[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 151 (Friday, August 6, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 47806-47808]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-17987]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2004-18787; Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-264-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for all Fokker Model F27 Mark 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 
series airplanes. This proposed AD would require a one-time high-
frequency eddy current inspection for cracking of the attachment lugs 
of the aileron spring tab balance unit, and corrective actions if 
necessary. This proposed AD is prompted by a report indicating that, 
during heavy turbulence, a pilot needed to apply aileron trim to 
maintain level flight because cracking of the upper inboard attachment 
lug of the aileron spring tab balance unit, probably due to corrosion, 
had caused permanent deflection of the spring tab and consequent 
aileron damage. We are proposing this AD to prevent diminished control 
of the airplane in turbulence or total loss of roll control for the 
affected wing.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 7, 
2004.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this proposed AD.
     DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590.
     By fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Hand delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    You can get the service information identified in this proposed AD 
from Fokker Services B.V., P.O. Box 231, 2150 AE Nieuw-Vennep, The 
Netherlands.
    You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at 
http://dms.dot.gov, or at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., room PL-401, on 
the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC.

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:

Docket Management System (DMS)

    The FAA has implemented new procedures for maintaining AD dockets 
electronically. As of May 17, 2004, new AD actions are posted on DMS 
and assigned a docket number. We track each action and assign a 
corresponding directorate identifier. The DMS AD docket number is in 
the form ``Docket No. FAA-2004-99999.'' The Transport Airplane 
Directorate identifier is in the

[[Page 47807]]

form ``Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-999-AD.'' Each DMS AD docket also 
lists the directorate identifier (``Old Docket Number'') as a cross-
reference for searching purposes.

Comments Invited

    We invite you to submit any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2004-18787; 
Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-264-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will 
consider all comments submitted by the closing date and may amend the 
proposed AD in light of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of our 
docket Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our 
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or 
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, 
etc.). You can review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you 
may visit http://dms.dot.gov.
    We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory 
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of 
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of 
our communications that affect you. You can get more information about 
plain language at http://www.faa.gov/language and http://www.plainlanguage.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You can examine the AD docket in person at the Docket Management 
Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility office 
(telephone (800) 647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif 
Building at the DOT street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS 
receives them.

Discussion

    The Civil Aviation Authority-The Netherlands (CAA-NL), which is the 
airworthiness authority for the Netherlands, notified us that an unsafe 
condition may exist on all Fokker Model F27 Mark 100, 200, 300, 400, 
500, 600, and 700 series airplanes. The CAA-NL advises that it received 
a report indicating that, during heavy turbulence, a pilot needed to 
apply aileron trim to maintain level flight because of cracking of the 
upper inboard attachment lug of the aileron spring tab balance unit, 
probably due to corrosion, which caused permanent deflection of the 
spring tab and consequent aileron damage. This condition, if not 
corrected, could result in diminished control of the airplane in 
turbulence or total loss of roll control for the affected wing.

Relevant Service Information

    Fokker Services B.V. has issued Fokker Service Bulletin F27/27-137, 
dated March 19, 2003. The service bulletin describes procedures for a 
one-time high-frequency eddy current inspection of the attachment lugs 
of the aileron spring tab balance unit (including any removal of loose 
paint and/or corrosion); reworking of the balance unit attachment lugs; 
and replacement of the balance unit, if necessary. We have determined 
that accomplishing the actions specified in the service information 
will adequately address the unsafe condition. The CAA-NL mandated the 
service information and issued Dutch airworthiness directive 2003-037, 
dated March 31, 2003, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these 
airplanes in the Netherlands.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    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 CAA-NL has kept the FAA informed 
of the situation described above. We have examined the CAA-NL's 
findings, evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that AD 
action is necessary for products of this type design that are 
certificated for operation in the United States.
    Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require a one-time 
high-frequency eddy current inspection of the attachment lugs of the 
aileron spring tab balance unit, with any needed removal of loose paint 
and/or corrosion, reworking of the balance unit attachment lugs, and 
replacement of the balance unit, if necessary. The proposed AD would 
require you to use the service information described previously to 
perform these actions, except as discussed under ``Differences Between 
the Proposed AD and Service Bulletin.''

Differences Between the Proposed AD and Service Bulletin

    Although the referenced service bulletin describes procedures for 
reporting certain information to Fokker Services B.V., this proposed AD 
would not require that action. We do not need this information from 
operators.
    Although the referenced service bulletin specifies that you may 
contact the manufacturer for instructions on how to repair certain 
conditions, this proposed AD would require you to repair those 
conditions using a method that we or the CAA-NL (or its delegated 
agent) approve. In light of the type of repair that would be required 
to address the unsafe condition, and consistent with existing bilateral 
airworthiness agreements, we have determined that, for this proposed 
AD, a repair we or the CAA-NL approve would be acceptable for 
compliance with this proposed AD.

Interim Action

    We consider this proposed AD interim action. If final action is 
later identified, we may consider further rulemaking then.

Costs of Compliance

    This proposed AD would affect about 38 airplanes of U.S. registry. 
The proposed actions would take about 5 work hours per airplane, at an 
average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the 
estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators is $12,350, or 
$325 per airplane.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities

[[Page 47808]]

under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location 
to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive (AD):

Fokker Services B.V.: Docket No. FAA-2004-18787; Directorate 
Identifier 2003-NM-264-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration must receive comments on 
this AD action by September 7, 2004.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all Fokker Model F27 Mark 100, 200, 300, 
400, 500, 600, and 700 series airplanes; certificated in any 
category.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by a report indicating that, during 
heavy turbulence, a pilot needed to apply aileron trim to maintain 
level flight because cracking of the upper inboard attachment lug of 
the aileron spring tab balance unit, probably due to corrosion, had 
caused permanent deflection of the spring tab and consequent aileron 
damage. We are issuing this AD to prevent diminished control of the 
airplane in turbulence or total loss of roll control for the 
affected wing.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Inspection

    (f) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, 
perform a one-time high-frequency eddy current inspection for 
cracking of the attachment lugs of the aileron spring tab balance 
units by doing all the actions in the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Fokker Service Bulletin F27/27-137, dated March 19, 2003. If no 
loose paint, corrosion damage, or crack is found during this 
inspection, no further action is required by this AD.

Repair and Rework of Attachment Lugs

    (g) If no crack is found during the inspection required by 
paragraph (f) of this AD, but it was necessary to remove loose paint 
or corrosion to perform the inspection: Prior to further flight, 
rework the attachment lugs in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin F27/27-137, dated March 19, 
2003. If corrosion damage has caused any attachment lug to exceed 
the dimensional limits specified in the service bulletin: Prior to 
further flight, replace the aileron spring tab balance unit with a 
serviceable unit, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Fokker Service Bulletin F27/27-137, dated March 19, 2003, or 
repair the lug in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; 
or the Civil Aviation Authority-The Netherlands (CAA-NL) (or its 
delegated agent).

Replacement

    (h) If any crack is found during the inspection required by 
paragraph (f) of this AD: Prior to further flight, replace the 
aileron spring tab balance unit with a serviceable unit, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service 
Bulletin F27/27-137, dated March 19, 2003.

No Reporting Requirement

    (i) Although Fokker Service Bulletin F27/27-137, dated March 19, 
2003, specifies to submit certain information to Fokker Services 
B.V., this AD does not include such a requirement.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (j) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance 
with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Related Information

    (k) Dutch airworthiness directive 2003-037, dated March 31, 
2003, also addresses the subject of this AD.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 30, 2004.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-17987 Filed 8-5-04; 8:45 am]
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