[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 231 (Monday, December 3, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67847-67849]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-23346]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-0268; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-129-AD; 
Amendment 39-15286; AD 2007-25-04]
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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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:

    During scheduled MRB (maintenance review board) mid-life X-ray 
inspections of Fokker 50 (F27 Mark 050) engine mount frames, severe 
internal corrosion of the tubes was discovered. In some locations, 
the depth of the corrosion spots appeared to be more than 50 percent 
of material thickness. * * * This condition, if not corrected, could 
ultimately lead to failure of the engine mounting frame in cases 
where multiple tubes are severely affected. * * *

This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe 
condition described in the MCAI.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 18, 2007.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication, listed in the AD as of December 18, 
2007.
    We must receive comments on this AD by January 2, 2008.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-40, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, Docket Operations office (telephone 
(800) 647-5527) is in the

[[Page 67848]]

ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.

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 this 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.

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:

Discussion

    The Civil Aviation Authority--The Netherlands (CAA-NL), which is 
the aviation authority for the Netherlands, has issued Dutch 
airworthiness directive NL-2006-005, dated April 13, 2006 (referred to 
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    During scheduled MRB (maintenance review board) mid-life X-ray 
inspections of Fokker 50 (F27 Mark 050) engine mount frames, severe 
internal corrosion of the tubes was discovered. In some locations, 
the depth of the corrosion spots appeared to be more than 50 percent 
of material thickness. In these cases, Fokker Services advised 
repair of the affected tubes of the engine mount frames and 
supplemental inspections. The interior of the tubes and end-fittings 
of the engine mount frames have been preserved with a film of 
preservation oil. Premature degradation of this synthetic 
preservation oil is considered to be the cause of the corrosion. 
This condition, if not corrected, could ultimately lead to failure 
of the engine mounting frame in cases where multiple tubes are 
severely affected. [T]his Airworthiness Directive requires a one-
time inspection of the engine mount tubing and end fittings for 
corrosion, the reporting of the inspection results to Fokker 
Services and corrective action, as necessary. This is considered to 
be an interim action; a requirement for a mandatory repetitive 
inspection will be detailed in a future revision of the MRB 
document.
    The corrective action includes contacting the CAA-NL (or its 
designated agent) for repair instructions and doing repair or 
replacement of corroded tubes and end fittings of the engine mounting 
frame. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the 
AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Fokker Services B.V. has issued Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-71-
047 and Fokker Component Service Bulletin F8200-035-71-12, both dated 
February 15, 2006. 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 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 issuing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.
    There are no products of this type currently registered in the 
United States. However, this rule is necessary to ensure that the 
described unsafe condition is addressed if any of these products are 
placed on the U.S. Register in the future.

Differences Between the 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 FAA policies. Any such differences are 
highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    Since there are currently no domestic operators of this product, 
notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are 
unnecessary.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public 
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2007-0268; Directorate 
Identifier 2007-NM-129-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We 
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because 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 we 
receive about this AD.

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.

[[Page 67849]]

    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

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:

2007-25-04 Fokker Services B.V.: Amendment 39-15286. Docket No. FAA-
2007-0268; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-129-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 
18, 2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Fokker Model F27 Mark 050 airplanes, 
certificated in any category, all serial numbers, unless the engine 
mount frames have been inspected previously in accordance with the 
Fokker 50/60 Maintenance Review Board (MRB) Document, Task Numbers 
712000-00-09 and 712000-00-10.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 71: 
Powerplant.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continued airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    During scheduled MRB (maintenance review board) mid-life X-ray 
inspections of Fokker 50 (F27 Mark 050) engine mount frames, severe 
internal corrosion of the tubes was discovered. In some locations, 
the depth of the corrosion spots appeared to be more than 50 percent 
of material thickness. In these cases, Fokker Services advised 
repair of the affected tubes of the engine mount frames and 
supplemental inspections. The interior of the tubes and end-fittings 
of the engine mount frames have been preserved with a film of 
preservation oil. Premature degradation of this synthetic 
preservation oil is considered to be the cause of the corrosion. 
This condition, if not corrected, could ultimately lead to failure 
of the engine mounting frame in cases where multiple tubes are 
severely affected. [T]his Airworthiness Directive requires a one-
time inspection of the engine mount tubing and end fittings for 
corrosion, the reporting of the inspection results to Fokker 
Services and corrective action, as necessary. This is considered to 
be an interim action; a requirement for a mandatory repetitive 
inspection will be detailed in a future revision of the MRB 
document.

    The corrective action includes contacting the Civil Aviation 
Authority--The Netherlands (CAA-NL) (or its designated agent) for 
repair instructions and repair or replacement of corroded tubes and 
end fittings of the engine mounting frame.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, 
perform an X-ray inspection for corrosion on the engine mount tubing 
and end fittings, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-71-047, dated February 15, 2006.
    (2) For any engine mount tubing or end fitting found to be 
outside the corrosion limits specified in Fokker Service Bulletin 
SBF50-71-047, dated February 15, 2006, during the inspection 
required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, contact the CAA-NL (or its 
designated agent) for repair instructions and, before further 
flight, repair or replace the corroded tubing or fitting.
    (3) Within 30 days after the accomplishment of the inspection 
required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD or within 30 days after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, and in accordance 
with the procedure described in the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-71-047, dated February 15, 2006, 
report all inspection results to the type certificate holder, Fokker 
Services B.V., Technical Services Dept., P.O. Box 231, 2150 AE 
Nieuw-Vennep, the Netherlands.
    (4) As of 24 months after the effective date of this AD, no 
spare engine mount may be installed on any aircraft as a replacement 
part, unless it has been X-ray inspected in accordance with Section 
3 of Fokker Component Service Bulletin F8200-035-71-12, dated 
February 15, 2006, and the engine mount tubing and end fittings have 
been found to be within the corrosion limits specified in the 
service bulletin.

FAA AD Differences

    Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: The MCAI does not specify a corrective action; however, 
this AD requires contacting the CAA-NL (or its designated agent) for 
repair instructions, and repair before further flight.

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 Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) Dutch airworthiness directive NL-2006-005, dated April 13, 
2006; Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-71-047, dated February 15, 2006; 
and Fokker Component Service Bulletin F8200-035-71-12, dated 
February 15, 2006; for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-71-047, dated 
February 15, 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 November 23, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-23346 Filed 11-30-07; 8:45 am]
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