[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 40 (Wednesday, February 29, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12176-12179]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-4437]


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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; 
Amendment 39-16944; AD 2012-03-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. 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 certain 
Fokker Services B.V. Model F.27 Mark 050 and F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 
airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that the brightness of the 
tritium exit signs and lighting strips deteriorated below accepted 
levels. This AD requires a detailed inspection of tritium exit signs 
and emergency lighting strips, and replacement if necessary. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct insufficient brightness of the 
tritium exit signs and lighting strips, which could lead to an unsafe 
evacuation during an emergency, possibly resulting in injury to 
occupants.

[[Page 12177]]


DATES: This AD becomes effective April 4, 2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 4, 
2012.

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 11, 2011 (76 
FR 62658). That NPRM proposed 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.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We considered the comment received. The commenter supports the 
NPRM (76 FR 62658, October 11, 2011).

Additional Change Made to This Final Rule

    We have revised the heading for and wording in paragraph (i) of 
this AD; this change has not changed the intent of that paragraph.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the 
AD with the change described previously--and minor editorial changes. 
We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (76 FR 62658, October 11, 2011) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (76 FR 62658, October 11, 2011).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 4 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 1 work-hour 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 $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 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 affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. 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 (76 FR 62658, October 11, 
2011), 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,

[[Page 12178]]

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:

2012-03-03 Fokker Services B.V.: Amendment 39-16944. Docket No. FAA-
2011-1067; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-034-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective April 4, 
2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    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/Ns): 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.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports that the brightness of the 
tritium exit signs and lighting strips deteriorated below accepted 
levels. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct insufficient 
brightness of the tritium exit signs and lighting strips, which 
could lead to an unsafe evacuation during an emergency, possibly 
resulting in injury to occupants.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Actions

    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 
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.

(h) Parts Installation

    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.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for inspection and replacement of 
the tritium exit sign or emergency lighting strip, as required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-33-
023, dated July 5, 2010, as applicable.

(j) Other FAA AD Provisions

    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 emailed 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.

(k) Related Information

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

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) You must use the following service information to do the 
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The 
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference (IBR) of the following service information under 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51:
    (i) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-33-038, dated July 5, 2010.
    (ii) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-33-023, Revision 1, dated 
November 4, 2010.
    (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; email 
[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

[[Page 12179]]

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 an NARA facility, 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 26, 2012.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-4437 Filed 2-28-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P