[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 182 (Thursday, September 20, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 53709-53711]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-18553]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-29256; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-137-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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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:

    Two events have been reported of Fokker 100 (F.28 Mk.0100) 
aircraft, where the Nose Landing Gear (NLG) failed to extend in the

[[Page 53710]]

normal mode and problems were experienced to open the NLG doors, 
almost preventing extension of the NLG in the emergency (alternate) 
mode. Subsequent investigation and tests have shown that the 
friction of the bearing in the roller of the NLG Door Uplock Bracket 
Assembly is high, causing increased resistance in the mechanical 
system that unlocks the NLG doors. This condition, if not corrected, 
may result in a NLG up landing, which is considered a hazardous 
event.

    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 October 22, 
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, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
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-
29256; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-137-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-2006-004, dated February 28, 2006 (referred 
to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    Two events have been reported of Fokker 100 (F.28 Mk.0100) 
aircraft, where the Nose Landing Gear (NLG) failed to extend in the 
normal mode and problems were experienced to open the NLG doors, 
almost preventing extension of the NLG in the emergency (alternate) 
mode. Subsequent investigation and tests have shown that the 
friction of the bearing in the roller of the NLG Door Uplock Bracket 
Assembly is high, causing increased resistance in the mechanical 
system that unlocks the NLG doors. This condition, if not corrected, 
may result in a NLG up landing, which is considered a hazardous 
event. 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 introduction of an improved 
roller in the NLG Door Uplock Bracket Assembly.

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

Relevant Service Information

    Fokker Services B.V. has issued Service Bulletin SBF100-32-143, 
dated February 15, 2006, and Component Service Bulletin D76501-32-17, 
dated February 15, 2006. The actions described in this service 
information (replacing the roller in the uplock bracket) 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 5 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 $135 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 $6,955, or $535 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

[[Page 53711]]

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-2007-29256; Directorate 
Identifier 2007-NM-137-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by October 22, 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.

Subject

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

Reason

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

    Two events have been reported of Fokker 100 (F.28 Mk.0100) 
aircraft, where the Nose Landing Gear (NLG) failed to extend in the 
normal mode and problems were experienced to open the NLG doors, 
almost preventing extension of the NLG in the emergency (alternate) 
mode. Subsequent investigation and tests have shown that the 
friction of the bearing in the roller of the NLG Door Uplock Bracket 
Assembly is high, causing increased resistance in the mechanical 
system that unlocks the NLG doors. This condition, if not corrected, 
may result in a NLG up landing, which is considered a hazardous 
event. 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 introduction of an improved 
roller in the NLG Door Uplock Bracket Assembly.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) Within 4,000 flight hours after the effective date of this 
AD, modify the NLG Door Uplock Bracket Assembly, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-
32-143, dated February 15, 2006.
    (2) As of 18 months after the effective date of this AD, no 
spare NLG Door Uplock Bracket Assembly may be installed as a 
replacement part unless it has been modified in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Component Service Bulletin 
D76501-32-17, dated February 15, 2006.

FAA AD Differences

    Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: No difference.

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, 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, 
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-2006-004, 
dated February 28, 2006, Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-143, 
dated February 15, 2006, and Fokker Component Service Bulletin 
D76501-32-17, dated February 15, 2006, for related information.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 12, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-18553 Filed 9-19-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P