[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 31 (Tuesday, February 15, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8618-8620]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-2823]


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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; 
Amendment 39-16601; AD 2011-04-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

    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.

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

DATES: This AD becomes effective March 22, 2011.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 22, 
2011.

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, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
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 October 21, 2010 (75 
FR 64963). That NPRM proposed 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.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We considered the comment received.

Request To Update Reference to MCAI

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) requested that we update 
the NPRM to refer to EASA AD 2009-0221R1, dated June 30, 2010. This 
EASA AD corrects a typographical error, which was the source of a 
difference between the FAA NPRM and the EASA AD.
    We agree with the EASA's request to update this final rule to refer 
to the latest EASA AD. We have also revised Note 1 of the final rule to 
state that there are no differences between the EASA AD and the FAA AD.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data, including the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the

[[Page 8619]]

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 6 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 3 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of 
this AD to the 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 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;
    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

    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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2011-04-01 Fokker Services, B.V.: Amendment 39-16601. Docket No. 
FAA-2010-1038; Directorate Identifier 20009-NM-250-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March 
22, 2011.

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:

    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.

[[Page 8620]]

FAA AD Differences

    Note 1:  This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service 
information as follows: No differences.

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, notify 
your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal 
inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district 
office/certificate holding 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: A federal agency may not conduct or 
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a 
person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a 
collection of information subject to the requirements of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information 
displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number 
for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for 
this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5 
minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, 
completing and reviewing the collection of information. All 
responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments 
concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing 
the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave., 
SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance 
Officer, AES-200.

Related Information

    (k) For related information, refer to MCAI European Aviation 
Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2009-0221R1, dated June 30, 
2010; and Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-158, dated October 2, 
2009.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (l) You must use Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-158, dated 
October 2, 2009, 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; telephone +31 (0)252-627-350; fax 
+31 (0)252-627-211; e-mail 
[email protected]; Internet http://www.myfokkerfleet.com.
    (3) You may review copies of the 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.
    (4) You may also review copies of the service information that 
is incorporated by reference 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 31, 2011.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-2823 Filed 2-14-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P