[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 146 (Friday, July 30, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45577-45578]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-17220]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NM-302-AD; Amendment 39-13751; AD 2004-15-17]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F27 Mark 100, 200, 300, 
400, 500, 600, and 700 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Fokker Model F27 Mark 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 
600, and 700 series airplanes, that requires a one-time inspection to 
determine the part number of the engine mounting frames, brace struts, 
and attachment fittings; and related corrective action. This action is 
necessary to ensure the structural integrity of the engine-to-wing load 
path and prevent possible separation of the engine from the airplane. 
This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective September 3, 2004.
    The incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of September 3, 2004.

ADDRESSES: 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 Federal 
Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules 
Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the National 
Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the 
availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: 
http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Groves, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-1503; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Fokker Model F27 Mark 100, 
200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 series airplanes was published in the 
Federal Register on June 2, 2004 (69 FR 31053). That action proposed to 
require a one-time inspection to determine the part number of the 
engine mounting frames, brace struts, and attachment fittings; and 
related corrective action.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 41 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 4 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor 
rate is $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of 
the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $10,660, or $260 per 
airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD 
action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this 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 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

[[Page 45578]]

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

0
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

0
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]

0
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2004-15-17 Fokker Services B.V.: Amendment 39-13751. Docket 2002-NM-
302-AD.

    Applicability: Model F27 Mark 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 
700 series airplanes; certificated in any category; on which one or 
more of the modifications specified in paragraph 1.A.(1) of Fokker 
Service Bulletin F27/54-53, dated February 15, 2002, has been done.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To ensure the structural integrity of the engine-to-wing load 
path and prevent possible separation of the engine from the 
airplane, accomplish the following:

One-Time Inspection

    (a) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD: Do a 
one-time general visual inspection to determine the part numbers of 
the engine mounting frames, brace struts, and attachment fittings; 
per the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin F27/
54-53, dated February 15, 2002. Do the inspection and corrective 
action per the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. 
Do the related corrective action before further flight.

    Note 1: 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 from within 
touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be 
necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the 
inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally 
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, 
flashlight, or droplight 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.''

Related Service Information

    Note 2: Fokker Service Bulletin F27/54-53, dated February 15, 
2002, references Fokker Service Bulletin 51-24, dated December 1, 
1971, as the appropriate source of service information for 
installing a new, improved engine mounting frame; and Fokker Service 
Bulletin F27/54-26, Revision 5, dated September 30, 2001, as the 
appropriate source of service information for installing new, 
improved, stronger brace struts and brackets.

Parts Installation

    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install 
on any airplane an engine mounting frame, brace strut, or attachment 
fitting unless that part has been identified as appropriate for the 
airplane configuration, as specified in the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin F27/54-53, dated February 
15, 2002.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (c) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, is authorized 
to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.

Incorporation by Reference

    (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Fokker Service 
Bulletin F27/54-53, dated February 15, 2002. 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 National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Dutch 
airworthiness directive 2002-067, dated May 31, 2002.

Effective Date

    (e) This amendment becomes effective on September 3, 2004.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 19, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-17220 Filed 7-29-04; 8:45 am]
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