[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 48 (Thursday, March 12, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 11985-11987]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-6329]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
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Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 48 / Thursday, March 12, 1998 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 11985]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-NM-39-AD; Amendment 39-10384; AD 98-06-07]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive
(AD), applicable to certain Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 series
airplanes, that currently requires a revision to the Airplane Flight
Manual (AFM) to include procedures to prohibit use of reverse engine
thrust power settings between idle and emergency maximum. This
amendment revises the existing AFM revision requirement, and adds a new
revision to the AFM to prohibit stabilized engine operation in a
certain engine speed range on the ground. 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 stabilized engine operation in a certain engine
speed range on the ground, which could result in uncontained engine fan
blade failure due to high cycle fatigue cracking.
DATES: Effective March 27, 1998.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before April 13, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-NM-39-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98055-4056.
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: On October 15, 1997, the FAA issued AD 97-
19-16, amendment 39-10169 (62 FR 54579, October 21, 1997), applicable
to certain Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes, to require a
revision to the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to include
procedures to prohibit use of reverse engine thrust power settings
between idle and emergency maximum. That AD also requires submission of
a report to the airplane manufacturer if the limits are exceeded. That
action was prompted by a report that, during preparation for takeoff,
an engine fan blade failure occurred, followed by an engine fire. The
actions required by that AD are intended to prevent uncontained engine
fan blade failure due to high cycle fatigue cracking, which could
result in loss of thrust from the affected engine and secondary damage
to aircraft and/or fire.
Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule
Since the issuance of that AD, the Rijksluchtvaartdienst (RLD),
which is the airworthiness authority for the Netherlands, notified the
FAA that new engine operating limitations are necessary to prevent high
cycle fatigue cracking of the engine fan blades. The RLD advises that
stabilized engine operation in the speed range between 60 and 75
percent low pressure rotational speed (N1) during ground operations in
forward or reverse thrust may cause high fan blade stresses and
resultant high cycle fatigue cracking. This condition, if not
corrected, could result in uncontained engine fan blade failure.
The RLD classified these limitations as mandatory and issued Dutch
airworthiness directive 1997-110/2 (A), dated January 30, 1998, in
order to assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in the
Netherlands. The Dutch airworthiness directive adds certain statements
to clarify the operating limitation that prohibits use of reverse
engine thrust power settings between idle and emergency maximum. In
addition, the Dutch airworthiness directive also specifies that
inspections of Rolls-Royce Tay 650 series engines are to be
accomplished if the operating limits discussed previously have been
exceeded.
FAA's Conclusions
This airplane model is manufactured in the Netherlands and is type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) 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 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 supersedes AD 97-19-16 to continue to
require revising the AFM to prohibit use of reverse thrust power
settings between idle and emergency maximum. This AD also deletes the
reporting requirement contained in AD 97-19-16, since engine
inspections have been defined for cases where limits have been
exceeded.
This AD adds a requirement to revise the AFM to prohibit stabilized
engine operation in the speed range between 60 and 75 percent low
pressure rotational speed (N1) during ground operations in forward or
reverse thrust.
Differences Between This AD and the Dutch Airworthiness Directive
This AD differs from the parallel Dutch airworthiness directive in
that it does not mandate the accomplishment of certain engine
inspections for airplanes on which the new engine limits are exceeded.
(These inspections also are specified in British airworthiness
directive 001-12-97.) The FAA may consider further rulemaking to
address the associated engine inspection requirements.
In addition, this AD differs from the parallel Dutch airworthiness
directive in that this AD specifically limits the
[[Page 11986]]
maximum reverse thrust lever positions to the idle detent position for
normal operation. This change is necessary to ensure that the
limitations are clearly understood by the flightcrew.
Interim Action
This is considered to be interim action until final action is
identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking.
Determination of Rule's Effective Date
Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by
notice and an 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 98-NM-39-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.
The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket.
A copy of it, if filed, 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, 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 removing amendment 39-10169 (62 FR
54579, October 21, 1997), and by adding a new airworthiness directive
(AD), amendment 39-10384, to read as follows:
98-06-07 Fokker: Amendment 39-10384. Docket 98-NM-39-AD. Supersedes
AD 97-19-16, amendment 39-10169.
Applicability: Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes equipped
with Rolls-Royce (RR) Tay 650-15 engines, 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 (c) 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 stabilized engine operation in a certain engine speed
range on the ground, which could result in uncontained engine fan
blade failure due to high cycle fatigue cracking, accomplish the
following:
(a) Within 72 hours after October 27, 1997 (the effective date
of AD 97-19-16, amendment 39-10169), revise the Limitations Section,
Subsection 2.06.01 ``Thrust Reverser,'' of the FAA-approved Airplane
Flight Manual (AFM) to add the following. This may be accomplished
by inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM.
``THRUST REVERSER
Thrust reversers are intended for ground use only. Intentional
use of reverse thrust in flight is prohibited. After reverse thrust
has been initiated, a full stop landing must be made.
Maximum Reverse Thrust Lever Positions
Normal Operation:
--The idle detent position shall not be exceeded in normal
operation.
Emergency Operation:
--In case of emergency, the emergency maximum reverse thrust may
be used.
--Stabilized operation with the reverse lever in an intermediate
position between idle reverse and emergency maximum reverse is
prohibited.
--If directional control problems occur, select forward idle.
Exceeding the idle reverse thrust limitations must be
reported.''
(b) Within 72 hours after the effective date of this AD, remove
the revision to the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved Airplane
Flight Manual (AFM) required by AD 97-19-16, amendment 39-10169, and
revise the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved AFM to add the
following. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD
in the AFM.
``LIMITATIONS
POWERPLANT and APU LIMITATIONS
OPERATING LIMITS
To avoid high fan blade stresses, stabilized operation
in the speed range between 60% and 75% Low Pressure Rotational Speed
(N1) is not permitted during Ground Operations in Forward or Reverse
Thrust, except that passing through this range while increasing or
decreasing thrust is permitted.
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THRUST REVERSER
Thrust reversers are intended for ground use only. Intentional
use of reverse thrust in flight is prohibited. After reverse thrust
has been initiated, a full stop landing must be made.
Maximum Reverse Thrust Lever Positions
Normal Operation:
--The idle detent position shall not be exceeded in normal
operation.
--Momentarily exceeding the idle detent position, while
selecting idle reverse, is acceptable.
Emergency Operation:
--In case of emergency, the emergency maximum reverse thrust may
be used.
--If directional control problems occur, reduce to idle reverse
or select forward idle.
--Stabilized operation with the reverse lever in an intermediate
position between idle reverse and emergency maximum reverse is
prohibited, except (where approved) during Power-Back operations.''
Note 2: Fokker Services Manual Change Notification--Operational
Documentation (MCNO) No. F100-006, dated November 27, 1997, contains
information that pertains to this subject. Rolls-Royce PLC Engine
Operating Instruction Manual Reference F-TAY-3RR, revised by
transmittal letter No. 13 dated October 15, 1997, also pertains to
this subject.
(c) 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 Operations 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.
(d) 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.
Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Dutch
airworthiness directive 1997-110/2 (A), dated January 30, 1998.
(e) This amendment becomes effective on March 27, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 5, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-6329 Filed 3-11-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
