[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 213 (Monday, November 6, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 51364-51367]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-23990]



[[Page 51364]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1021; Product Identifier 2017-NM-052-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 F28 Mark 0100 airplanes. This 
proposed AD was prompted by a report that a jammed control cable 
prevented the full extension of the nose landing gear (LG). This 
proposed AD would require a general visual inspection of the LG handle 
teleflex cable conduit connector for the presence of a grease nipple, a 
maintenance records check of affected airplanes, and if necessary, a 
detailed inspection for corrosion and damage of the LG handle teleflex 
cable, replacement if found, and lubrication. This proposed AD would 
also require revising the maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 21, 
2017.

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 Standards Branch, 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-2017-
1021; 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 Section, Transport Standards Branch, 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 proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2017-1021; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-052-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 Union, has issued EASA AD 
2017-0068, dated April 24, 2017 (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 F28 
Mark 0100 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    A report was received of an alledgedly post-SBF100-32-107 
(introducing a teleflex cable conduit with a grease nipple and a 
stainless steel teleflex cable) Fokker 100 aeroplane landing with a 
nose landing gear (LG) that was not completely in the extended 
position, in spite of the application by the crew of the relevant 
normal and abnormal Airplane Flight Manual LG extension procedures. 
The investigation revealed that the failure of the nose LG to 
completely extend had been caused by a jammed teleflex cable of the 
LG control system, which resulted in a hydraulic lock in the nose LG 
extension/retraction actuator. The investigation also revealed that 
the teleflex cable conduit connector on the subject aeroplane did 
not have the grease nipple installed, so that the aeroplane was 
actually not in the full post-SBF100-32-107 configuration.
    Based on an incorrect assumption with regard to full 
incorporation of SBF100-32-107 (i.e., the presence of the grease 
nipple on the conduit connector), Maintenance Review Board (MRB) 
task 323100-00-04 (removal, inspection, greasing and reinstallation 
of teleflex cable), which is only applicable for aeroplanes without 
the grease nipple, had been removed from the scheduled maintenance 
programme for the aeroplane. As a result, no detailed inspection or 
greasing of the teleflex cable had been accomplished on the 
aeroplane during the last 24,000 flight cycles (FC) or 17 years, 
leading to a lack of lubricant and excessive wear of the cable. 
Analysis indicates the possibility of more aeroplanes that do not 
have the grease nipple on the conduit connector, and where MRB task 
323100-00-04 has been inadvertently removed from the scheduled 
maintenance program.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
further landings with the nose LG not in the fully extended 
position, possibly resulting in damage to the aeroplane and injury 
to occupants.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Fokker Services 
published SBF100-32-167 (hereafter referred to as `the SB' in this 
[EASA] AD) to provide inspection instructions.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time [general visual] inspection of the LG handle teleflex cable 
conduit connector for the presence of the grease nipple and, 
depending on findings, [a maintenance records check and] 
accomplishment of applicable corrective action(s). This [EASA] AD 
also requires the reporting of findings to Fokker Services, and to 
ensure that the maintenance [or inspection] programme [as 
applicable] contains those instructions applicable to the aeroplane 
configuration.

    Required actions also include a detailed inspection for corrosion 
and damage of the LG handle teleflex cable, replacement of the LG 
handle teleflex cable if any corrosion or damage is found, and 
lubrication of the LG handle teleflex cable. 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-2017-1021.

[[Page 51365]]

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Fokker Services B.V. has issued Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-
167, dated December 14, 2016. This service information describes 
procedures for a one-time inspection of the nose LG control cable; a 
maintenance records check; detailed inspection, replacement, and 
lubrication of the LG handle teleflex cable; and revision of the 
maintenance program. 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 the same 
type design.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 8 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
               Action                         Labor cost            Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection and maintenance or        4 work-hours x $85 per hour              $0            $340          $2,720
 inspection program revision.         = $340.
Reporting..........................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour                0              85             680
                                      = $85.
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    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary on-condition 
actions that would be required based on the results of the proposed 
inspection. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that 
might need these actions:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                  Action                                Labor cost                 Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maintenance records check, inspection,      1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85..              $0              $85
 replacement, and lubrication.
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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.
    This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated 
by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as 
authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, 
issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and 
Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the 
Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable 
to transport category airplanes to the Director of the System Oversight 
Division.

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.

[[Page 51366]]

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.


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-2017-1021; Product Identifier 
2017-NM-052-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by December 21, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Fokker Services B.V. Model F28 Mark 0100 
airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 11244 
through 11481 inclusive, if maintenance records show that the 
airplane is in a post-Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-107 
configuration.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report that lack of maintenance on a 
control system cable caused a hydraulic lock and difficult operation 
of the nose landing gear (LG) handle, preventing full extension of 
the nose LG when landing. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct erratic or hard-to-move LG handles, which could lead to the 
nose LG not being in the fully extended position during landing and 
consequent damage to the airplane and injury to the flight crew and 
passengers.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection

    Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD: Do a 
general visual inspection of the LG handle teleflex cable conduit 
connector for the presence of a grease nipple, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-
32-167, dated December 14, 2016.

(h) Maintenance Records Check

    If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 
a grease nipple is not found installed: Within 3 months after the 
effective date of this AD, check the maintenance records of the 
affected airplane for the previous 3 months for reports of an 
erratic or hard-to-move LG handle, and check the maintenance records 
to determine the date of the most recent installation, or 
inspection/lubrication, as applicable, of the LG handle teleflex 
cable.

(i) Inspection, Replacement, and Lubrication

    Based on results of the maintenance records check required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD: Within the applicable compliance times 
specified in Table 1 to paragraph (i) of this AD, do a detailed 
inspection for corrosion and damage of the LG handle teleflex cable, 
replace the LG handle teleflex cable if any corrosion or damage is 
found, and lubricate the LG handle teleflex cable, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin 
SBF100-32-167, dated December 14, 2016.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP06NO17.000

(j) Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision

    Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD: Revise the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-
32-167, dated December 14, 2016, to incorporate the applicable tasks 
and associated thresholds and intervals, based on the airplane 
configuration (pre- or post-SBF100-32-107) determined in the 
inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD.

(k) Reporting

    Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, or within 
30 days after doing the

[[Page 51367]]

inspection required by paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD, whichever 
occurs later, report the findings of the inspection specified in 
paragraph (g) of this AD, and the records check specified in 
paragraph (h) of this AD, to Fokker Services B.V., in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin 
SBF100-32-167, dated December 14, 2016.

(l) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, 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 Section, send it to the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (m)(2) of this AD. 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: 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 
Section, Transport Standards Branch, 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.

(m) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0068, dated April 24, 2017, 
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-2017-1021.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Tom Rodriguez, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards 
Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 
425-227-1137; fax 425-227-1149.
    (3) 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 Standards Branch, 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 October 27, 2017.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-23990 Filed 11-3-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P