[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 158 (Thursday, August 16, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 45956-45958]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-16123]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-28923; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-133-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F28 Mark 0070 and 0100 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation 
authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe 
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe 
condition as:

    Over the years, several Fokker 100 (F28 Mark 0100) operators 
reported that a MLG (main landing gear) wheel fell off during 
regular operation of the aircraft. These incidents occurred due to a 
missing spacer, which had inadvertently not been installed during a 
previous wheel change. Omitting the installation of the wheel spacer 
allows the wheel to move sideways along the axle, which subsequently 
leads to bearing failure, followed by loss of the wheel. * * * This 
condition, if not corrected, * * * could conceivably result in loss 
of control of the aircraft during the take-off run, landing rollout 
or taxiing operations. * * *

    The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address 
the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 17, 
2007.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     DOT Docket Web Site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the 
West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD 
docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any 
comments received, and other information. The street address for the 
Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES 
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-1137; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2007-
28923; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-133-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD based on 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 we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The Civil Aviation Authority--The Netherlands (CAA-NL), which is 
the aviation authority for the Netherlands, has issued Dutch 
Airworthiness Directive NL-2005-008, dated June 30, 2005 (referred to 
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:


[[Page 45957]]


    Over the years, several Fokker 100 (F28 Mark 0100) operators 
reported that a MLG (main landing gear) wheel fell off during 
regular operation of the aircraft. These incidents occurred due to a 
missing spacer, which had inadvertently not been installed during a 
previous wheel change. Omitting the installation of the wheel spacer 
allows the wheel to move sideways along the axle, which subsequently 
leads to bearing failure, followed by loss of the wheel. 
Investigation by Fokker and Messier-Dowty has shown that two 
separate items, the spacer and the axle nut, can be replaced by a 
single axle-nut/spacer assembly, to prevent the possibility of 
omitting the spacer. In 1995, Messier-Dowty issued Service Bulletin 
(SB) F100-32-72 to make sure that the operator does not assemble the 
axle nut without the spacer. Fokker subsequently issued SB F100-32-
096 to notify Fokker 100 operators of the (optional) Messier-Dowty 
SB's existence. At a later stage, Fokker revised the SB to the 
status of ``recommended''. In spite of all this attention to the 
spacer problem, wheel losses are still being reported due to missing 
wheel nut spacers. This condition, if not corrected, may lead to 
further wheel loss incidents, each of which could conceivably result 
in loss of control of the aircraft during the take-off run, landing 
rollout or taxiing operations. Since a potentially unsafe condition 
has been identified that may exist or develop on aircraft of the 
same type design, this Airworthiness Directive requires the 
replacement of the axle-nut and spacer with an integrated axle-nut/
spacer assembly. In addition, the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) 
and Illustrated Parts Catalogue (IPC) must be amended to prevent 
reversal to a separate axle-nut and spacer installation during a 
subsequent wheel change.

    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Messier-Dowty has issued Service Bulletin F100-32-72, Revision 1, 
dated March 5, 2007. The actions described in this service information 
are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have proposed different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are 
highlighted in a NOTE within the proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
would affect about 13 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 4 work-hours per product to comply with the basic 
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per 
work-hour. Required parts would cost about $3,750 per product. Where 
the service information lists required parts costs that are covered 
under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these 
costs. As we do not control warranty coverage for affected parties, 
some parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based on these 
figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to 
be $52,910, or $4,070 per product.

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 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 this 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.

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 AD:

Fokker Services B.V.: Docket No. FAA-2007-28923; Directorate 
Identifier 2007-NM-133-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by September 17, 2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Fokker Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 
airplanes; certificated in any category; all serial numbers, if 
equipped with Messier-Dowty main landing gear (MLG) units.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32: Landing 
gear.

[[Page 45958]]

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:

    Over the years, several Fokker 100 (F28 Mark 0100) operators 
reported that a MLG (main landing gear) wheel fell off during 
regular operation of the aircraft. These incidents occurred due to a 
missing spacer, which had inadvertently not been installed during a 
previous wheel change. Omitting the installation of the wheel spacer 
allows the wheel to move sideways along the axle, which subsequently 
leads to bearing failure, followed by loss of the wheel. 
Investigation by Fokker and Messier-Dowty has shown that two 
separate items, the spacer and the axle nut, can be replaced by a 
single axle-nut/spacer assembly, to prevent the possibility of 
omitting the spacer. In 1995, Messier-Dowty issued Service Bulletin 
(SB) F100-32-72 to make sure that the operator does not assemble the 
axle nut without the spacer. Fokker subsequently issued SB F100-32-
096 to notify Fokker 100 operators of the (optional) Messier-Dowty 
SB's existence. At a later stage, Fokker revised the SB to the 
status of ``recommended''. In spite of all this attention to the 
spacer problem, wheel losses are still being reported due to missing 
wheel nut spacers. This condition, if not corrected, may lead to 
further wheel loss incidents, each of which could conceivably result 
in loss of control of the aircraft during the take-off run, landing 
rollout or taxiing operations. Since a potentially unsafe condition 
has been identified that may exist or develop on aircraft of the 
same type design, this Airworthiness Directive requires the 
replacement of the axle-nut and spacer with an integrated axle-nut/
spacer assembly. In addition, the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) 
and Illustrated Parts Catalogue (IPC) must be amended to prevent 
reversal to a separate axle-nut and spacer installation during a 
subsequent wheel change.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, 
replace each MLG wheel axle-nut and spacer with an integrated axle-
nut/spacer assembly in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin F100-32-72, Revision 
1, dated March 5, 2007.

    Note 1: Fokker 70/100 Service Letter 102, Revision 1, dated 
February 12, 1998; and Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-096, 
Revision 2, dated April 29, 2005, also pertain to this subject.

    (2) As of 12 months after the effective date of this AD, no 
person may install an axle nut having part number (P/N) 201072670 or 
alternate P/N 201072765, or any spacer having P/N 201072699, on any 
airplane. Only axle nut subassemblies having P/N 201251273 or P/N 
201650216 may be installed.
    (3) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin F100-32-72, dated 
January 25, 1995, are considered acceptable for compliance with the 
corresponding action specified in this AD.

FAA AD Differences

    Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows:
    (1) The MCAI requires revising the AMM and IPC. As these 
documents are not FAA-approved, we do not require these revisions. 
Therefore, this AD requires compliance with paragraph (f)(2) of this 
AD, which accomplishes the intent of revising the AMM and IPC.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using 
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Tom 
Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1137; fax (425) 227-1149. 
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC 
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA 
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local 
FSDO.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information 
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to MCAI Dutch Airworthiness Directive NL-2005-008, 
dated June 30, 2005, Fokker 70/100 Service Letter 102, Revision 1, 
dated February 12, 1998, and Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin F100-32-
72, Revision 1, dated March 5, 2007, for related information.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 30, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E7-16123 Filed 8-15-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P