[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 203 (Thursday, October 21, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 64963-64965]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-26561]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-1038; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-250-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 
0070 and 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:

    During a normal walkaround check on a F28 Mark 0100 aeroplane, a 
large crack was discovered in the lower portion of the right (RH) 
MLG [main landing gear] piston. The affected MLG unit had 
accumulated 7909 flight cycles (FC) at the time of detection. * * *
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to MLG 
failure, possibly resulting in loss of control of the aeroplane 
during the landing roll-out.

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 December 6, 
2010.

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 W12-140, 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.

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-2010-1038; 
Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-250-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,

[[Page 64964]]

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 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2009-0221, dated October 14, 2009 (referred to 
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    During a normal walkaround check on a F28 Mark 0100 aeroplane, a 
large crack was discovered in the lower portion of the right (RH) 
MLG [main landing gear] piston. The affected MLG unit had 
accumulated 7909 flight cycles (FC) at the time of detection. The 
piston has been sent to Goodrich, the landing gear manufacturer, for 
detailed investigation.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to MLG 
failure, possibly resulting in loss of control of the aeroplane 
during the landing roll-out.
    For the reasons described above, this AD requires a one-time 
detailed visual inspection of the MLG pistons, the replacement of 
any MLG pistons on which cracks are detected, and the reporting of 
all findings to the aeroplane TC [type certificate] holder. The 
inspection results, in combination with the findings of the crack/
metallurgical investigation of the cracked piston by Goodrich, will 
be used to determine the necessity of additional and/or more 
detailed inspections, or any other corrective action. This AD is 
considered an interim measure, and further action is likely to 
follow.

You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Fokker Services B.V. has issued Service Bulletin SBF100-32-158, 
dated October 2, 2009. 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 6 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 3 work-hours per product to comply with the basic 
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per 
work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed 
AD on U.S. operators to be $1,530, or $255 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-2010-1038; Directorate 
Identifier 2009-NM-250-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by December 6, 2010.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 0070 
and 0100 airplanes, certificated in any category, equipped with 
Goodrich (formerly Menasco, Colt Industries) main landing gear (MLG) 
units having part number (P/N) 41050-7, 41050-8, 41050-9, 41050-10, 
41050-11, 41050-12, 41050-13, 41050-14, 41050-15, 41050-16, 41060-1, 
41060-2, 41060-3, 41060-4, 41060-5, or 41060-6.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32: Landing 
gear.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:


[[Page 64965]]


    During a normal walkaround check on a F28 Mark 0100 aeroplane, a 
large crack was discovered in the lower portion of the right (RH) 
MLG piston. The affected MLG unit had accumulated 7909 flight cycles 
(FC) at the time of detection. The piston has been sent to Goodrich, 
the landing gear manufacturer, for detailed investigation.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to MLG 
failure, possibly resulting in loss of control of the aeroplane 
during the landing roll-out.
    For the reasons described above, this AD requires a one-time 
detailed visual inspection of the MLG pistons, the replacement of 
any MLG pistons on which cracks are detected, and the reporting of 
all findings to the aeroplane TC [type certificate] holder. The 
inspection results, in combination with the findings of the crack/
metallurgical investigation of the cracked piston by Goodrich, will 
be used to determine the necessity of additional and/or more 
detailed inspections, or any other corrective action. This AD is 
considered an interim measure, and further action is likely to 
follow.

Compliance

    (f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Inspection

    (g) Within 30 days after the effective day of this AD, do a 
detailed visual inspection for cracks of the MLG pistons, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service 
Bulletin SBF100-32-158, dated October 2, 2009.
    (h) If any cracked MLG piston is found during the inspection 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight replace 
the affected piston with a serviceable part, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-
158, dated October 2, 2009.
    (i) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (i)(1) or 
(i)(2) of this AD, report the inspection results (including no 
findings) to Fokker Services B.V. by using the Questionnaire 
provided in Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-158, dated October 2, 
2009.
    (1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
    (2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this 
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of 
this AD.

FAA AD Differences

    Note:  This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: The applicability of the MCAI includes MLG part number 
(P/N) 41050-6, which is not an affected part. P/N 41060-6, however, 
is an affected part, and is included in the applicability of this 
AD.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (j) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, 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. The AMOC approval letter must 
specifically reference this AD.
    (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 (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has 
approved the information collection requirements and has assigned 
OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

Related Information

    (k) For related information, refer to MCAI European Aviation 
Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2009-0221, dated October 14, 
2009; and Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-158, dated October 2, 
2009.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 13, 2010.
John Piccola,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-26561 Filed 10-20-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P