[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 214 (Tuesday, November 6, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 62562-62564]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-21673]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-29064; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-128-AD; 
Amendment 39-15249; AD 2007-23-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This 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:

    One Fokker 100 (F28 Mark 0100) operator reported that during 
maintenance in the APU (auxiliary power unit) compartment, a 
disconnected nut was discovered on one of the shuttle valves in the 
deployment lines of the engine fire-extinguishing system. An 
additional check by the operator revealed that on more aircraft in 
its fleet, the nuts of the shuttle valves were incorrectly 
tightened. This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure 
or deteriorated functioning of the engine fire-extinguishing system 
in case of an engine fire.

We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 11, 2007.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 11, 
2007.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.

[[Page 62563]]


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:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on August 31, 2007 (72 
FR 50274). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    One Fokker 100 (F28 Mark 0100) operator reported that during 
maintenance in the APU (auxiliary power unit) compartment, a 
disconnected nut was discovered on one of the shuttle valves in the 
deployment lines of the engine fire-extinguishing system. An 
additional check by the operator revealed that on more aircraft in 
its fleet, the nuts of the shuttle valves were incorrectly 
tightened. This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure 
or deteriorated functioning of the engine fire-extinguishing system 
in case of an engine fire. Since a potentially unsafe condition has 
been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other aircraft 
of this type design, this Airworthiness Directive requires a one-
time inspection of the nuts and shuttle valves in the deployment 
lines of the engine fire-extinguishing system in the APU compartment 
and corrective actions, as necessary.

The one-time inspection is intended to find discrepancies, including 
incorrectly installed or tightened nuts, and signs of leakage, damage, 
or corrosion. Corrective actions include tightening or replacing 
discrepant nuts or shuttle valves, as applicable. You may obtain 
further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

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 required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences 
are highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect about 13 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it will take about 1 work-hour per 
product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average 
labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate 
the cost of this AD to the U.S. operators to be $1,040, or $80 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 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 this AD:
    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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.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 the NPRM, 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.

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 FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2007-23-03 Fokker Services B.V.: Amendment 39-15249. Docket No. FAA-
2007-29064; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-128-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 
11, 2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Fokker Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 
airplanes, all serial numbers; certificated in any category.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 26: Fire 
protection.

Reason

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

    One Fokker 100 (F28 Mark 0100) operator reported that during 
maintenance in the APU (auxiliary power unit) compartment, a 
disconnected nut was discovered on one of the shuttle valves in the 
deployment lines of the engine fire-extinguishing system. An

[[Page 62564]]

additional check by the operator revealed that on more aircraft in 
its fleet, the nuts of the shuttle valves were incorrectly 
tightened. This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure 
or deteriorated functioning of the engine fire-extinguishing system 
in case of an engine fire. Since a potentially unsafe condition has 
been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other aircraft 
of this type design, this Airworthiness Directive requires a one-
time inspection of the nuts and shuttle valves in the deployment 
lines of the engine fire-extinguishing system in the APU compartment 
and corrective actions, as necessary.

The one-time inspection is intended to find discrepancies, including 
incorrectly installed or tightened nuts, and signs of leakage, 
damage or corrosion. Corrective actions include tightening or 
replacing discrepant nuts or shuttle valves, as applicable.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect 
the nuts on the affected shuttle valves in accordance with Section 
3., ``Accomplishment Instructions,'' of Fokker Service Bulletin 
SBF100-26-019, dated January 6, 2006.
    (2) When discrepancies are found during the inspection as 
required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before next flight, tighten 
or replace the affected nuts, or replace the shuttle valves; as 
applicable; in accordance with Section 3., ``Accomplishment 
Instructions,'' of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-26-019, dated 
January 6, 2006.

    Note 1: Fokker 70/100 Aircraft Maintenance Manual Task 26-21-03-
400-814-A also pertains to this subject.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 2: 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, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
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-2006-002, 
dated January 24, 2006, and Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-26-019, 
dated January 6, 2006, for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-26-019, dated 
January 6, 2006, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the 
AD specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Fokker Services B.V., Technical Services Dept., P.O. Box 231, 2150 
AE Nieuw-Vennep, the Netherlands.
    (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington; or at the 
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information 
on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, 
or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 27, 2007.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Assistant Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7-21673 Filed 11-5-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P