[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 217 (Thursday, November 8, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 55825-55828]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-24387]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
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 

  Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 217 / Thursday, November 8, 2018 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 55825]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0956; Product Identifier 2018-NM-041-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Fokker Services B.V. Model F.27 Mark 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 
700 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a main 
landing gear (MLG) collapse due to a broken drag stay; an investigation 
revealed that the drag stay failure was due to fatigue cracks, 
introduced by incorrect machining of the affected drag stay tube during 
production. This proposed AD would require an inspection of the drag 
stay unit to determine the signal indication, and related investigative 
and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 24, 
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 Fokker 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. For Safran service information identified in 
this NPRM, contact Safran Landing Systems, One Carbon Way, Walton, KY 
41094; telephone (859) 525-8583; fax (859) 485-8827. 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-
0956; 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-2018-0956; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-041-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 AD 
2018-0015, dated January 25, 2018 (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 F.27 
Mark 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    In 1993, an occurrence was reported concerning an MLG collapse 
due to a broken drag stay on a Fokker F27 Mark 500 RFV (rough field 
version/configuration). The investigation revealed that the drag 
stay failure was due to fatigue cracks, introduced by incorrect 
machining (not smooth, with a notch) of the affected drag stay tube 
bore during production.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to MLG 
collapse, possibly resulting in damage to the aeroplane during 
landing and consequent injury to occupants.
    To address this unsafe condition, DALG [Dowty Aerospace Landing 
Gear] issued SB 32-169B and SB 32-82W (both later revised), and 
Fokker Services issued SB F27/32-167, to provide inspection 
instructions. Consequently, the Civil Aviation Authority of the 
Netherlands (CAA-NL) issued AD (BLA) 93-169 (later revised) [which 
corresponded to FAA AD 97-04-08, Amendment 39-9932 (62 FR 7924, 
February 21, 1997), and applies to certain Fokker Model F27 Mark 
050, 100, 200, 300, 400, 600, and 700 airplanes], requiring a one-
time ultrasonic inspection to identify the type of drag stay tube 
installed (with stepped or straight bore) on each affected drag stay 
unit, inspection of the affected drag stay tubes for the presence of 
cracks, and, depending on findings, re-identification.
    After CAA-NL AD (BLA) 93-169/2 was issued, another occurrence 
was reported on an F27 Mark 500 RFV. Investigation results 
determined that the drag stay tube of the second occurrence had not 
been inspected as required by CAA-NL AD (BLA) 93-169, due to 
misinterpretation of the instructions of Fokker SB F27/32-167. 
Prompted by these findings, Fokker Services issued SB F27-32-171, 
providing additional inspection instructions, and CAA-NL issued AD 
NL-2005-003 (EASA approval 2005-3869) [which corresponds to FAA AD 
2006-25-06, Amendment 39-14847 (71 FR 71475, December 11, 2006) and 
applies to Fokker Services B.V. Model F.27 Mark 500 airplanes]

[[Page 55826]]

to require repetitive inspections of the affected drag stay tubes to 
detect cracks and, depending on findings, rework or replacement.
    Since those SBs and [CAA-NL] ADs were issued, the applicable CMM 
[component maintenance manual] were changed, although with incorrect 
P/N information, as a result of which an affected drag stay tube 
with a non-conforming bore radius may inadvertently have been 
installed on an aeroplane. Prompted by these findings, the 
applicable CMM were corrected and re-issued, and SLS issued Service 
Letter (SL) F27-W-8 to inform the operators, and Fokker Services 
introduced the relevant corrections in the F27 Mark 100 through Mark 
700 Illustrated Parts Catalogue (IPC) in September 2017.
    Installation of an affected drag stay tube with a non-conforming 
bore radius, on an MLG drag stay unit that has been re-identified, 
i.e., not subject to the repetitive inspections as required by CAA-
NL AD NL-2005-003, would reintroduce the unsafe condition as 
originally addressed by the SBs and ADs referred to above. To 
address this potential unsafe condition, Fokker Services issued 
SBF27-32-173 to provide instructions to inspect, remove/discard or 
re-identify the affected drag stay tubes.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time inspection of the affected drag stay units to determine whether 
an affected drag stay tube is installed, repetitive inspections of 
those that have an affected drag stay tube installed, and, depending 
on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective action(s) 
[which includes replacement of the drag stay tube].
    With the issuance of this [EASA] AD and [EASA] AD 2018-0016 
[dated January 25, 2018], the requirements of CAA-NL AD (BLA) 93-
169/2 dated 29 April 1994 are no longer necessary and that AD is 
also cancelled.

    EASA AD 2018-0016, dated January 25, 2018, applies to Model F27 
Mark 500 airplanes and has been added to the Required Airworthiness 
Action List.
    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-
0956.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Fokker Services B.V. has issued Service Bulletin SBF27-32-173, 
dated November 30, 2017. This service information describes procedures 
for an inspection of the drag stay unit to determine the signal 
indication, and related investigative and corrective actions if 
necessary.
    SAFRAN Landing Systems (previously Messier-Dowty, Dowty Aerospace) 
has issued Dowty Aerospace Landing Gear Service Bulletin 32-82W, 
Revision 2, dated July 29, 1994; and Dowty Aerospace Landing Gear 
Service Bulletin 32-169B, Revision 2, dated July 29, 1994. The service 
information describes procedures for reworking the drag stay tube. 
These documents are distinct since they apply to different airplane 
models.
    These 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.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    Although the procedures specified in Fokker Service Bulletin SBF27-
32-173, dated November 30, 2017, permits further flight if cracks are 
detected in the drag stay tube, this proposed AD does not. We have 
determined that, because of the safety implications and consequences 
associated with that cracking, any cracked drag stay tube must be 
repaired or modified before further flight. This difference has been 
coordinated with the manufacturer.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 1 airplane 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170...........................              $0             $170             $170
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed 
AD.

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.

[[Page 55827]]

    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.


Sec.  39.13   [Amended]

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

Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes: Docket No. FAA-2018-0956; Product 
Identifier 2018-NM-041-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by December 24, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD affects AD 2006-25-06, Amendment 39-14847 (71 FR 71475, 
December 11, 2006) (``AD 2006-25-06'') and AD 97-04-08, Amendment 
39-9932 (62 FR 7924, February 21, 1997) (``AD 97-04-08'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Fokker Services B.V. Model F.27 Mark 100, 
200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 airplanes, certificated in any 
category.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of a main landing gear (MLG) 
collapse due to a broken drag stay; an investigation revealed that 
the drag stay failure was due to fatigue cracks, introduced by 
incorrect machining of the affected drag stay tube during 
production. We are issuing this AD to address fatigue cracking, 
which could lead to MLG collapse and result in damage to the 
airplane during landing and consequent injury to passengers.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Definitions

    (1) For purposes of this AD, an affected drag stay unit is 
SAFRAN Landing Systems (previously Messier-Dowty, Dowty Aerospace) 
main landing gear (MLG) drag stay unit, part number (P/N) 200261001, 
P/N 200261002, P/N 200261003, P/N 200261004, P/N 200485001, P/N 
200485002, P/N 200485003, P/N 200485004, P/N 200684001, P/N 
200684002, P/N 200684003, and P/N 200684004.
    (2) For purposes of this AD, an affected drag stay tube is a 
SAFRAN Landing Systems (previously Messier-Dowty, Dowty Aerospace) 
MLG drag stay tube, P/N 200259300, which has a change in section 
(stepped bore).

(h) Configuration Verification of the Drag Stay Units

    Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, do an 
ultrasonic inspection of each affected drag stay unit to determine 
the configuration of the drag stay tube, in accordance with step F. 
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF27-
32-173, dated November 30, 2017.

(i) Re-Identification of an Affected Drag Stay Unit

    (1) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this 
AD, an affected drag stay unit is found to have a straight bore drag 
stay tube, P/N 200485300, installed: Before further flight, re-
identify that affected drag stay unit in accordance with step I.(2), 
I.(3), or I.(4), as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF27-32-173, dated November 30, 2017.
    (2) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this 
AD, an affected drag stay unit is found to have an affected drag 
stay tube, P/N 200259300, installed with a correct radius: Before 
further flight, re-identify the affected drag stay unit in 
accordance with step J.(1), J.(2), or J.(3), as applicable, of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF27-32-173, 
dated November 30, 2017.
    (3) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this 
AD, an affected drag stay unit is found to have an affected drag 
stay tube, P/N 200259300, installed with an incorrect radius: Before 
further flight, re-identify the affected drag stay unit in 
accordance with step K.(1), K.(2), or K.(3), as applicable, of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF27-32-173, 
dated November 30, 2017.

(j) Inspection and Corrective Action for Certain Drag Stay Unit Part 
Numbers

    For affected drag stay units having P/N 200261002, P/N 
200261003, P/N 200485002, P/N 200485003, P/N 200684002, and P/N 
200684003: Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, do 
an ultrasonic inspection of the affected drag stay tube for any 
cracking, in accordance with step G. of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF27-32-173, dated November 
30, 2017.
    (1) If, during the ultrasonic inspection, a crack indication is 
found, before further flight, replace the affected drag stay tube 
with a serviceable part, in accordance with step H. of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF27-32-173, 
dated November 30, 2017.
    (2) For affected drag stay units having P/N 200261002, P/N 
200485002, and P/N 200684002 (drag stay units with incorrect bore 
radius drag stay tubes): If, during the ultrasonic inspection, no 
indication of cracking is found, within 1,500 flight cycles after 
that inspection, and, thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 1,500 
flight cycles until the next scheduled MLG overhaul, repeat the 
ultrasonic inspection of the affected drag stay tube in accordance 
with step G. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service 
Bulletin SBF27-32-173, dated November 30, 2017.

(k) Parts Installation Limitation

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on 
any airplane, a drag stay unit (which includes installation of a 
replacement MLG), unless it has been determined that no affected 
drag stay tube is installed; or the installed affected drag stay 
tube has been reworked during the MLG overhaul in accordance with 
the instructions of Appendix B of Dowty Aerospace Landing Gear 
Service Bulletin 32-82W, Revision 2, dated July 29, 1994 (for Model 
F.27 Mark 500 airplanes), or Dowty Aerospace Landing Gear Service 
Bulletin 32-169B, Revision 2, dated July 29, 1994 (for Model F.27 
Mark 100, 200, 300, 400, 600, and 700 airplanes), as applicable; or 
has passed an inspection (confirmed correct bore radius) in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service 
Bulletin SBF27-32-173, dated November 30, 2017. For the purpose of 
this AD, removal of an MLG or an affected drag stay unit from an 
airplane and re-installing that MLG or drag stay unit on the same 
airplane is not ``installation.''

(l) Terminating Action for Inspections of the MLG Drag Stay Units

    Accomplishment of the actions required by this AD terminates all 
the requirements in AD 2006-25-06, Amendment 39-14847 (71 FR 71475, 
December 11, 2006); and AD 97-04-08, Amendment 39-9932 (62 FR 7924, 
February 21, 1997).

(m) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph 
(j) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective 
date of this AD using Dowty Aerospace Landing Gear Service Bulletin 
32-82W, Revision 1, dated September 10, 1993, or Dowty Aerospace 
Landing Gear Service Bulletin 32-169B, Revision 1, dated September 
10, 1993, which were incorporated by reference in AD 2006-25-06, 
Amendment 39-14847 (71 FR 71475, December 11, 2006).

(n) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:

[[Page 55828]]

    (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 (o)(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.

(o) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2018-0015, dated January 25, 2018, 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-2018-0956.
    (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 Fokker 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. For Safran service 
information identified in this AD, contact Safran Landing Systems, 
One Carbon Way, Walton, KY 41094; telephone (859) 525-8583; fax 
(859) 485-8827. 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 October 26, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-24387 Filed 11-7-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P