[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 28 (Wednesday, February 11, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6844-6846]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-3261]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 97-NM-264-AD; Amendment 39-10322; AD 98-04-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F28 Mark 0070 and Mark
0100 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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[[Page 6845]]
SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to all Fokker Model F28 Mark 0070 and Mark 0100 series
airplanes, that requires a one-time visual inspection to detect
cracking of the brake torque tube lever, and corrective action, if
necessary. 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
failure of the brake torque tube lever, which could result in a
disconnection between the brake pedal and brake system, and consequent
reduced directional controllability of the airplane during landing.
DATES: Effective March 18, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of March 18, 1998.
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 all Fokker Model F28 Mark 0070 and
Mark 0100 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on
November 28, 1997 (62 FR 63294). That action proposed to require a one-
time visual inspection to detect cracking of the brake torque tube
lever, and corrective action, if necessary.
Comments
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 support the proposed rule. One commenter states that
it has already accomplished the proposed inspection.
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 Fokker Model F28 Mark 0070 and Mark 0100
series airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it
will take approximately 3 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 inspection
required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $23,580, or
$180 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:
98-04-09 Fokker: Amendment 39-10322. Docket 97-NM-264-AD.
Applicability: All Model F28 Mark 0070 and Mark 0100 series
airplanes, 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 (b) 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 failure of the captain's left-hand brake torque tube
lever, which could result in a disconnection between the captain's
left-hand brake pedal and left-hand brake system, and consequent
reduced directional controllability of the airplane during landing,
accomplish the following:
(a) Perform a one-time visual inspection using a mirror or
borescope to detect cracking of the brake torque tube lever having
part number (P/N) D75669-001, in accordance with Fokker Service
Bulletin SBF100-32-108, dated February 7, 1997, at the time
specified in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2), as applicable, of this AD.
If any crack is detected, prior to further flight, replace either
the lever or the entire assembly with a new or serviceable
component, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the
service bulletin.
(1) For airplanes that have accumulated 15,000 or more total
flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect within 30
days after the effective date of this AD.
(2) For airplanes that have accumulated fewer than 15,000 total
flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect prior to
the accumulation of 10,000 total flight cycles, or within 2 months
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
(b) 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
[[Page 6846]]
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.
(c) 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.
(d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Fokker Service
Bulletin SBF100-32-108, dated February 7, 1997. 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 Dutch
airworthiness directive 1997-025(A), dated February 28, 1997.
(e) This amendment becomes effective on March 18, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 4, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-3261 Filed 2-10-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
