[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 223 (Friday, November 19, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63176-63178]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-29738]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 99-NM-316-AD; Amendment 39-11421; AD 99-23-25]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F27 Mark 050 Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain Fokker Model F27 Mark 050 series airplanes. This
action requires replacement of the lighting plates of the fuel control
panel and the electrical power control panel with new, improved
lighting plates. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory
continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness
authority. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent
internal short circuits in the fuel control and electrical power
control panels, which could result in burning of the panels and
consequent smoke in the flight deck area.
DATES: Effective December 6, 1999.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of December 6, 1999.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before December 20, 1999.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-316-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from
Fokker Services B.V., P.O. Box 231, 2150 AE Nieuw-Vennep, the
Netherlands. This information may be examined 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.
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: The Rijksluchtvaartdienst (RLD), which is
the airworthiness authority for the Netherlands, notified the FAA that
an unsafe condition may exist on certain Fokker Model F27 Mark 050
series airplanes. The RLD advises that some operators of Fokker Model
F27 Mark 050 series airplanes have experienced material stress on the
lighting plates of certain electrical power control panels and fuel
control panels. These stresses have caused internal short circuits,
which in turn resulted in burned spots on the lighting plates. During
these incidents, some smoke and odor was evident. This condition, if
not corrected, could result in burning of the panels and consequent
smoke in the flight deck area.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
Fokker has issued Component Service Bulletin F7941-005-28-03, dated
September 15, 1993, which describes procedures for replacement of the
lighting plate of the fuel control panel with an improved lighting
plate. Fokker has also issued Component Service Bulletin F7941-011-24-
11, dated September 15, 1993, which describes procedures for
replacement of the lighting plate of the electrical power control panel
with an improved lighting plate. Accomplishment of the actions
specified in the service bulletins is intended to adequately address
the identified unsafe condition. The RLD classified these service
bulletins as mandatory and issued Dutch airworthiness directive 93-141
(A), dated November 1, 1993, in order to assure the continued
airworthiness of these airplanes in the Netherlands.
FAA's Conclusions
This airplane model is manufactured in the Netherlands and is type
[[Page 63177]]
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.19) and
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the RLD has kept the FAA informed of
the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the
RLD, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action
is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States.
Explanation of Requirements of the Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered
in the United States, this AD is being issued to prevent internal short
circuits in the fuel control and electrical power control panels, which
could result in burning of the panels and consequent smoke in the
flight deck area. This AD requires accomplishment of the actions
specified in the service bulletins described previously.
Cost Impact
None of the airplanes affected by this action are on the U.S.
Register. All airplanes included in the applicability of this rule
currently are operated by non-U.S. operators under foreign registry;
therefore, they are not directly affected by this AD action. However,
the FAA considers that this rule is necessary to ensure that the unsafe
condition is addressed in the event that any of these subject airplanes
are imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future.
Should an affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S.
Register in the future, it would require approximately 2 work hours to
accomplish the required replacements, at an average labor rate of $60
per work hour. Required parts would cost approximately $1,480 per
airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this AD would be
$1,600 per airplane.
Determination of Rule's Effective Date
Since this AD action does not affect any airplane that is currently
on the U.S. register, it has no adverse economic impact and imposes no
additional burden on any person. Therefore, prior notice and public
procedures hereon are unnecessary and the amendment may be made
effective in less than 30 days after publication in the Federal
Register.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not
preceded by notice and opportunity for public comment, comments are
invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this
rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may
desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be
submitted in triplicate to the address specified under the caption
ADDRESSES. All communications received on or before the closing date
for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light
of the comments received. Factual information that supports the
commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating
the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional
rulemaking action would be needed.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 99-NM-316-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
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:
99-23-25 Fokker Services B.V.: Amendment 39-11421. Docket 99-NM-316-
AD.
Applicability: Model F27 Mark 050 series airplanes, serial
numbers 20103 through 20231 inclusive, certificated in any category,
and equipped with any control panel having a part number (P/N)
listed below:
Electrical power control panel P/N:
F7941-011-407
F7941-011-413
F7941-011-425
F7941-011-435
W7981-011-401
W7981-011-403
Fuel control panel P/N:
F7941-005-403
F7941-005-407
F7941-005-409
F7941-005-411
F7941-005-413
F7941-005-415
W7981-005-401
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.
[[Page 63178]]
To prevent internal short circuits in the fuel control and
electrical power control panels, which could result in burning of
the panels and consequent smoke in the flight deck area, accomplish
the following:
Replacement
(a) Within one year after the effective date of this AD: Replace
the lighting plate of the fuel control panel with a new, improved
plate, in accordance with Fokker Component Service Bulletin F7941-
005-28-03, dated September 15, 1993.
(b) Within one year after the effective date of this AD: Replace
the lighting plate of the electrical power control panel with a new,
improved plate, in accordance with Fokker Component Service Bulletin
F7941-011-24-11, dated September 15, 1993.
Spare Parts
(c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install
a lighting plate, P/N 95-1847-1, 95-1838-1, or 95-1838-3, on any
airplane.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(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 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.
Special Flight Permits
(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.
Incorporation by Reference
(f) The actions shall be done in accordance with Fokker
Component Service Bulletin F7941-005-28-03, dated September 15,
1993, and Fokker Component Service Bulletin F7941-011-24-11, dated
September 15, 1993. 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., P.O. Box 231, 2150 AE Nieuw-Vennep, 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 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Dutch
airworthiness directive 93-141 (A), dated November 1, 1993.
(g) This amendment becomes effective on December 6, 1999.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 5, 1999.
D.L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-29738 Filed 11-18-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
