[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 105 (Wednesday, June 1, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 34929-34931]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-12521]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-6895; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-068-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 adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 airplanes. This proposed AD 
prompted by reports indicating that the main landing gear (MLG) could 
not be extended and locked down during approach. This proposed AD would 
require a detailed inspection of the restrictor check valve filter 
screens to detect any degraded or failed filter screens, and 
installation of serviceable parts. We are proposing this AD to detect 
and correct any degraded or failed filter screens. This condition, if 
not corrected, could prevent MLG extension and lock-down and result in 
an emergency landing with consequent injury to occupants and damage to 
the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, 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-2016-
6895; 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-2016-6895; 
Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-068-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.

[[Page 34930]]

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2015-0077, dated May 6, 2015 (referred to after 
this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the 
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Fokker Services 
B.V. Model F.28 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Two occurrences were reported concerning two different 
aeroplanes, where during approach, after selecting landing gear 
down, one of the main landing gears (MLG) could not be extended and 
locked down. In both cases, subsequent investigation revealed that 
the filter screen of the corresponding restrictor check valve 
(integrated in a hydraulic hose assembly) was broken, and debris 
inside the restrictor check valve was blocking the return flow from 
the affected MLG actuator. Additional inspection of the fleet of the 
operator involved revealed more damaged or failed filter screens.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could prevent MLG 
extension and lock-down, possibly resulting in an emergency landing 
with consequent damage to the aeroplane and injury to occupants.
    To address this unsafe condition, Fokker Services published 
SBF28-32-164 and SBF100-32-166 to provide instructions for removal 
of the affected hydraulic hoses (including the restrictor check 
valve) to be inspected in-shop, and for installation of serviceable 
parts. Fokker Services also published Component SB CSB-32-026 to 
provide those in-shop inspection instructions to detect any damaged 
filter screen.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a 
onetime removal of the landing gear hydraulic hoses for the purpose 
of an in-shop inspection of the affected restrictor check valves 
filter screens and, depending on findings, re-installation, or 
replacement of the affected hose(s) with a serviceable part.
    This [EASA] AD is considered to be an interim action to detect 
any degraded or failed filter screens and remove them from service 
and to collect additional data; further [EASA] AD action may follow. 
More information on this subject can be found in Fokker Services All 
Operators Messages AOF28.041 and AOF100.189#02.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
6895.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Fokker Services B.V. has issued the following service 
information, which describe procedures for the replacement of hydraulic 
hose assemblies.
     Fokker Service Bulletin SBF28-32-164, dated January 14, 
2015.
     Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-166, dated January 14, 
2015.
    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.

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 these 
same type design.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 8 airplanes 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, and 1 work-
hour per product for reporting. The average labor rate is $85 per work-
hour. Required parts would cost about $3,100 per product. Based on 
these figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed AD on U.S. 
operators to be $26,160, or $3,270 per product.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to 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 control 
number for the collection of information required by this proposed AD 
is 2120-0056. The paperwork cost associated with this proposed AD has 
been detailed in the Costs of Compliance section of this document and 
includes time for reviewing instructions, as well as completing and 
reviewing the collection of information. Therefore, all reporting 
associated with this proposed AD is 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.

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:

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.

[[Page 34931]]

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Fokker Services B.V.: Docket No. FAA-2016-6895; Directorate 
Identifier 2015-NM-068-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by July 18, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Fokker Services B.V. airplanes, certificated 
in any category, as identified in paragraphs (c)(l) and (c)(2) of 
this AD.
    (1) Model F.28 Mark 0070 and Mark 0100 airplanes, all serial 
numbers (S/Ns).
    (2) Model F.28 Mark 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 airplanes, S/Ns 
11003 through 11110 inclusive and S/N 11992, modified in service as 
specified in Fokker Service Bulletin SBF28-32-123; and S/Ns 11111 
through 11241 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing 
Gear.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports indicating that the main landing 
gear (MLG) could not be extended and locked down during approach. We 
are issuing this AD to detect and correct any degraded or failed 
filter screens. This condition, if not corrected, could prevent MLG 
extension and lock-down and result in an emergency landing with 
consequent injury to occupants and damage to the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Inspection

    Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, do a 
detailed inspection of the restrictor check valve filter screens to 
detect any degraded or failed filter screens including dents and 
missing wire, and install serviceable parts (hydraulic hose 
assemblies), in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Fokker Service Bulletin SBF28-32-164, dated January 14, 2015 (for 
Model F.28 Mark 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 airplanes); or SBF100-32-
166, dated January 14, 2015 (for Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 
airplanes); as applicable. Any affected hydraulic hose assembly must 
be replaced before further flight after the inspection.

(h) Serviceable Part

    For the purpose of this AD, a serviceable part is a part number 
(P/N) 97867-1 or P/N 97867-3 hydraulic hose assembly (including the 
restrictor check valve) that has not previously been installed on an 
airplane, or a P/N 97867-1 or P/N 97867-3 hydraulic hose assembly 
(including the restrictor check valve) that has passed an inspection 
as specified in Fokker Services Component Service Bulletin CSB-32-
026.

(i) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a 
replacement P/N 97867-1 or P/N 97867-3 hydraulic hose assembly on an 
airplane, unless the hydraulic hose assembly is a serviceable part 
as defined in paragraph (h) of this AD.

(j) Reporting Requirements

    At the applicable time specified in paragraph (j)(l) or (j)(2) 
of this AD, submit a report of the results (including no findings) 
of the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD. Send the 
report to Fokker Services B.V., Technical Services, Service 
Engineering, P.O. Box 1357, 2130 EL Hoofddorp, The Netherlands, 
email [email protected]. The report must include the type 
of damage found and airplane flight cycles and also any no findings.
    (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.

(k) 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. The 
AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: 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.
    (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.

(l) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness 
Directive 2015-0077, dated May 6, 2015, 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-
2016-6895.
    (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 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 May 17, 2016.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-12521 Filed 5-31-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P