Federal Register, Volume 73 Issue 7 (Thursday, January 10, 2008)

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 7 (Thursday, January 10, 2008)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 1848-1850]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-252]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-0394; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-252-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F27 Mark 050 and Model
F.28 Mark 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:

Recently, a Fokker 100 (F28 Mark 0100) operator noted that the
electrical connectors of the PSUs (Passenger Service Units) did not
lock properly during installation in the aircraft. The PSU panels
installed in Fokker 50 (F27 Mark 050 and Mark 0502) aircraft are
similar to those installed in the Fokker 100. Investigation revealed
that the lack of locking is caused by the tolerance in thickness of
the gaskets (seals) inside the PSU connectors. This condition, if
not corrected, may cause the connector to overheat, leading to
electrical arcing and subsequent failure of the PSU Panels. In such
instances, smoke is likely to be emitted. * * *

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 February 11,
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, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.

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 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-2007-0394;
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-252-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://www.regulations.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-2006-008, dated July 14, 2006 (referred to
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:

[[Page 1849]]

similar to those installed in the Fokker 100. Investigation revealed
that the lack of locking is caused by the tolerance in thickness of
the gaskets (seals) inside the PSU connectors. This condition, if
not corrected, may cause the connector to overheat, leading to
electrical arcing and subsequent failure of the PSU Panels. In such
instances, smoke is likely to be emitted. To remedy and prevent
these problems, the PSU manufacturer Honeywell International
Aerospace Electronic Systems (formerly known as Grimes Aerospace
Company), has narrowed the tolerances of these gaskets. Since an
unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or
develop on aircraft of these type designs, this Airworthiness
Directive requires inspection [to verify if the J1/P1 and J2/P2
interface connectors can be properly locked and gaskets are present]
and, where necessary, replacement of the affected PSU Panel 11 and
12 Interface Connector gaskets.

Corrective actions include installing a gasket, verifying that the J1
and J2 receptacle locking tabs are not deformed, replacing the
receptacle, and installing a new PSU panel. You may obtain further
information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

Fokker Services B.V has issued Fokker Service Bulletins SBF50-25-
061 and SBF100-25-108, both dated March 31, 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 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 9 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. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed
AD on U.S. operators to be $2,880, or $320 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-2007-0394; Directorate
Identifier 2007-NM-252-AD.

Comments Due Date

(a) We must receive comments by February 11, 2008.

Affected ADs

(b) None.

Applicability

(c) This AD applies to the Fokker airplanes identified in
paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any
category.
(1) Fokker Model F27 Mark 050 airplanes, equipped with Honeywell
International (Grimes Aerospace) Passenger Service Units (PSUs),
part number 10-1178-XX series.
(2) Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 airplanes, equipped with
Honeywell International (Grimes Aerospace) PSUs, part number 10-
1178-XX series or 10-1571-XX series, unless modified in accordance
with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-25-070.

Subject

(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25:
Equipment/Furnishings.

Reason

(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
Recently, a Fokker 100 (F28 Mark 0100) operator noted that the
electrical connectors of the PSUs (Passenger Service Units) did not
lock properly during installation in the aircraft. The PSU panels
installed in Fokker 50 (F27 Mark 050 and Mark 0502) aircraft are
similar to those installed in the Fokker 100. Investigation revealed
that the lack of locking is caused by the tolerance in thickness of
the gaskets (seals) inside the PSU connectors. This condition, if
not corrected, may cause the connector to overheat, leading to
electrical arcing and subsequent failure of the PSU Panels. In such
instances, smoke is likely to be emitted. To remedy and prevent
these problems, the PSU manufacturer Honeywell International
Aerospace Electronic Systems (formerly known as Grimes Aerospace
Company), has narrowed

[[Page 1850]]

the tolerances of these gaskets. Since an unsafe condition has been
identified that is likely to exist or develop on aircraft of these
type designs, this Airworthiness Directive requires inspection [to
verify if the J1/P1 and J2/P2 interface connectors can be properly
locked and gaskets are present] and, when necessary, replacement of
the affected PSU Panel 11 and 12 Interface Connector gaskets.

Corrective actions include installing a gasket, verifying that the
J1 and J2 receptacle locking tabs are not deformed, replacing the
receptacle, and installing a new PSU panel.

Actions and Compliance

(f) Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD unless
already done, do the following actions.
(1) Inspect the affected Honeywell International (Grimes
Aerospace) PSU Panel Interface Connectors for proper locking of the
connectors and to verify that gaskets are installed, in accordance
with Part 3. Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin
SBF50-25-061 or SBF100-25-108, both dated March 31, 2006, as
applicable.
(2) When discrepancies are found, before next flight, do all
applicable corrective actions as detailed in Part 3. Accomplishment
Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-25-061 or SBF100-25-
108, both dated March 31, 2006, as applicable.

FAA AD Differences

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

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, 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 CAA-NL, Dutch Airworthiness Directive NL-2006-
008, dated July 14, 2006, and Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-25-061
or SBF100-25-108, both dated March 31, 2006, for related
information.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 21, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-252 Filed 1-9-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P