[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 126 (Friday, June 30, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 37510-37512]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-5873]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2006-25219; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-259-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F27 Mark 050 and Model 
F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 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 050 and Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 
airplanes. This proposed AD would require repetitively removing the two 
existing escape rope assemblies in the flight compartment and 
installing new escape rope assemblies. This proposed AD results from 
reports of findings of small cracks in the polyester assembly block in 
which the cotton escape rope is stored. A test revealed that the escape 
ropes had deteriorated over time, and the load capability was 
considerably reduced. We are proposing this AD to ensure that 
flightcrew members safely reach the ground after exiting the flight 
compartment window during an emergency evacuation.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 31, 2006.

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.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.

[[Page 37511]]

     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 proposed 
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 in the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ``FAA-2006-
25219; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-259-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 received 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 
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.

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 Fokker Model F27 Mark 050 and Model F.28 
Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes with escape rope assemblies in the flight 
compartment. The CAA-NL advises that some operators reported finding 
small cracks in the polyester assembly block in which the cotton escape 
rope is stored. To establish the strength of the escape rope in the 
flight compartment after subsequent repair of the assembly block, a 
tensile test was done which revealed that the ropes had deteriorated 
over time, and the load bearing capability was considerably reduced. 
Correcting this condition would ensure that the flightcrew safely reach 
the ground after exiting the flight compartment window during an 
emergency evacuation.

Relevant Service Information

    Fokker Services B.V. has issued Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-25-
059 (for Model F27 Mark 050 airplanes) and Fokker Service Bulletin 
SBF100-25-099 (for Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes), both dated 
June 28, 2004. The service bulletins describe procedures for removing 
the two existing escape rope assemblies in the flight compartment and 
installing new escape rope assemblies. The service bulletins also 
specify sending the removed escape ropes to Fokker Services B.V. 
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 2004-159, dated December 24, 2004, 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 airplanes 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 Among 
Proposed AD, Dutch Airworthiness Directive, and Service Information.''

Differences Among Proposed AD, Dutch Airworthiness Directive, and 
Service Information

    The Dutch airworthiness directive requires amending the airplane 
maintenance schedule within one year after the effective date of the 
Dutch airworthiness directive to include a new discard task for the 
escape ropes after 6 years time-in-service. However, this proposed AD 
does not mandate a change to the maintenance schedule, but would 
instead require repeating the removal of the existing escape rope 
assemblies and installation of new escape rope assemblies every 72 
months. These actions are essentially the same as the discard task 
(which would include replacement after discarding the escape ropes) 
required by the Dutch airworthiness directive.
    Although the Accomplishment Instructions of the referenced service 
bulletins describe procedures for sending the escape ropes to Fokker 
Service B.V. after removal, this proposed AD would not require those 
actions. We do not have the authority to direct operators to return 
defective components to the parts manufacturer; we can only require 
repair or replacement of defective components that are installed on the 
airplane.

Costs of Compliance

    This proposed AD would affect about 2 airplanes of U.S. registry. 
The proposed removal and installation would take about 2 work hours per 
airplane, at an average labor rate of $80 per work hour. Required parts 
would cost between $387 and $425 per airplane, depending on airplane 
configuration. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the 
proposed AD for U.S. operators is between $1,094 and $1,170, or between 
$547 and $585 per airplane, per removal and installation.

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.

[[Page 37512]]

    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 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, 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

Fokker Services B.V.: Docket No. FAA-2006-25219; Directorate 
Identifier 2005-NM-259-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by July 31, 
2006.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Fokker Model F27 Mark 050 and Model F.28 
Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes, certificated in any category; with 
escape rope assemblies in the flight compartment.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from reports of findings of small cracks in 
the polyester assembly block in which the cotton escape rope is 
stored. A test revealed that the escape ropes had deteriorated over 
time, and the load capability was considerably reduced. We are 
issuing this AD to ensure that flightcrew members safely reach the 
ground after exiting the flight compartment window during an 
emergency evacuation.

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.

Replacement

    (f) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD: Remove 
the two existing escape rope assemblies in the flight compartment 
and install new escape rope assemblies in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-25-59 
(for Model F27 Mark 050 airplanes); and Fokker Service Bulletin 
SBF100-25-099 (for Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes); both 
dated June 28, 2004. Repeat the removal and installation thereafter 
at intervals not to exceed 72 months.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (g)(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 Sec.  
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

    (h) Dutch airworthiness directive 2004-159, dated December 24, 
2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 22, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 06-5873 Filed 6-29-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P