[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 76 (Wednesday, April 20, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-9470]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: April 20, 1994]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 93-NM-147-AD; Amendment 39-8892; AD 94-09-04]
Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F28 Mark 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 0100 series airplanes, that
requires replacement of the flight control computers (FCC) with new,
improved FCC's; and removal of certain limitations from the Airplane
Flight Manual (AFM), if necessary. This amendment is prompted by
reports indicating that, during a level change descent with auto
throttles engaged and manual flight, airplanes inadvertently have
approached near minimum speeds. The actions specified by this AD are
intended to prevent inadvertent loss of airspeed during a level change
descent.
DATES: Effective May 20, 1994.
The incorporation by reference of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-
22-037, dated May 31, 1993, as listed in the regulations, was approved
previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of August 2, 1993
(58 FR 38283, July 16, 1993).
The incorporation by reference of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-
22-029, dated January 6, 1992, as listed in the regulations, is
approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of May 20, 1994.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Fokker Aircraft USA, Inc., 1199 North Fairfax Street,
Alexandria, Virginia 22314. 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: Mark Quam, Aerospace Engineer,
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206)
227-2141; fax (206) 227-2145.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is
applicable to certain Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes was
published in the Federal Register on November 12, 1993 (58 FR 59970).
That action proposed to require replacement of the flight control
computers (FCC) with new, improved FCC's; and removal of two related
limitations from the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved Airplane
Flight Manual (AFM), if those limitations are currently present in the
AFM.
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.
Another commenter requests that the proposed rule be revised to
include an additional part-numbered FCC as an acceptable alternative
component for compliance. This commenter states that it has installed
an FCC having part number 622-7476-411, in accordance with Fokker
Service Bulletin SBF100-22-037, dated May 31, 1993, on its affected
airplanes. The commenter installed this particular FCC when complying
with an optional terminating action provided in AD 93-14-02 (58 FR
38283, July 16, 1993). The FAA has reviewed this data and finds that an
FCC having part number 622-7476-411 is an acceptable alternative to
that called out in the proposal. The FAA has revised the final rule to
indicate this.
This same commenter requests that the proposed rule be revised to
include the words ``or subsequent'' for the part number, so that future
designs of the FCC would be permitted to be installed as alternatives
to the specific part numbered component called out in the AD. The FAA
does not concur, since there would be no way to establish that the
inclusion of these words would prevent the installation of incompatible
components. For example, the ``Material Information'' portion of the
Fokker service bulletins cited in the AD indicates that only specific
equipment combinations are compatible (implying that similar part
numbers in the component series that are not listed may not be
compatible). For this reason, the FAA considers it inappropriate to
permit the indiscriminate installation of any future FCC designs. A
Note has been added to the final rule to make operators aware of the
equipment combination limitations described in the service bulletins.
This same commenter requests that the proposed rule not require
accomplishment of the actions specifically in accordance with the cited
service bulletins; the service bulletins should be for reference only.
Although the commenter does not specify a particular reason for this
request, the FAA infers that (1) the commenter would like to install
improved or modified equipment versions of the same basic part number
series that may or may not be called out in the service bulletins; or
(2) the commenter would prefer that the rule permit installation of the
FCC in accordance with an operator's own methods. The FAA does not
concur. As for the first inference, the FAA has addressed this in the
previous paragraph. As for the second inference, the FAA points out
that the referenced service bulletins contain specific wiring
procedures necessary for installation of the FCC and contain equipment
configuration limitations; the FAA has determined that these procedures
must be followed in order to ensure proper installation and operation.
Paragraph (d) of the final rule does provide for the use of alternative
methods of compliance with this rule, provided that data is submitted
to the FAA to justify the use of such a method.
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 with the change previously
described. The FAA has determined that this change will neither
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of
the AD.
The FAA estimates that 39 airplanes of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 16 work hours per
airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor
rate is $55 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $460
per airplane. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD
on U.S. operators is estimated to be $52,260, or $1,340 per airplane.
The total 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.
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 14 CFR part
39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C.
106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
94-09-04 Fokker: Amendment 39-8892. Docket 93-NM-147-AD.
Applicability: Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes, serial
numbers 11244 through 11364, inclusive, certificated in any
category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent inadvertent loss of airspeed during a level change
descent, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, replace
any flight control computer (FCC) having part number (P/N) 622-7476-
321, P/N 622-7476-331, or P/N 622-7476-401, with either of the
following improved FCC's:
(1) P/N 622-7476-402, in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin
SBF100-22-029, dated January 6, 1992; or
(2) P/N 622-7476-411, in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin
SBF100-22-037, dated May 31, 1993.
Note 1: Each service bulletin referenced in this paragraph lists
equipment configurations under paragraph 1.C. (``Description'') and
paragraph 3. (``Material Information'') that must be adhered to in
order to ensure proper operation of the FCC's.
(b) Prior to further flight after accomplishment of paragraph
(a) of this AD, the following limitations, if present, must be
removed from the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved Airplane
Flight Manual (AFM), section 2.08.01.
``Flight Director
Manual Flight With Flight Director ON
For accurate speed control and adequate speed protection the FD
pitch commands must be followed when flying manually.
In case the FD commands are not followed, switch both FD's to
FPV or OFF.
Non-precision Approach
Do not use LVLCH descent mode below 2000 ft. AGL.
With PROF engaged, do not lower the FMP altitude below the
initial approach or missed approach altitude.''
(c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install
any FCC having P/N 622-7476-321, P/N 622-7476-331, or P/N 622-7476-
401 on any airplane.
(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, Standardization Branch, ANM-113,
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,
Standardization Branch, ANM-113.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.
(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 installation shall be done in accordance with Fokker
Service Bulletin SBF100-22-029, dated January 6, 1992; or Fokker
Service Bulletin SBF100-22-037, dated May 31, 1993. The
incorporation by reference of the first service bulletin listed was
approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. The incorporation by reference of
the latter service bulletin was approved previously by the Director
of the Federal Register as of August 2, 1993 (58 FR 38283, July 16,
1993). Copies may be obtained from Fokker Aircraft USA, Inc., 1199
North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314. 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.
(g) This amendment becomes effective on May 20, 1994.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 14, 1994.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 94-9470 Filed 4-19-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
