2018-08650. Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes  

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    AGENCY:

    Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

    ACTION:

    Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

    SUMMARY:

    We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Fokker Services B.V. Model F28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that the retraction actuator eye-end of a Goodrich main landing gear (MLG) failed. This proposed AD would require a one-time general visual inspection of the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) MLG retraction actuators and replacement if necessary. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

    DATES:

    We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 11, 2018.

    ADDRESSES:

    You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:

    • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    • Fax: 202-493-2251.
    • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations,M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
    • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Fokker Services B.V., Technical Services Dept., P.O. Box 1357, 2130 EL Hoofddorp, the Netherlands; telephone +31 (0)88-6280-350; fax +31 (0)88-6280-111; email technicalservices@fokker.com; internet http://www.myfokkerfleet.com.

    You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.

    Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://Start Printed Page 18489www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0303; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

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    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3226.

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    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include “Docket No. FAA-2018-0303; Product Identifier 2018-NM-006-AD” at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM based on those comments.

    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov,, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this NPRM.

    Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2018-0001, dated January 4, 2018 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or “the MCAI”), to correct an unsafe condition for Fokker Services B.V. Model F28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    An occurrence was reported where, following take-off after gear up selection, the retraction actuator eye-end (P/N [part number] 41518-3) of a Goodrich MLG failed. After the LG UNSAFE indication, the flight crew successfully selected gear down and locked by applying the alternate extension procedure, and an uneventful landing was made. Investigation results showed that the final overload fracture of the eye-end was preceded by fatigue cracks, believed to have been caused by interference between the MLG retraction actuator eye-end and the actuator bracket. It was also highlighted that the affected eye-end had been installed incorrectly, i.e. with the grease nipple located on the lower side, thus causing damage to the eye-end due to interference with the bracket. Further investigations revealed other occurrences of interference between retraction actuator eye-end and bracket with resulting damage.

    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could prevent retraction of the MLG and/or its complete extension, possibly resulting in damage to the aeroplane during landing, and consequent injury to occupants.

    To address this potential unsafe condition, Fokker Services published SBF100-32-168 to provide inspection and replacement instructions.

    For the reasons described above, this AD requires a one-time [general visual] inspection [for deficiencies] (check the eye-end for presence of interference/damage and for orientation of the greasing nipple) of the MLG retraction actuators, left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) sides, and, depending on findings, replacement.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0303.

    Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Fokker Services B.V. has issued Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-168, dated May 22, 2017. This service information describes procedures for a one-time general visual inspection for deficiencies of the Goodrich MLG retraction actuators and replacement of the actuator if necessary (e.g., if the retraction actuator greasing nipple is not located on the upper side MLG retraction actuator eye-end or if interference damage or evidence of removed damage is present on the eye-end of the MLG retraction actuator). This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

    FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.

    Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 5 airplanes of U.S. registry.

    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

    Estimated Costs

    ActionLabor costParts costCost per productCost on U.S. operators
    Inspection1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 per inspection cycle$0$85 per inspection cycle$425 per inspection cycle.

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these replacements:

    On-Condition Costs

    ActionLabor costParts costCost per product
    Replacement1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85$0$85.
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    Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. “Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,” describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.

    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in “Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.” Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.

    This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes to the Director of the System Oversight Division.

    Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect 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.

    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed regulation:

    1. Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866;

    2. Is not a “significant rule” under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);

    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and

    4. 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.

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    List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    • Air transportation
    • Aircraft
    • Aviation safety
    • Incorporation by reference
    • Safety
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    The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

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    PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

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    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

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    [Amended]
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    2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

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    Fokker Services B.V.: Docket No. FAA-2018-0303; Product Identifier 2018-NM-006-AD.

    (a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by June 11, 2018.

    (b) Affected ADs

    None.

    (c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Fokker Services B.V. Model F28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes, certificated in any category, all serial numbers, if equipped with Goodrich main landing gear (MLG), part number (P/N) 41050-x (all dashes) or P/N 41060-x (all dashes).

    (d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing gear.

    (e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report that the retraction actuator eye-end of a Goodrich MLG failed. We are issuing this AD to address failure of the retraction actuator eye-end of a Goodrich MLG, which could prevent retraction of the MLG and/or its complete extension, possibly resulting in damage to the airplane during landing, and consequent injury to occupants.

    (f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.

    (g) Definition

    For the purposes of this AD, a “serviceable part” is a serviceable retraction actuator with an eye-end that does not have any indication of interference or damage, as specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-168, dated May 22, 2017.

    (h) Inspection and Corrective Action

    Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a general visual inspection of the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) MLG retraction actuators for deficiencies (i.e., check for the presence of interference damage, including evidence of removed damage, and for the orientation of the greasing nipple). If any deficiency is found, before further flight, replace the affected MLG retraction actuator with a serviceable part in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-168, dated May 22, 2017.

    (i) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:

    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the International Section, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(2) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office.

    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Fokker Services B.V.'s EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

    (j) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD 2018-0001, dated January 4, 2018, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0303.

    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3226.

    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Fokker Services B.V., Technical Services Dept., P.O. Box 1357, 2130 EL Hoofddorp, the Netherlands; telephone +31 (0)88-6280-350; fax +31 (0)88-6280-111; email technicalservices@fokker.com; internet http://www.myfokkerfleet.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.

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    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on April 11, 2018.

    Dionne Palermo,

    Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service.

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    [FR Doc. 2018-08650 Filed 4-26-18; 8:45 am]

    BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Document Information

Published:
04/27/2018
Department:
Federal Aviation Administration
Entry Type:
Proposed Rule
Action:
Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Document Number:
2018-08650
Dates:
We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 11, 2018.
Pages:
18488-18490 (3 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. FAA-2018-0303, Product Identifier 2018-NM-006-AD
RINs:
2120-AA64: Airworthiness Directives
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/2120-AA64/airworthiness-directives
Topics:
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety
PDF File:
2018-08650.Pdf
Supporting Documents:
» SBF100-32-168
» Supporting AD Documents
CFR: (1)
14 CFR 39.13