[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 72 (Monday, April 14, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19973-19974]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-7178]



[[Page 19973]]

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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; 
Amendment 39-15457; AD 2008-08-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F.27 Mark 050 and F.28 
Mark 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:

    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. * * *

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

DATES: This AD becomes effective May 19, 2008.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of May 19, 2008.

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.

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 January 10, 2008 (73 
FR 1848). That NPRM proposed 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 
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 J1 and 
J2 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.

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.

Correction to Quoted Material in the NPRM

    We have corrected two instances where we miscopied the references 
to the PSU panels in the quoted material as I1 and I2, which should 
have been J1 and J2.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD with the changes described 
previously. We determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.

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 9 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it will take about 4 work-hours 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 $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 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;

[[Page 19974]]

    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]

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

2008-08-05 Fokker Services B.V: Amendment 39-15457. Docket No. FAA-
2007-0394; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-252-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective May 19, 
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 F.27 Mark 050 airplanes, equipped with 
Honeywell International (Grimes Aerospace) Passenger Service Units 
(PSUs), part number 10-1178-XX series.
    (2) Fokker Model F.28 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 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 J1 and J2 
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, 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 MCAI 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.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-25-061, dated 
March 31, 2006; or Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-25-108, dated 
March 31, 2006; as applicable; 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 March 31, 2008.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-7178 Filed 4-11-08; 8:45 am]
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