[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 13 (Thursday, January 21, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 3202-3203]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-1184]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-NM-276-AD; Amendment 39-11004; AD 99-02-12]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100
Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain Fokker Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 series
airplanes, that requires a one-time visual inspection to detect
discrepancies of the components of the torque link apex joint and
shimmy damper attachments of the main landing gear (MLG), and repair or
replacement of any discrepant component with a new or serviceable
component. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory
continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness
authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent
heavy vibration and possible damage to the components of the MLG, and
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane during takeoff and
landing.
DATES: Effective February 25, 1999.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of February 25, 1999.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Fokker Services B.V., Technical Support Department, P.O.
Box 75047, 1117 ZN Schiphol Airport, the Netherlands. This information
may be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport
Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol
Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norman B. Martenson, Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Fokker Model F.28 Mark
0070 and 0100 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on
November 13, 1998 (63 FR 63423). That action proposed to require a one-
time visual inspection to detect discrepancies of the components of the
torque link apex joint and shimmy damper attachments of the main
landing gear (MLG), and repair or replacement of any discrepant
component with a new or serviceable component.
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the comments received.
Two commenters state that they are not affected by the proposed
rule and, therefore, have no technical comments regarding the proposed
rule.
[[Page 3203]]
Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, including the comments
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public
interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 131 Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 series
airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will
take approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required
inspection, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based
on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is
estimated to be $15,720, or $120 per airplane.
The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that
no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD
action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the
future if this AD were not adopted.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct
effects 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. Therefore, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
99-02-12 Fokker Services B.V.: Amendment 39-11004. Docket 98-NM-
276-AD.
Applicability: Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 series airplanes,
as listed in Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-113, dated May 28,
1998; certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified,
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to
address it.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent heavy vibration and possible damage to the components
of the main landing gear (MLG), and consequent reduced
controllability of the airplane during takeoff or landing,
accomplish the following:
(a) Within 45 days after the effective date of this AD, perform
a one-time visual inspection to detect discrepancies of the
components of the torque link apex joint and shimmy damper
attachments of the MLG, in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin
SBF100-32-113, dated May 28, 1998. If any discrepancy is detected,
prior to further flight, repair or replace any discrepant component
with a new or serviceable component, in accordance with the service
bulletin.
Note 2: In paragraph 2.F.(10) of the Accomplishment Instructions
of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-113, dated May 28, 1998, the
parenthetical phrase that recommends the size of torque wrench to
use, should read ``* * * (0 to 75 lbf ft),'' rather than ``* * * (0
to 75 lbf in)''.
(b) Submit a report of the inspection findings (positive or
negative) to Fokker Services B.V., Technical Services, Attn.:
Manager Airline Support, P.O. Box 75047, 1117 ZN Schiphol-Oost, the
Netherlands; Fax No. 3120605200; at the time specified in paragraph
(b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD, as applicable. Information collection
requirements contained in this regulation have been approved by the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have
been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
(1) For airplanes on which the inspection required by paragraph
(a) of this AD is accomplished after the effective date of this AD:
Submit a report within 10 days after accomplishing the inspection
required by paragraph (a) of this AD.
(2) For airplanes on which the inspection required by paragraph
(a) of this AD has been accomplished prior to the effective date of
this AD: Submit a report within 30 days after the effective date of
this AD.
(c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install
on any airplane a Menasco MLG having part number (P/N) 41050-5, -6,
-7, or -8; or P/N 41060-1 or -2; unless it has been inspected in
accordance with paragraph (a) of this AD.
(d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector,
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116.
Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.
(e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
(f) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this AD, the actions
shall be done in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-
113, dated May 28, 1998. This incorporation by reference was
approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from
Fokker Services B.V., Technical Support Department, P.O. Box 75047,
1117 ZN Schiphol Airport, the Netherlands. Copies may be inspected
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800
North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Dutch
airworthiness directive BLA 1998-058 (A), dated May 29, 1998.
(g) This amendment becomes effective on February 25, 1999.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 12, 1999.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager,
Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 99-1184 Filed 1-20-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
