[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 109 (Tuesday, June 9, 2009)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 27260-27262]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-13350]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-0515; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-071-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

    Following a red illuminated ``DOOR NOT LOCKED'' status light 
indication on the door lock indication panel after lift off, the 
cabin crew operated the door lock handle. This resulted in 
inadvertent opening of the downward opening passenger door in 
flight. * * *
    After inspection, it was found that the false red light might be 
the result of an incorrect clearance between lever Part Number (P/N) 
A26997-003 and the Up-Limit Switch. If the Up-Limit Switch has an 
incorrect clearance, the combination with cabin differential 
pressure build-up after lift-off might result in a false steady 
illuminating red ``DOOR NOT LOCKED'' indication on the Door 
Indication Panel. * * *

* * * * *
    The unsafe condition is inadvertent opening of the door lock handle 
in flight, which could result in rapid decompression of the airplane or 
ejection of a passenger or crewmember through the door. 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 July 9, 2009.

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.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Fokker Services B.V., Technical Services Dept., P.O. Box 231, 2150 AE 
Nieuw-Vennep, the Netherlands; telephone +31 (0)252-627-350; fax +31 
(0)252-627-211; e-mail [email protected]; 
Internet http://www.myfokkerfleet.com You may review copies of the 
referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221 or 
425-227-1152.

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, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
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-2009-0515; 
Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-071-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 European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agency for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2008-0020, dated January 28, 2008 (referred to 
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    Following a red illuminated ``DOOR NOT LOCKED'' status light 
indication on the door lock indication panel after lift off, the 
cabin crew operated the door lock handle. This resulted in 
inadvertent opening of the downward opening passenger door in 
flight. It appeared that the cabin crew was unaware of the content 
of Fokker 70/100 Service Letter (SL) 272. This SL informs not to 
operate the door lock handle after the aircraft has started to move 
or before it has come to a complete standstill.
    After inspection, it was found that the false red light might be 
the result of an incorrect clearance between lever Part Number (P/N) 
A26997-003 and the Up-Limit Switch. If the Up-Limit Switch has an 
incorrect clearance, the combination with cabin differential 
pressure build-up after lift-off might result in a false steady 
illuminating red ``DOOR NOT LOCKED'' indication on the Door 
Indication Panel. The original Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-52-044 
and the associated Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) task mentioned 
a clearance of 1,3 mm  0,3 mm. Later, based on a trial, 
an improved clearance of 0,3 mm  0,2 mm was introduced. 
Both documents have been revised for that reason. Later production 
serial number aircraft with

[[Page 27261]]

downward opening passenger doors had the correct clearance 
introduced before delivery, but no action was taken to inspect and 
adjust the clearance on previously delivered or modified (per 
SBF100-52-044) serial numbers.
    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other aircraft of the same type design, this 
[EASA] Airworthiness Directive (AD) requires two actions:

--The installation of a warning placard near the status lights of 
the door lock indication panel, instructing the cabin crew not to 
operate the door handle during flight and to inform the flight crew 
of the ``DOOR NOT LOCKED'' indication; and
--A one-time inspection of the clearance between lever P/N A26997-
003 and the Up-Limit Switch. If this clearance deviates from the 
limits given in AMM task 52-71-01-400-814-A, which is 0,3 mm  0,2 mm (0.0118 inch  0.0079 inch), corrective 
actions are required.

    The unsafe condition is inadvertent opening of the door lock handle 
in flight, which could result in rapid decompression of the airplane or 
ejection of a passenger or crewmember through the door. The corrective 
action for improper clearance is adjusting the clearance between the 
lever and the up-limit switch. 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 SBF100-11-
025, Revision 1, dated December 13, 2007; and Fokker Service Bulletin 
SBF100-52-086, dated November 1, 2007. 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 10 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. Required parts would cost about $20 per product. Where the 
service information lists required parts costs that are covered under 
warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these costs. 
As we do not control warranty coverage for affected parties, some 
parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based on these 
figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to 
be $3,400, or $340 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, Incorporation by 
reference, 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-2009-0515; Directorate 
Identifier 2008-NM-071-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by July 9, 2009.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Fokker Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 
series airplanes, certificated in any category, equipped with a 
downward-opening ``airstair'' type passenger door.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Codes 11 and 52: 
Placards and Markings, and Doors, respectively.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    Following a red illuminated ``DOOR NOT LOCKED'' status light 
indication on the door lock indication panel after lift off, the 
cabin crew operated the door lock handle. This resulted in 
inadvertent opening of the downward opening passenger door in 
flight. It appeared that the cabin crew was unaware

[[Page 27262]]

of the content of Fokker 70/100 Service Letter (SL) 272. This SL 
informs not to operate the door lock handle after the aircraft has 
started to move or before it has come to a complete standstill.
    After inspection, it was found that the false red light might be 
the result of an incorrect clearance between lever Part Number (P/N) 
A26997-003 and the Up-Limit Switch. If the Up-Limit Switch has an 
incorrect clearance, the combination with cabin differential 
pressure build-up after lift-off might result in a false steady 
illuminating red ``DOOR NOT LOCKED'' indication on the Door 
Indication Panel. The original Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-52-044 
and the associated Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) task mentioned 
a clearance of 1,3 mm  0,3 mm. Later, based on a trial, 
an improved clearance of 0,3 mm  0,2 mm was introduced. 
Both documents have been revised for that reason. Later production 
serial number aircraft with downward opening passenger doors had the 
correct clearance introduced before delivery, but no action was 
taken to inspect and adjust the clearance on previously delivered or 
modified (per SBF100-52-044) serial numbers.
    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other aircraft of the same type design, this 
[EASA] Airworthiness Directive (AD) requires two actions:

--The installation of a warning placard near the status lights of 
the door lock indication panel, instructing the cabin crew not to 
operate the door handle during flight and to inform the flight crew 
of the ``DOOR NOT LOCKED'' indication; and
--A one-time inspection of the clearance between lever P/N A26997-
003 and the Up-Limit Switch. If this clearance deviates from the 
limits given in AMM task 52-71-01-400-814-A, which is 0,3 mm  0,2 mm (0.0118 inch  0.0079 inch), corrective 
actions are required.

    The unsafe condition is inadvertent opening of the door lock 
handle in flight, which could result in rapid decompression of the 
airplane or ejection of a passenger or crewmember through the door. 
The corrective action for improper clearance is adjusting the 
clearance between the lever and the up-limit switch.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions:
    (1) Within 500 flight cycles or 4 months after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs first, install a new warning 
placard near the status lights of the panel of the door lock 
indication, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-11-025, Revision 1, dated December 
13, 2007.
    (2) Within 4,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this 
AD, do a one-time inspection of the clearance between lever P/N 
A26997-003 and the up-limit switch, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-52-
086, dated November 1, 2007.
    (3) If any clearance is found outside the range defined in the 
service bulletin during the inspection required by paragraph (f)(2) 
of this AD, before further flight, correct the clearance in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service 
Bulletin SBF100-52-086, dated November 1, 2007.
    (4) If done before the effective date of this AD, installing the 
warning placard near the status lights of the panel of the door lock 
indication, in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-11-
025, dated November 1, 2007, is acceptable for compliance with the 
requirements of paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.
    (5) Modifying the airplane in accordance with Fokker Service 
Bulletin SBF 100-52-044, Revision 1, dated November 1, 2007, 
terminates the requirements of paragraph (f)(2) of this AD.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows:

Note 1 of the ``Compliance'' section of European Aviation Safety 
Agency Airworthiness Directive 2008-0020, dated January 28, 2008, 
states that any airplane that has not yet been modified in 
accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF 100-52-069, dated 
December 3, 2001, must be done prior to or concurrently with 
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD. However, all U.S. airplanes have met 
this requirement with issuance of AD 2006-03-07, amendment 39-14471; 
therefore, modification in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin 
SBF 100-52-069, dated December 3, 2001, is not applicable.

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 principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or 
principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a 
principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office.
    (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 EASA Airworthiness Directive 2008-0020, dated 
January 28, 2008, and Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-11-025, 
Revision 1, dated December 13, 2007; and Fokker Service Bulletin 
SBF100-52-086, dated November 1, 2007; for related information.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 1, 2009.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E9-13350 Filed 6-8-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P