[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:

    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

[[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