[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 1 (Monday, January 4, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 34-37]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-32905]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2015-8138; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-112-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2011-17-
10 for all Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 1000, 2000, 3000, and
4000 airplanes. AD 2011-17-10 currently requires inspecting for a by-
pass wire between the housing of each in-tank fuel quantity indication
(FQI) cable plug and the cable shield, and corrective actions if
necessary. AD 2011-17-10 also requires revising the airplane
maintenance program. Since we issued AD 2011-17-10, revised service
information has been issued to update the critical design configuration
control limitations (CDCCLs) that address potential ignition sources
inside fuel tanks. This proposed AD would require revising the airplane
maintenance or
[[Page 35]]
inspection program by incorporating the instructions in the revised
service information. The proposed AD also removes certain airplanes
from the applicability. We are proposing this AD to prevent potential
ignition sources inside the fuel tanks, which, in combination with
flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and
consequent loss of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 18,
2016.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, 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 1357, 2130 EL
Hoofddorp, the Netherlands; telephone +31 (0)88-6280-350; fax +31
(0)88-6280-111; email [email protected]; Internet http://www.myfokkerfleet.com. You may view this referenced service information
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,
Renton, WA. 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
8138; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 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, WA 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-2015-8138;
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-112-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
On August 3, 2011, we issued AD 2011-17-10, Amendment 39-16774 (76
FR 50111, August 12, 2011), for all Model F.28 Mark 1000, 2000, 3000,
and 4000 airplanes. AD 2011-17-10 requires inspecting for a by-pass
wire between the housing of each in-tank FQI cable plug and the cable
shield and corrective actions (installing a by-pass wire) if necessary.
AD 2011-17-10 also requires revising the airplane maintenance program.
Since we issued AD 2011-17-10, Amendment 39-16774 (76 FR 50111,
August 12, 2011), revised service information has been issued to update
the critical CDCCLs that address potential ignition sources inside fuel
tanks.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2014-0111, dated May 8, 2014 (referred to after
this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The
MCAI states:
* * * [T]he FAA published Special Federal Aviation Regulation
(SFAR) 88, and the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) published
Interim Policy INT/POL/25/12.
The review conducted by Fokker Services on the F28 design, in
response to these regulations, revealed that on certain aeroplanes,
an interrupted shield contact may exist or develop between the
housing of an in-tank Fuel Quantity Indication (FQI) cable plug and
the cable shield of the shielded FQI system cables in the main and
collector fuel tanks, which can, under certain conditions, form a
spark gap.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, may create an
ignition source in the fuel tank vapour space, possibly resulting in
a wing fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the aeroplane.
To address and correct this unsafe condition, Fokker Services
published Service Bulletin (SB) SBF28-28-053 which provides
instructions, for early production aeroplanes, for a one-time
inspection to check for the presence of a by-pass wire between the
housing of each in-tank FQI cable plug and the cable shield and,
depending on findings, for the installation of a by-pass wire. In
addition, SBF28-28-053 provides a Critical Design Configuration
Control Limitation (CDCCL) item to make certain that the by-pass
wire remains installed on these aeroplanes.
On later production aeroplanes, an improved plug Part Number (P/
N) 20P227-2 was introduced with a better shield connection to the
housing of the plug. Therefore, SBF28-28-053 (original issue and
Revision 1) also provided a CDCCL item to ensure that this type of
plug remains installed on those aeroplanes.
EASA issued AD 2010-0217 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2011-17-
10, Amendment 39-16774 (76 FR 50111, August 12, 2011)] to require
accomplishment of the instructions related to the by-pass wire and
implementation of the CDCCL items as specified in Fokker Services
SBF28-28-053 Revision 1, as applicable to aeroplane s/n.
Since EASA AD 2010-0217 was issued, it was identified that P/N
20P227-2 and 20P228-1 plugs are also approved and can therefore be
installed on the later production aeroplanes. Prompted by this
finding, Fokker Services issued SBF28-28-055 to address the
implementation of a CDCCL item to make certain that only approved
plug types remain installed on the later production aeroplanes,
while SBF28-28-053 Revision 2 was issued for early production
aeroplanes to address the by-pass wire related actions only.
Consequently, EASA issued AD 2011-0184, retaining the
requirements of EASA AD 2010-0217, which was superseded, to require
implementation of the related CDCCL items as specified in Fokker
Services SBF28-28-053 Revision 2, or SBF28-28-055, as applicable to
aeroplane s/n.
More recently, Fokker Services published Revision 3 of SBF28-28-
053, to eliminate the use of a heat gun in or near to the fuel tank,
and prompted by a change to the definition of the related CDCCL
item. Fokker Services also cancelled SBF28-28-055, due to the
introduction of a revised definition of the CDCCL item that has been
published in Fokker Services SBF28-28-050, Revision 2.
For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the
requirements related to SBF28-28-053 of EASA AD 2011-0184, which is
superseded, but requires those actions to be accomplished in
accordance with the instructions of Fokker Services SBF28-28-053,
Revision 3 (R3).
All the actions related to SBF28-28-055, as previously required
through paragraphs (5)
[[Page 36]]
and (6) of EASA AD 2011-0184, are now addressed by EASA AD 2014-0110
[http://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2014-0110] which has been superseded by
EASA AD 2015-0030 [http://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2015-0030].
* * * * *
The CDCCL requirement in AD 2011-17-10, Amendment 39-16774 (76 FR
50111, August 12, 2011) for Model F.28 Mark 2000, 3000, and 4000
airplanes is now addressed in other related rulemaking. Therefore this
proposed AD does not include Model F.28 Mark 2000, 3000, and 4000
airplanes in the applicability.
This AD also removes airplanes having serial numbers 11993 and
19994 from the applicability because those airplanes were scrapped and
removed from the type certificate data sheet.
The unsafe condition is the potential of ignition sources inside
fuel tanks. Such ignition sources, in combination with flammable fuel
vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the
airplane. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at
http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket
No. FAA-2015-8138.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Fokker Services B.V. has issued Fokker Service Bulletin SBF28-28-
053, Revision 3, dated January 9, 2014. The service information
describes procedures for inspecting for a by-pass wire between the
housing of each in-tank FQI cable plug and the cable shield, and
installing a by-pass wire if necessary. The service information also
describes CDCCL item 1.7 for fuel quantity indicating system (FQIS)
wiring in wing tanks. This service information is reasonably available
because the interested parties have access to it through their normal
course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section
of this NPRM.
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.
This proposed AD would require implementation of certain
maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. This proposed
AD would also require accomplishing the actions specified in the
service information described previously.
This proposed AD would require revisions to certain operator
maintenance documents to include new actions (e.g., inspections) and
CDCCLs. Compliance with these actions and CDCCLs is required by 14 CFR
91.403(c). For airplanes that have been previously modified, altered,
or repaired in the areas addressed by these actions, the operator may
not be able to accomplish the actions described in the revisions. In
this situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must
request approval for an alternative method of compliance according to
the procedures specified in paragraph (n)(1) of this AD. The request
should include a description of changes to the required actions that
will ensure the continued operational safety of the airplane.
Notwithstanding any other maintenance or operational requirements,
components that have been identified as airworthy or installed on the
affected airplanes before accomplishing the revision of the airplane
maintenance or inspection program specified in this AD, do not need to
be reworked in accordance with the CDCCLs. However, once the airplane
maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by this
AD, future maintenance actions on these components must be done in
accordance with the CDCCLs.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 5 airplanes of U.S.
registry. This proposed AD would merely require using the
Accomplishment Instructions in the revised service information. The
current costs associated with this proposed AD are repeated as follows
for the convenience of affected operators:
The actions that are required by AD 2011-17-10, Amendment 39-16774
(76 FR 50111, August 12, 2011), will take about 6 work-hours per
product, at an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour. Required parts
cost about $0 per product. Based on these figures, the estimated cost
of the actions that were required by AD 2011-17-10 is $510 per product.
In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions
required by AD 2011-17-10 will take about 7 work-hours and require
parts costing $308, for a cost of $903 per product. We have no way of
determining the number of products that may need these actions.
We also estimate that it would take about 1 work-hour per product
to revise the maintenance or inspection program in this proposed AD.
The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we
estimate the cost of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $425, or
$85 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);
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.
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:
[[Page 37]]
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 removing airworthiness directive (AD)
2011-17-10, Amendment 39-16774 (76 FR 50111, August 12, 2011), and
adding the following new AD:
Fokker Services B.V.: Docket No. FAA-2015-8138; Directorate
Identifier 2014-NM-112-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by February 18, 2016.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2011-17-10, Amendment 39-16774 (76 FR 50111,
August 12, 2011).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 1000
airplanes; certificated in any category; serial numbers (S/Ns) 11003
through 11041 inclusive, and S/Ns 11991 and 11992.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by the issuance of revised service
information to update the critical design configuration control
limitations (CDCCLs) that address potential ignition sources inside
fuel tanks. We are issuing this AD to prevent potential ignition
sources inside the fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable
fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent
loss of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Retained Inspection and Installation With Revised Service
Information
This paragraph restates the actions required by paragraph (g) of
AD 2011-17-10, Amendment 39-16774 (76 FR 50111, August 12, 2011),
with revised service information. At a scheduled opening of the fuel
tanks, but not later than 84 months after September 16, 2011 (the
effective date of AD 2011-17-10), do a general visual inspection for
the presence of a by-pass wire between the housing of each in-tank
fuel quantity indication (FQI) cable plug and the cable shield, in
accordance with Part 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker
Service Bulletin SBF28-28-053, Revision 1, dated September 20, 2010,
or Revision 3, dated January 9, 2014. As of the effective date of
this AD, only Fokker Service Bulletin SBF28-28-053, Revision 3,
dated January 9, 2014, may be used.
(h) Retained Corrective Actions, With Revised Service Information
This paragraph restates the actions required by paragraph (h) of
AD 2011-17-10, Amendment 39-16774 (76 FR 50111, August 12, 2011),
with revised service information. If during the general visual
inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, it is found that a
by-pass wire is not installed: Before the next flight, install the
by-pass wire between the housing of the in-tank FQI cable plug and
the cable shield, in accordance with Part 2 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF28-28-053, Revision 1,
dated September 20, 2010, or Revision 3, dated January 9, 2014. As
of the effective date of this AD, only Fokker Service Bulletin
SBF28-28-053, Revision 3, dated January 9, 2014, may be used.
(i) Retained Maintenance Program Revision To Add Fuel Airworthiness
Limitation, With a New Exception
This paragraph restates the actions required by paragraph (i) of
AD 2011-17-10, Amendment 39-16774 (76 FR 50111, August 12, 2011),
with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph (k) of this
AD, concurrently with paragraph (g) of this AD, revise the airplane
maintenance program by incorporating CDCCL-1 specified in paragraph
1.L.(1)(c) of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF28-28-053 Revision 1, dated
September 20, 2010.
(j) Retained No Alternative Actions, Intervals, and/or CDCCLs
Requirement, With a New Exception
This paragraph restates the actions required by paragraph (k) of
AD 2011-17-10, Amendment 39-16774 (76 FR 50111, August 12, 2011),
with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph (k) of this
AD: After accomplishing the revision required by paragraph (i) of
this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspection, interval) and/or
CDCCLs may be used unless the actions, intervals, and/or CDCCLs are
approved as an alternative methods of compliance (AMOC) in
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (n)(1) of this
AD.
(k) New Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision To Add Fuel
Airworthiness Limitation
Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Revise the
airplane maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, by
incorporating CDCCL item 1.7 as specified in paragraph 1.L.(1)(c) of
Fokker Service Bulletin SBF28-28-053, Revision 3, dated January 9,
2014. Accomplishing the revision required by this paragraph
terminates the revision required by paragraph (i) of this AD.
(l) No Alternative CDCCLs
After the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as
required by paragraph (k) of this AD, no alternative CDCCLs may be
used unless the CDCCLs are approved as an AMOC in accordance with
the procedures specified in paragraph (n)(1) of this AD.
(m) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the applicable actions
required by paragraphs (k) of this AD, if those actions were
performed before the effective date of this AD using Fokker Service
Bulletin SBF28-28-053, Revision 2, dated June 22, 2011.
(n) 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,
WA 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.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the effective date of
this AD, for any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions
from a manufacturer, the action must be accomplished using a method
approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA); or Fokker B.V. Service's EASA Design Organization Approval
(DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-
authorized signature.
(o) Related Information
(1) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0111, dated
May 8, 2014, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the
AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-8138.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Fokker Services B.V., Technical Services Dept., P.O. Box 1357, 2130
EL Hoofddorp, the Netherlands; telephone +31 (0)88-6280-350; fax +31
(0)88-6280-111; email [email protected]; Internet http://www.myfokkerfleet.com. You may view this referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 21, 2015.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-32905 Filed 12-31-15; 8:45 am]
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