[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 229 (Friday, November 28, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63260-63262]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-31021]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 95-NM-29-AD; Amendment 39-10223; AD 97-24-16]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F28 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 F28 Mark 0070 and 0100 series
airplanes, that requires a one-time operational test of a certain pitot
heating system, repair or replacement of failed elements, and repair or
replacement of the pitot heating system with a new improved system.
This amendment also requires installation of new power supply wiring
with increased gauge thickness, and a circuit breaker with an increased
amperage rating. This amendment is prompted by the issuance of
mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil
airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended
to prevent icing of the No. 1 pitot tube, which could result in failure
of the No. 1 Air Data Computer, or output of erroneous airspeed data to
all on-side subsidiary systems, including the Automatic Flight Control
and Augmentation System.
DATES: Effective January 2, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of January 2, 1998.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from 95-NM-29-AD. 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: 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 F28 Mark 0070
and 0100 series airplanes was published as a supplemental notice of
proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register on February 3, 1997
(62 FR 4944). That action proposed to require a one-time operational
test of the No. 1 pitot heating system, repair or replacement of failed
elements, and repair or replacement of the pitot heating system with a
new improved system. That action also proposed to require installation
of new power supply wiring with increased gauge thickness, and a
circuit breaker with an increased amperage rating.
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the comments received.
One commenter supports the proposed rule.
Requests To Extend the Compliance Time for Replacement of Pitot
Tube
Two commenters request that the compliance time, specified in
paragraph (b)(2) of the proposed AD, for accomplishing the replacement
of the pitot tube and associated electrical modifications be extended
from the proposed 18 months to 24 months. The commenters state that
such an extension will allow the replacement to be accomplished during
a regularly scheduled heavy maintenance check for all but 7 of its
affected airplanes, and thereby minimize any additional expenses that
would be associated with special scheduling.
The FAA does not concur with the commenters' request. In developing
an appropriate compliance time for this action, the FAA considered not
only the degree of urgency associated with addressing the subject
unsafe condition, but the manufacturer's and foreign airworthiness
authority's recommendations as to an appropriate compliance time, the
availability of required parts, and the practical aspect of installing
the required replacement within an interval of time that parallels the
normal scheduled maintenance for the majority of affected operators.
The FAA has determined that the compliance time, as proposed,
represents the maximum interval of time allowable for the affected
airplanes to continue to operate prior to accomplishing the required
replacement without compromising safety. In addition, the commenters
have not provided any data to substantiate why an extension of the
compliance time would not compromise safety.
In consideration of all of these factors, and in consideration of
the amount of time that has already elapsed since issuance of the
original NPRM, the FAA has determined that further delay of this
modification is not appropriate. However, under the provisions of
paragraph (d) of the final rule, the FAA may approve requests for
adjustments to the compliance time if data are submitted to
substantiate that such an adjustment would provide an acceptable level
of safety.
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 129 Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 and 0070
series airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD.
The required operational check will take approximately 1 work hour
per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work
hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact for the operational check
required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $7,740, or $60
per airplane.
The required replacement of the pitot heating system will take
approximately 36 work hours per airplane, at an average labor rate of
$60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $16,000 per
airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this replacement
required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $18,160 per
airplane.
For airplanes on which replacement of the pitot heating system has
been accomplished previously, the required installation of the power
supply electrical wiring and circuit breaker will take approximately 12
work hours per airplane, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour.
Required parts will cost approximately $350 per airplane. Based on
these figures, the cost impact is estimated to be $1,070 per airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this
AD action, and that no operator would accomplish
[[Page 63261]]
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:
97-24-16 Fokker: Amendment 39-10223. Docket 95-NM-29-AD.
Applicability: Model F28 Mark 0070 and 0100 series airplanes,
certificated in any category, and having the following serial
numbers:
11244 through 11495, inclusive;
11497 through 11507, inclusive;
11509;
11511 through 11517, inclusive;
11519 through 11523, inclusive;
11527 through 11529, inclusive;
11532;
11536 through 11541, inclusive;
11543;
11545;
11547;
11549;
11551;
11553 through 11565, inclusive;
11567;
11570;
11573; and
11574.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
otherwise 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 icing of the No. 1 pitot tube, which could result in
failure of the No. 1 Air Data Computer (ADC #1) or output of
erroneous airspeed data to all on-side subsidiary systems, including
the Automatic Flight Control and Augmentation System (AFCAS),
accomplish the following:
(a) For airplanes that have type 853JB pitot tubes installed:
Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform an
operational test of the No. 1 pitot heating system in accordance
with Part 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service
Bulletin SBF100-30-015, Revision 2, dated January 25, 1995.
(1) If the pitot heating system passes the operational test,
accomplish the requirements of either paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of
this AD, as applicable, at the time specified.
(2) If any pitot tube heating element is found to be
inoperative, prior to further flight, repair or replace the failed
element with a serviceable element, in accordance with the Fokker
100 Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM).
(b) For airplanes on which Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-30-
017, dated August 23, 1995, has not been accomplished: At the
applicable time specified in either paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of
this AD, replace the type 853JB or type 853KK No. 1 pitot tube, with
a type 853BR pitot tube; and install the inverter, current sensor,
wiring, and circuit breaker; in accordance with Fokker Service
Bulletin SBF100-30-019, dated June 20, 1996.
(1) For airplanes with the flight warning system (FWS) speed
comparator not activated and with a type 853JB No. 1 pitot tube
installed: Accomplish the replacement within 9 months after the
effective date of this AD.
(2) For airplanes with the FWS speed comparator activated or
with a type 853KK No. 1 pitot tube installed: Accomplish the
replacement within 18 months after the effective date of this AD.
(c) For airplanes on which Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-30-
017, dated August 23, 1995, has been accomplished, either in service
or factory-incorporated: Within 18 months after the effective date
of this AD, replace the No. 1 pitot heating circuit breaker and
modify the power supply electrical wiring, in accordance with Fokker
Service Bulletin SBF100-30-020, dated June 20, 1996.
(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.
(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) The actions shall be done in accordance with Fokker Service
Bulletin SBF100-30-015, Revision 2, dated January 25, 1995; Fokker
Service Bulletin SBF100-30-019, dated June 20, 1996; and Fokker
Service Bulletin SBF100-30-020, dated June 20, 1996. Revision 2 of
Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-30-015 contains the following list of
effective pages:
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Page No. Revision level shown on page Date shown on page
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1, 3, 9, 15, 17, 18, 22, 35, 36, 38... 2.................................. January 25, 1995.
2, 12, 14, 16, 25, 26, 30-32, 37...... 1.................................. September 14, 1994.
4-8, 10, 11, 13, 19-21, 23, 24, 27-29, Original........................... July 7, 1994.
33, 34, 39.
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[[Page 63262]]
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 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Netherlands
airworthiness directive BLA 94-114(A), dated August 5, 1994.
(g) This amendment becomes effective on January 2, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 19, 1997.
Stewart R. Miller,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-31021 Filed 11-26-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
