore, prior notice and public 
procedures hereon are unnecessary and the amendment may be made 
effective in less than 30 days after publication in the Federal 
Register.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not 
preceded by notice and opportunity for public comment, comments are 
invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this 
rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may 
desire. Communications

[[Page 30531]]

shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted in triplicate 
to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will 
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments 
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and 
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the 
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be 
needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the 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 that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 99-NM-253-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein 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, it 
is 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. 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:

2000-09-11  Fokker Services B.V.: Amendment 39-11720. Docket 99-NM-
253-AD.

    Applicability: Model F.28 Mark 0070 airplanes, serial numbers 
11565 and 11569; 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 prevent restricted elevator movement and consequent reduced 
controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:

Inspection

    (a) Within 2 months after the effective date of this AD, perform 
a one-time general visual inspection of the elevator gustlock 
counter-bracket of the elevator tension regulator assembly to detect 
any discrepancy (including improper installation, loose bolts, 
sealant damage or an insufficient amount of sealant, and incorrect 
torque values of the bolts or nuts), in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-27-
076, dated July 1, 1999.
    (1) If no discrepancy is detected, no further action is required 
by this AD.
    (2) If any discrepancy is detected, prior to further flight, 
accomplish the applicable corrective actions [removing the sealant 
(if present) from the bolt head and nut and checking the torque 
value of the bolt and nut; replacing any discrepant bolt, washer, or 
nut with a new component; ensuring specified torque values; and 
applying sealant to the bolt head and nut to prevent corrosion], in 
accordance with 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.

Incorporation by Reference

    (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Fokker Service 
Bulletin SBF100-27-076, dated July 1, 1999. 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., P.O. Box 231, 2150 AE Nieuw-
Vennep, 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 1999-094, dated July 30, 1999.

    (e) This amendment becomes effective on May 30, 2000.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 3, 2000.
Vi L. Lipski,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-11546 Filed 5-11-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U