[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 220 (Wednesday, November 16, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 69427-69430]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-22589]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-22972; Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-265-AD; 
Amendment 39-14376; AD 2005-23-18]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F27 Mark 050 Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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[[Page 69428]]

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Fokker Model F27 Mark 050 airplanes. This AD requires a one-time 
inspection of the bleed air supply ducts to determine if blanking plugs 
are present and a one-time inspection of the entire area of the engine 
nacelle for heat damage; and corrective actions if necessary. This AD 
also requires replacement of the blanking plugs with clamping devices. 
This AD results from heat damage in areas adjacent to the bleed air 
supply duct assembly. We are issuing this AD to prevent rupture of the 
bleed air supply duct, which could lead to hot bleed air leaking into 
the engine controls area and result in heat damage to control cables, 
electrical wiring, hydraulic components, and fuel lines, and consequent 
fire.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 1, 2005.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of December 1, 
2005.
    We must receive comments on this AD by January 17, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this 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.
     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.
    Contact Fokker Services B.V., P.O. Box 231, 2150 AE Nieuw-Vennep, 
the Netherlands, for service information identified in this 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:

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 050 airplanes. 
The CAA-NL advises that an operator found heat damage in areas adjacent 
to the bleed air supply duct assembly while inspecting for hydraulic 
leakage in the engine controls area on a Model F27 Mark 050 airplane. 
The same operator also found a second airplane with heat damage after 
inspecting its remaining fleet. Further investigation revealed that the 
inner wall of the bleed air supply duct was ruptured, which caused 
bleed air to escape and blow out the three blanking plugs that are 
fitted on the outer wall of the bleed air supply duct. As a result, hot 
bleed air vented into the engine controls area through the holes in the 
outer wall (created by the blown out blanking plugs) of the bleed air 
supply duct. This condition, if not corrected, could result in heat 
damage to control cables, electrical wiring, hydraulic components, and 
fuel lines, and consequent fire.

Relevant Service Information

    Fokker Services B.V. has issued Service Bulletin SBF50-36-006, 
dated October 1, 2001. The service bulletin describes the procedures 
for inspecting zones 431 and 441 of the engine controls area to 
determine if the blanking plugs are installed in place on the outer 
ducts of the bleed air supply duct assemblies and doing corrective 
actions if necessary. The corrective actions include the following:
     If the blanking plugs are missing and bleed air loss is 
evident (i.e., the bleed air supply duct has burned spots, 
discoloration, or deformation), visually inspecting the components 
adjacent to the bleed air supply duct assemblies for heat damage (part 
C of the accomplishment instructions) and replacing the blanking plugs 
of the bleed air supply duct with clamping devices (part D of the 
accomplishment instructions).
     If bleed air loss is not evident, replacing the blanking 
plugs of the bleed air supply duct with clamping devices.
     If there is leakage from the bleed air supply duct due to 
a ruptured inner duct, replacing the bleed air supply duct assembly 
with a serviceable bleed air supply duct assembly (i.e, one that has 
had the blanking plugs replaced with clamping devices).
     If there is a loss of corrosion-preventing compound from 
the engine control cables, cleaning the cables, inspecting for 
discoloration, and applying the corrosion-preventing compound.
     If advice is needed for repairing heat damage to a 
component, wiring, or structures, contacting the manufacturer for 
additional instructions.
    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 2001-130, dated October 31, 2001, to ensure the continued 
airworthiness of these airplanes in the Netherlands.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    This airplane models 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 we 
need to issue an AD for products of this type design that are 
certificated for operation in the United States.
    Therefore, we are issuing this AD to prevent rupture of the bleed 
air supply duct, which could lead to hot bleed air leaking into the 
engine controls area and result in heat damage to control cables, 
electrical wiring, hydraulic components, and fuel lines, and consequent 
fire. This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the 
service information described previously, except as discussed under 
``Difference Between the AD and Service Bulletin.''

Difference Between the AD and Service Bulletin

    The service bulletin specifies to contact the manufacturer for 
instructions on how to repair certain conditions, but this AD would 
require repairing 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 AD, a repair we or the CAA-NL approve would be acceptable for 
compliance with this AD.

Clarification of Inspection Terminology

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

[[Page 69429]]

Costs of Compliance

    None of the airplanes affected by this action are on the U.S. 
Register. All airplanes affected by this AD are currently operated by 
non-U.S. operators under foreign registry; therefore, they are not 
directly affected by this AD action. However, we consider this AD 
necessary to ensure that the unsafe condition is addressed if any 
affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the 
future.
    If an affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register 
in the future, the required actions would take about 3 work hours per 
airplane, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these 
figures, the estimated cost of the AD would be $195 per airplane.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    No airplane affected by this AD is currently on the U.S. Register. 
Therefore, providing notice and opportunity for public comment is 
unnecessary before this AD is issued, and this AD may be made effective 
in less than 30 days after it is published in the Federal Register.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect 
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for 
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any relevant written 
data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an 
address listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-
22972; Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-265-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD that might 
suggest a need to modify it.
    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 AD. Using the search function of that 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 may 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.

Examining the Docket

    You may 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 Docket Management System 
receives them.

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 AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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 levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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 AD and placed it in the AD docket. 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, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 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. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2005-23-18 Fokker Services B.V.: Amendment 39-14376. Docket No. FAA-
2005-22972; Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-265-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective December 1, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all Fokker Model F27 Mark 050 airplanes, 
certificated in any category.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from heat damage in areas adjacent to the 
bleed air supply duct assembly. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
rupture of the bleed air supply duct, which could lead to hot bleed 
air leaking into the engine controls area and result in heat damage 
to control cables, electrical wiring, hydraulic components, and fuel 
lines, and consequent fire.

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.

General Visual Inspection

    (f) At the applicable compliance time specified in paragraph 
(f)(1) or (f)(2) of this AD, do a general visual inspection of the 
bleed air supply to determine if blanking plugs are present and a 
general visual inspection of the entire area of the engine nacelle 
for any heat damage, and do any corrective actions as applicable, by 
accomplishing all of the applicable actions specified in parts B and 
C of the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin 
SBF50-36-006, dated October 1, 2001; except as provided by paragraph 
(g) of this AD. Any corrective actions must be done before further 
flight.


[[Page 69430]]


    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.''
    (1) For airplanes that have accumulated 20,000 total flight 
hours or more as of the effective date of this AD: Within 6 months 
after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) For airplanes that have accumulated less than 20,000 total 
flight hours as of the effective date of this AD: Within 12 months 
after the effective date of this AD.

    (g) If, during accomplishment of the corrective actions required 
by paragraph (f) of this AD, the service bulletin requires 
contacting the manufacturer for instructions on repairing heat 
damage to a component, wiring, or structure: Before further flight, 
repair according to a method approved by either the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; 
or the Civil Aviation Authority--The Netherlands (or its delegated 
agent).

Modification

    (h) Before further flight after accomplishing the inspection 
required by paragraph (f) of this AD: Replace the blanking plugs of 
the bleed air supply ducts with clamping devices, in accordance with 
Part D of the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin 
SBF50-36-006, dated October 1, 2001.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (i)(1) 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.
    (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with 14 CFR 
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the 
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards 
Certificate Holding District Office.

Related Information

    (j) Dutch airworthiness directive 2001-130, dated October 31, 
2001, also addresses the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (k) You must use Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-36-006, dated 
October 1, 2001, to perform the actions that are required by this 
AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal 
Register approved the incorporation by reference of this document in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Fokker 
Services B.V., P.O. Box 231, 2150 AE Nieuw-Vennep, the Netherlands, 
for a copy of this service information. You may review copies at the 
Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 
Seventh Street, SW., room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; 
on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives 
and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the 
availability of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or 
go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 7, 2005.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-22589 Filed 11-15-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P