[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 60 (Thursday, March 28, 2002)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 14891-14893]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-7429]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-289-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 one-time 
general visual inspection to detect any missing attachment bolts in the 
replaceable frame struts, and corrective actions, if necessary. This 
action is necessary to prevent excessive deformation of the floor 
structure in the event of rapid decompression in the lower cargo hold 
due to missing attachment bolts in the replaceable frame struts. Such 
deformation may result in the flight and engine control cables becoming 
jammed, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane. This 
action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by April 29, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NM-289-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. 2001-NM-289-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: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-1137; 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.

[[Page 14892]]

    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 2001-NM-289-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. 2001-NM-289-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The Civil Aviation Authority--The Netherlands (CAA-NL), 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 CAA-NL advises that an operator discovered 
that an airframe strut connecting the floor beams and the fuselage 
frame was missing the lower attachment bolt; the bolt hole was not 
drilled and only a pilot hole was present. This condition, if not 
corrected, could result in excessive deformation of the floor structure 
in the event of a rapid decompression in the lower cargo hold. Such 
deformation may result in the flight and engine control cables becoming 
jammed, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Fokker Services B.V. has issued Service Bulletin SBF100-53-096, 
dated April 11, 2001. The service bulletin describes procedures for 
performing a one-time general visual inspection for detecting any 
missing attachment bolts in the replaceable frame struts; for drilling 
a new hole; and for installing a new bolt (including a nut and washer), 
if necessary. Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service 
bulletin is intended to adequately address the identified unsafe 
condition. The CAA-NL classified this service bulletin as mandatory and 
issued Dutch airworthiness directive 2001-055, dated April 27, 2001, 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 CAA-NL has kept the FAA 
informed of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the 
findings of the CAA-NL, reviewed all available information, and 
determined that AD action is necessary for products of these type 
designs 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 designs registered 
in the United States, the proposed AD would require accomplishment of 
the actions specified in the service bulletin described previously. If 
any missing attachment bolts are detected, the proposed AD would also 
require a general visual inspection to detect any deformation or crack 
in the affected floor beams and the fuselage frame C-channel at the 
strut attachment, and repair, if necessary.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 139 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 1 work 
hour per airplane to accomplish the proposed inspection, and that the 
average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$8,340, or $60 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is 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 proposed AD were not adopted. The cost impact 
figures discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time 
necessary to perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. 
These figures typically do not include incidental costs, such as the 
time required to gain access and close up, planning time, or time 
necessitated by other administrative actions.

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 2001-NM-289-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 (c) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of

[[Page 14893]]

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 excessive deformation of the floor structure to the 
extent that flight and engine control cables might jam, accomplish 
the following:

Inspection

    (a) Within 14 months after the effective date of this AD, do a 
one-time general visual inspection to detect any missing attachment 
bolts in the replaceable frame struts per Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin 
SBF100-53-096, dated April 11, 2001; as applicable.

Corrective Actions

    (b) If any attachment bolts are found missing during the 
inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, before further 
flight, do the actions specified in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of 
this AD.
    (1) Drill a new hole and install a new bolt (including nut and 
washer), per the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service 
Bulletin SBF100-53-096, dated April 11, 2001.
    (2) Do a general visual inspection to detect any deformation or 
crack in the affected floor beams and the fuselage frame C-channel 
at the strut attachment. If any deformation or crack exists, before 
further flight, repair per a method approved by either the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; 
or the Civil Aviation Authority--The Netherlands (CAA-NL) (or its 
delegated agent).

    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

    (c) 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. 
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

    (d) 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 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Dutch 
airworthiness directive 2001-055, dated April 27, 2001.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 22, 2002.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-7429 Filed 3-27-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P