[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 124 (Wednesday, June 29, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 37291-37293]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-12838]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 124 / Wednesday, June 29, 2005 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 37291]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-21683; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-021-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F27 Mark 200, 400, 500, 
and 600 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Fokker Model F27 Mark 200, 400, 500, and 600 airplanes. 
This proposed AD would require a general visual inspection of the 
rotary knobs for the fuel tank isolation valves to determine if the 
seal wire has been installed correctly and corrective actions if 
necessary. This proposed AD is prompted by investigation of a recent 
accident, which found that the rotary knobs controlling the fuel tank 
isolating valves had been in the shut position. We are proposing this 
AD to ensure that the rotary knobs are not inadvertently moved to the 
shut position, which could result in fuel starvation to both engines 
and consequent inability to maintain controlled flight and landing.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 29, 2005.

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.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
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 in person 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. This 
docket number is FAA-2005-21683; the directorate identifier for this 
docket is 2005-NM-021-AD.

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

    We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-21683; 
Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-021-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 
can visit http://dms.dot.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or 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 certain Fokker Model F27 Mark 200, 400, 
500, and 600 airplanes. The CAA-NL advises that the rotary knobs 
controlling the fuel tank isolating valves were found in the shut 
position during investigation of a recent accident caused by fuel 
starvation to both engines shortly before takeoff. Although the 
airplane had been delivered with a seal wire between the two knobs, 
investigators found no seal wire or holes in the knobs for attaching 
the seal wire. Other airplanes were found to have the seal wire 
installed incorrectly. Inadvertently moving the rotary knobs to the 
shut position, if not prevented, could result in fuel starvation to 
both engines and consequent inability to maintain controlled flight and 
landing.

Relevant Service Information

    Fokker Services B.V. has issued Fokker Service Bulletin F27/28-67, 
dated February 23, 2004. The service bulletin describes procedures for 
doing an inspection of the rotary knobs for the fuel tank isolation 
valves to determine if the seal wire has been installed correctly, and 
taking corrective actions if necessary. The corrective actions include 
the following actions:
     If the holes are positioned incorrectly or are not 
drilled, drilling two holes in each rotary knob and reidentifying the 
knobs as P/N Y00092-401.

[[Page 37292]]

     If the seal wire is installed incorrectly, installing the 
seal wire from the bottom hole in the left rotary knob to the top hole 
in the right rotary knob with the knobs in the open position.
     If the seal wire is installed correctly, installing a 
placard between the rotary knobs.
    The service bulletin also specifies the following:
     Contacting the manufacturer after accomplishing the 
service bulletin.
     Incorporating the changes specified in Fokker Services 
Manual Change Notification MCNO F27-020, dated February 23, 2004, into 
the airplane maintenance manual.
    Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is 
intended to adequately address the unsafe condition. The CAA-NL 
mandated the service information and issued Dutch airworthiness 
directive 2004-037 R1, dated April 14, 2005, to ensure the continued 
airworthiness of these airplanes in the Netherlands.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    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. We have examined the CAA-
NL's findings, evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that 
we need to issue an AD for products of this type design that are 
certificated for operation in the United States.
    Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require 
accomplishing the actions specified in the service information 
described previously, except as discussed under ``Differences Between 
the Proposed AD and the Dutch Airworthiness Directive.''

Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Dutch Airworthiness 
Directive

    The applicability of Dutch airworthiness directive 2004-037 R1 
excludes airplanes on which Fokker Service Bulletin F27/28-58, dated 
May 12, 1986, has been accomplished. However, we have not excluded 
those airplanes in the applicability of this proposed AD; rather, this 
proposed AD includes credit for the actions specified in that service 
bulletin. Operators must continue to operate the airplane in the 
configuration required by this proposed AD unless an alternative method 
of compliance is approved. This difference has been coordinated with 
the CAA-NL.
    Dutch airworthiness directive 2004-037 R1 requires incorporating 
the changes specified in Fokker Services Manual Change Notification 
MCNO F27-018, dated December 1, 2003, into the airplane flight manual, 
and the changes specified in Fokker Services Manual Change Notification 
MCNM F27-020, dated February 23, 2004, into the airplane maintenance 
manual. Fokker Services Manual Change Notification MCNO F27-018 adds 
items to the taxiing checklist to advise the pilot to verify if the 
seal wire is installed. Fokker Services Manual Change Notification MCNM 
F27-020 adds information to advise maintenance personnel to verify that 
the seal wire is installed. We have determined that incorporation of 
these changes to the airplane flight and maintenance manuals is not 
necessary for adequately addressing the unsafe condition of this AD. 
This difference also has been coordinated with the CAA-NL.
    Although the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin 
F27/28-67 describe procedures for informing the manufacturer of 
accomplishment of the service bulletin, this proposed AD would not 
require those actions. We do not need this information from operators.

Clarification of Inspection Terminology

    The ``inspection'' specified in the Fokker service bulletin is 
referred to as a ``general visual inspection'' in this proposed AD. We 
have included the definition for a general visual inspection in a note 
in the proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    This proposed AD would affect about 1 airplane of U.S. registry. 
The proposed actions would take about 2 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 the one U.S. operator is $130.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
subtitle VII, part A, subpart III, section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

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 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-2005-21683; Directorate 
Identifier 2005-NM-021-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration must receive comments on 
this AD action by July 29, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

[[Page 37293]]

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Fokker Model F27 Mark 200, 400, 500, and 
600 airplanes, certificated in any category; serial numbers 10505 
through 10591 inclusive; not equipped with inboard wing fuel tanks.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by investigation of a recent accident, 
which found that the rotary knobs controlling the fuel tank 
isolating valves had been in the shut position. We are issuing this 
AD to ensure that the rotary knobs are not inadvertently moved to 
the shut position, which could result in fuel starvation to both 
engines and consequent inability to maintain controlled flight and 
landing.

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 and Corrective Action if Applicable

    (f) Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, do a 
general visual inspection of the rotary knobs for the fuel tank 
isolation valves to determine if the seal wire is installed 
correctly and do the corrective action(s) as applicable, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service 
Bulletin F27/28-67, dated February 23, 2004. Do the applicable 
corrective actions before further flight.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is: ``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 
ensure visual access to all 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.''

Credit for Alternative Method of Compliance

    (g) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin F27/28-58, dated May 12, 
1986, are acceptable for compliance with the requirements of 
paragraph (f) of this AD.

Parts Installation

    (h) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a 
rotary knob having part number E16032-3, 10632-10003, or P80-004 on 
any airplane, unless the corrective actions specified in paragraph 
(f) of this AD have been accomplished.

No Reporting Requirement

    (i) Although the service bulletin referenced in this AD 
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD 
does not include that requirement.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (j) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 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 2004-037 R1, dated April 14, 
2005, also addresses the subject of this AD.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 21, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-12838 Filed 6-28-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P