[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 189 (Friday, September 28, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 49020-49022]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-20919]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0802; Product Identifier 2018-NM-082-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 all 
Fokker Services B.V. Model F28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes. This 
proposed AD was prompted by reports of electrical arcing between the 
auxiliary power unit (APU) starter motor positive terminal and the APU 
fuel drain line. This proposed AD would require the removal of certain 
clamps and replacement of the flexible APU fuel drain line. We are 
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 13, 
2018.

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 service information at the 
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
206-231-3195.

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-2018-
0802; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations (phone: 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, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3226.

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-2018-0802; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-082-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM because 
of 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 NPRM.

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 2017-0008, dated January 16, 2017 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Fokker Services 
B.V. Model F28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Reports were received of electrical arcing between the auxiliary 
power unit (APU) starter motor positive terminal and the APU

[[Page 49021]]

fuel drain line. Investigation showed that these events were due to 
contact between the metal braiding on the APU fuel drain line and 
the positive terminal of the APU starter motor.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to a fire during 
APU start, possibly resulting in damage to the aeroplane.
    In response to these findings, Fokker issued Service Bulletin 
(SB) SBF100-49-023, later amended by SB Change Notification (SBCN), 
with instructions to install two additional clamps on the APU fuel 
supply line and the flexible APU fuel drain line. Consequently, CAA-
NL [Civil Aviation Authority--the Netherlands] issued the 
Netherlands AD 92-139 [which corresponds to FAA AD 95-21-20, 
Amendment 39-9407 (60 FR 53857, October 18, 1995) (``AD 95-21-20'')] 
to require the actions described in Fokker SBF100-49-023.
    Since that [the Netherlands] AD was issued, following reports of 
arcing and chafing damage to the APU fuel drain line, the 
investigation revealed that the two additional clamps and the 
instructions in SBF100-49-023 would not meet the intent of ensuring 
sufficient clearance between the APU fuel drain line and the 
positive terminal of the APU starter motor.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Fokker Services 
[B.V.] published SBF100-49-037 to introduce a new flexible APU fuel 
drain line that is one inch shorter and has one elbow flange, thus 
enabling to restore sufficient clearance with the positive terminal 
of the APU starter motor.
    For the reasons described above, this AD supersedes CAA-NL [the 
Netherlands] AD 92-139 and requires replacement of the flexible APU 
fuel drain line, removal of the additional clamps introduced by 
SBF100-49-023, and a check to verify sufficient clearance between 
the APU fuel drain line and the positive terminal of the APU starter 
motor.

    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-2018-
0802.

Relationship Between Proposed AD and AD 95-21-20

    This NPRM would not propose to supersede AD 95-21-20. Rather, we 
have determined that a stand-alone AD would be more appropriate to 
address the changes in the MCAI. This NPRM would require the removal of 
certain clamps and replacement of the flexible APU fuel drain line. 
Accomplishment of the proposed actions would then terminate all 
requirements of AD 95-21-20.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Fokker Services B.V. has issued Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-49-
037, dated October 31, 2016. This service information describes 
procedures for removing certain clamps and replacing the flexible APU 
fuel drain line (which includes making sure there is sufficient 
clearance between the new APU fuel drain line and the positive terminal 
of the APU starter motor and that the earth lead is not chafing against 
the fuel supply or the fuel drain line). 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

    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 the relevant information and determined the unsafe 
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of the same type design.

Proposed Requirements of This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 5 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                           Labor cost                               Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85................................            $963          $1,048          $5,240
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 49022]]

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-2018-0802; Product Identifier 
2018-NM-082-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by November 13, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD affects AD 95-21-20, Amendment 39-9407 (60 FR 53857, 
October 18, 1995) (``AD 95-21-20'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Fokker Services B.V. Model F28 Mark 0070 and 
0100, certificated in any category, all serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 49, Airborne 
auxiliary power.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of electrical arcing between the 
auxiliary power unit (APU) starter motor positive terminal and the 
APU fuel drain line. We are issuing this AD to address this unsafe 
condition, which could lead to a fire during APU start and possibly 
result in damage to the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Modification

    Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD: Remove the 
two additional clamps, part number (P/N) MS21919WCH5 and P/N 
MS21919WCH13, and replace APU fuel drain line P/N D67066-409 with a 
new APU fuel drain line P/N W67066-401, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-49-
037, dated October 31, 2016.

(h) Terminating Actions for AD 95-21-20

    Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD 
terminates all requirements of AD 95-21-20.

(i) Parts Installation Prohibition

    No person may install APU fuel drain line P/N D67066-409 after 
modification of an airplane as required by paragraph (g) of this AD.

(j) 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 (k)(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 Services B.V.'s EASA Design 
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval 
must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0008, dated January 16, 
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-2018-0802.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Tom Rodriguez, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards 
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 
and fax 206-231-3226.
    (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, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, 
WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 206-231-3195.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on September 14, 2018.
John P. Piccola,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-20919 Filed 9-27-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P