[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 16, 2001)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 3518-3521]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-1236]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-290-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the supersedure of an existing 
airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Fokker Model F.28 Mark 
0070 and Mark 0100 series airplanes, that currently requires revising 
the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to provide the flightcrew with 
instructions not to arm the liftdumper system prior to commanding the 
landing gear to extend. For Model F.28 Mark 0100 series airplanes, the 
existing AD also requires modification of the grounds of the shielding 
of the wheelspeed sensor wiring of the main landing gear (MLG) and 
installation of new electrical grounds for the wheelspeed sensor 
channel of the anti-skid control box of the MLG. The proposed AD would 
remove the previous revision of the AFM and would require a new 
limitation and a new warning. This proposal is prompted by issuance of 
mandatory continuing airworthiness information by

[[Page 3519]]

a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by the 
proposed AD are intended to prevent inadvertent deployment of the 
liftdumpers during approach for landing or reduced brake pressure 
during low speed taxiing, and consequent reduced controllability and 
performance of the airplane.

DATES: Comments must be received by February 15, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-290-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. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232. 
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 
[email protected]. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must 
contain ``Docket No. 2000-NM-290-AD'' in the subject line and need not 
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached 
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or 
ASCII text.
    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, 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 action may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Submit comments using the following format:
     Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a 
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the 
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
     For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed 
AD is being requested.
     Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each 
request.
    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 action must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2000-NM-290-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. 2000-NM-290-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    On September 21, 1999, the FAA issued AD 99-20-07, amendment 39-
11337 (64 FR 52219, September 28, 1999), applicable to all Fokker Model 
F.28 Mark 0070 and Mark 0100 series airplanes, to require revising the 
Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to provide the flightcrew with 
instructions not to arm the liftdumper system prior to commanding the 
landing gear to extend. For Model F.28 Mark 0100 series airplanes, the 
existing AD also requires modification of the grounds of the shielding 
of the wheelspeed sensor wiring of the main landing gear (MLG) and 
installation of new electrical grounds for the wheelspeed sensor 
channel of the anti-skid control box of the MLG. That action was 
prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information 
by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The requirements of that AD 
are intended to prevent electromagnetic interference generated by 
electrical wiring that runs parallel to the wheelspeed sensor wiring, 
which could result in inadvertent deployment of the liftdumpers during 
approach for landing or reduced brake pressure during low speed 
taxiing, and consequent reduced controllability and performance of the 
airplane.

Since Issuance of Previous Rule

    Since the issuance of AD 99-20-07, the Rijksluchtvaartdienst (RLD), 
which is the airworthiness authority for the Netherlands, reports 
another inadvertent deployment of the liftdumpers that occurred on a 
Fokker Model F.28 Mark 0100 series airplane. The pilot's report 
indicated that the flightcrew had armed the liftdumpers just after 
making the landing gear DOWN selection, whereupon the liftdumpers 
extended almost instantaneously. The RLD has issued Dutch airworthiness 
directive 1998-042/2, dated February 29, 2000, to ensure the continued 
airworthiness of these airplanes in the Netherlands. The Dutch 
airworthiness directive advises the flight crew not to arm the 
liftdumpers before the landing gear is down and locked.

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 supersede AD 99-20-07 to 
require revising the AFM by removing the previous revision which 
instructed the flightcrew not to arm the liftdumper system prior to 
commanding the landing gear to extend and by inserting a new limitation 
and a new warning not to arm the liftdumpers before the landing gear is 
down and locked in position. For Model F.28 Mark 0100 series airplanes, 
the proposed AD would continue to require modification of the grounds 
of the shielding of the wheelspeed sensor wiring of the MGL and 
installation of new electrical grounds for the wheelspeed sensor 
channel of the anti-skid control box of the landing gear.

[[Page 3520]]

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 123 airplanes of U.S. registry that would 
be affected by this proposed AD.
    The modifications that are currently required by AD 99-20-07 take 
approximately 33 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts cost approximately $755 
to $1,236 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the 
currently required actions on U.S. operators is estimated to be between 
$336,405 and $395,568, or between $2,735 and $3,216 per airplane.
    The revision to the AFM that is proposed in this AD would take 
approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the proposed requirements of this AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $7,380, or $60 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the current or 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 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 removing amendment 39-11337 (64 FR 
52219, September 28, 1999), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), to read as follows:

Fokker Services B.V.: Docket 2000-NM-290-AD. Supersedes AD 99-20-07, 
Amendment 39-11337.

    Applicability: All Fokker Model F.28 Mark 0070 and Mark 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 (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 inadvertent deployment of the liftdumper systems 
during the approach for landing or reduced brake pressure during low 
speed taxiing, and consequent reduced controllability and 
performance of the airplane, accomplish the following:

Restatement of Certain Requirements of AD 99-20-07

Corrective Actions

    (a) For Model F.28 Mark 0100 series airplanes having serial 
numbers as listed in Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-067, Revision 
1, dated July 6, 1998: Within 6 months after November 2, 1999 (the 
effective date of AD 99-20-07, amendment 39-11337), modify the 
grounds of the shielding of the wheelspeed sensor wiring of the main 
landing gear (MLG) in accordance with part 1, 2, 3, or 4 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin, as applicable.

    Note 2: Modifications accomplished prior to November 2, 1999, in 
accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-067, dated March 
12, 1993, are considered acceptable for compliance with the 
requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD.
    (b) For Model F.28 Mark 0100 series airplanes having serial 
numbers as listed in Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-037, Revision 
2, dated December 4, 1998: Within 12 months after November 2, 1999, 
install new electrical grounds for the wheelspeed sensor channel of 
the anti-skid control box of the MLG in accordance with part 1, 2, 
or 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin, as 
applicable.


    Note 3: Installations accomplished prior to November 2, 1999, in 
accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-037, dated 
November 12, 1990, or Revision 1, dated November 16, 1998, are 
considered acceptable for compliance with the requirements of 
paragraph (b) of this AD.

New Actions Required by This AD

Revision of the Airplane Flight Manual

    (c) 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) in accordance with paragraphs (c)(1), 
(c)(2), (c)(3) and (c)(4) of this AD. This may be accomplished by 
inserting a copy of this AD into the appropriate sections of the 
AFM.
    (1) Remove the following information from the Limitations 
section:
    ``LIFTDUMPER SYSTEM--DO NOT ARM THE LIFTDUMPER SYSTEM BEFORE 
LANDING GEAR DOWN SELECTION.''
    (2) Add the following information to the Limitations section in 
the Miscellaneous Limitations sub-section:
    ``FLIGHT CONTROLS--NORMAL OPERATION OF LIFTDUMPERS: DO NOT ARM 
THE LIFTDUMPER SYSTEM BEFORE LANDING GEAR IS DOWN AND LOCKED.''
    (3) Remove the following information from Section 5--Normal 
Procedures, sub-section Approach and Landing, after the subject 
Approach:
    ``BEFORE LANDING--WARNING: DO NOT ARM THE LIFTDUMPER SYSTEM 
BEFORE LANDING GEAR DOWN SELECTION. Selecting Landing Gear DOWN 
after arming the liftdumper system may result in inadvertent 
deployment of the liftdumpers, because the liftdumper arming test 
may be partially ineffective.''
    (4) Add the following information to Section 5--Normal 
Procedures, sub-section Approach and Landing, after the subject 
Approach:
    ``BEFORE LANDING-- WARNING: DO NOT ARM THE LIFTDUMPER SYSTEM 
BEFORE LANDING GEAR IS DOWN AND LOCKED.''

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, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA. 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 4: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of

[[Page 3521]]

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 5: The subject of this AD is addressed in Dutch 
airworthiness directive 1998-042/2, dated February 29, 2000.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 9, 2001.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-1236 Filed 1-12-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P