[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 196 (Tuesday, October 11, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 62658-62661]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-26108]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-1067; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-034-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. Model F.27 Mark 
050 and 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:

    As required by current certification standards, each transport 
aeroplane has passenger compartment exit signs and emergency 
lighting strips installed to locate the emergency exits. A number of 
these strips

[[Page 62659]]

and signs are not electrically powered, but are self illuminated by 
means of a hydrogen isotope, known as Tritium. As this isotope 
decays over time, these signs will [lose] their brightness.
    To remain compliant with regulations, Tritium exit signs and 
lighting strips should be replaced when their brightness has 
deteriorated below accepted levels. Currently, the Maintenance 
Review Board (MRB) Maintenance Planning Document does not include an 
inspection task for signs and strips containing Tritium.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in 
insufficiently bright exit signs and lighting strips, preventing 
safe evacuation during an emergency, possibly resulting in injury to 
occupants.
* * * * *
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 November 25, 
2011.

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-2011-1067; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-034-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 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2010-0261, dated December 9, 2010 (referred to 
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    As required by current certification standards, each transport 
aeroplane has passenger compartment exit signs and emergency 
lighting strips installed to locate the emergency exits. A number of 
these strips and signs are not electrically powered, but are self 
illuminated by means of a hydrogen isotope, known as Tritium. As 
this isotope decays over time, these signs will [lose] their 
brightness.
    To remain compliant with regulations, Tritium exit signs and 
lighting strips should be replaced when their brightness has 
deteriorated below accepted levels. Currently, the Maintenance 
Review Board (MRB) Maintenance Planning Document does not include an 
inspection task for signs and strips containing Tritium.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in 
insufficiently bright exit signs and lighting strips, preventing 
safe evacuation during an emergency, possibly resulting in injury to 
occupants.
    To correct this unsafe condition, EASA issued AD 2010-0200, 
which required [a detailed visual] inspection of the brightness of 
all Tritium exit signs and strips and, depending on findings, 
replacement of insufficiently bright signs and lighting strips.
    Following the issuance of [EASA] AD 2010-0200, Fokker Services 
discovered that one Service Bulletin (SB), SBF100-33-023, contained 
errors in the two groups of aeroplane serial numbers and, 
consequently, in the related instructions for those aeroplanes in 
that SB.
    For the reasons described above, this new [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2010-0200, which is superseded, amends the 
Applicability and refers to Revision 1 of SBF100-33-023 for the 
accomplishment instructions.

    Note: The MRB document will be updated before July 2011 to 
include an appropriate maintenance task to ensure that the Tritium 
exit signs and lighting strips meet the minimum brightness 
requirements.

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

Relevant Service Information

    Fokker Services B.V. has issued Service Bulletins SBF50-33-038, 
dated July 5, 2010; and SBF100-33-023, Revision 1, dated November 4, 
2010. 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.

[[Page 62660]]

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
would affect about 4 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 1 work-hour 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 $340, or $85 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 2 work-hours and require parts costing $833, for a cost of 
$1,003 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
products that may need these actions.

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-2011-1067; Directorate 
Identifier 2011-NM-034-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by November 25, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Fokker Services B.V. Model airplanes 
identified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, 
certificated in any category.
    (1) F.27 Mark 050 airplanes having serial numbers (S/N)s: 20104, 
20105, 20121 through 20123 inclusive, 20130 through 20135 inclusive, 
20141 through 20145 inclusive, 20150, 20156 through 20176 inclusive, 
20178 through 20180 inclusive, 20182 through 20199 inclusive, 20202, 
20204 through 20207 inclusive, 20210, 20211, 20213 through 20252 
inclusive, 20254 through 20266 inclusive, 20270 through 20279 
inclusive, 20281, 20283 through 20288 inclusive, 20296 through 20303 
inclusive, 20306, 20307, 20312, 20313, 20316, 20317, 20328, 20331, 
20333, and 20335.
    (2) F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes having S/Ns: 11257, 11258, 
11262, 11264 through 11266 inclusive, 11287, 11301, 11317, 11340, 
11342, 11352 through 11356 inclusive, 11360, 11368 through 11370 
inclusive, 11376, 11377, 11385, 11395, 11402, 11403, 11405 through 
11408 inclusive, 11411 through 11419 inclusive, 11425 through 11428 
inclusive, 11434 through 11437 inclusive, 11447 through 11449 
inclusive, 11457 through 11459 inclusive, 11467, 11469, 11478, 
11479, 11481, 11482, 11487, 11492 through 11495 inclusive, 11497, 
11498, 11501, 11503, 11506, 11507, 11509, 11514, 11521, 11528, 
11529, 11532, 11536 through 11541 inclusive, 11543, 11545, 11547, 
11549, 11551, 11553 through 11583 inclusive, and 11585.
    (3) F.28 Mark 0100 airplanes, if in a post-Fokker Service 
Bulletin SBF100-52-060 configuration, having S/Ns: 11244 through 
11256 inclusive, 11259 through 11261 inclusive, 11263, 11267 through 
11286 inclusive, 11288 through 11300 inclusive, 11302 through 11316 
inclusive, 11318 through 11339 inclusive, 11341, 11343 through 11351 
inclusive, 11357 through 11367 inclusive, 11371 through 11375 
inclusive, 11378 through 11384 inclusive, 11386 through 11394 
inclusive, 11396 through 11401 inclusive, 11404, 11409, 11410, 11420 
through 11424 inclusive, 11429 through 11433 inclusive, 11438 
through 11446 inclusive, 11450 through 11456 inclusive, 11460 
through 11466 inclusive, 11468, 11470 through 11477 inclusive, 
11480, 11483 through 11486 inclusive, 11488 through 11491 inclusive, 
11496, 11499, 11500, 11502, 11504, 11505, 11508, 11510 through 11513 
inclusive, 11515 through 11520 inclusive, 11522, 11523, and 11527.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 33: Lights.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    As required by current certification standards, each transport 
aeroplane has passenger compartment exit signs and emergency 
lighting strips installed to locate the emergency exits. A number of 
these strips and signs are not electrically powered, but are self 
illuminated by means of a hydrogen isotope, known as Tritium. As 
this isotope decays over time, these signs will [lose] their 
brightness.
    To remain compliant with regulations, Tritium exit signs and 
lighting strips should be replaced when their brightness has 
deteriorated below accepted levels. Currently, the Maintenance 
Review Board (MRB) Maintenance Planning Document does not include an 
inspection task for signs and strips containing Tritium.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in 
insufficiently bright exit signs and lighting strips, preventing 
safe evacuation during an emergency, possibly resulting in injury to 
occupants.
* * * * *

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.

Actions

    (g) Within six months after the effective date of this AD, do a 
detailed visual inspection of the tritium exit signs and emergency 
lighting strips for required brightness, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-33-038, 
dated July 5, 2010; or SBF100-33-023, Revision 1, dated November 4, 
2010; as applicable. If any exit signs or emergency lighting strips 
are insufficiently bright, before further flight, replace the exit 
signs or emergency lighting strips, in accordance with the

[[Page 62661]]

Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-33-038, 
dated July 5, 2010; or SBF100-33-023, Revision 1, dated November 4, 
2010; as applicable. A review of airplane maintenance records is 
acceptable in lieu of the inspection in this paragraph if the 
tritium exit signs and emergency lighting strips can be conclusively 
determined to have been manufactured in 2003 or earlier, from that 
review; however, the replacement in this paragraph must be 
accomplished before further flight after doing the review.

Parts Installation

    (h) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install 
any tritium exit signs or emergency lighting strips if the 
manufacturing date is seven years or more before the intended 
installation date, or if the manufacturing date cannot be 
determined; unless the tritium exit sign or emergency lighting strip 
has been inspected in accordance with paragraph (g) of this AD, and 
does not need replacement.

Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service 
Information

    (i) Inspecting and replacing the tritium exit sign or emergency 
lighting strip in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-33-
023, dated July 5, 2010, before the effective date of this AD is 
acceptable for compliance with the corresponding inspection and 
replacement required by paragraph (g) of this AD.

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, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using 
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 
39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the International Branch, send it 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. 
Information may be e-mailed to: [email protected]. 
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.

Related Information

    (k) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness 
Directive 2010-0261, dated December 9, 2010; Fokker Service Bulletin 
SBF50-33-038, dated July 5, 2010; and Fokker Service Bulletin 
SBF100-33-023, Revision 1, dated November 4, 2010; for related 
information.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 30, 2011.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-26108 Filed 10-7-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P