[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 65 (Monday, April 6, 1998)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 16711-16713]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-8902]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-NM-45-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F.28 Mark 1000, 2000,
3000, and 4000 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Fokker Model F.28 Mark
1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 series airplanes. This proposal would
require a one-time inspection to determine the torque values of the
coupling fitting attachment bolts at fuselage station 10790, and
corrective action, if necessary. This proposal is prompted by issuance
of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil
airworthiness authority. The actions specified by the proposed AD are
intended to prevent loss of the coupling fitting attachment bolts
between the center wing section and the fuselage, and consequent
reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
DATES: Comments must be received by May 6, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-NM-45-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this location
between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays.
The service information referenced in the proposed rule 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 FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington.
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:
[[Page 16712]]
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the
proposed 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 above. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments,
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in
light of the comments received.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 98-NM-45-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Availability of NPRMs
Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules
Docket No. 98-NM-45-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055-4056.
Discussion
The Rijksluchtvaartdienst (RLD), which is the airworthiness
authority for the Netherlands, notified the FAA that an unsafe
condition may exist on certain Fokker Model F.28 Mark 1000, 2000, 3000,
and 4000 series airplanes. The RLD advises that it has received reports
of loose bolts that attach the coupling fitting to the center wing
section. Investigation has revealed that the torque values for these
bolts, as specified in Fokker Service Bulletin F28/53-125, dated
January, 23, 1993, are below the actual torque value required.
Therefore, airplanes on which Fokker Service Bulletin F28/53-125 has
been accomplished may have loose bolts in this area of the airplane.
This condition, if not corrected, could result in loss of the coupling
fitting attachment bolts between the center wing section and the
fuselage, and consequent reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
Related AD
In 1993, the FAA issued AD 93-13-04, amendment 39-8617, which
mandates Fokker Structural Integrity Program (SIP) Document 28438, Part
I, including revisions up through October 15, 1992. Item 53-10-25 of
that document recommends accomplishment of Fokker Service Bulletin F28/
53-125, dated January 23, 1993, as optional terminating action for the
repetitive inspection requirements of that SIP item.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
In light of the reports of loose bolts discussed previously, the
manufacturer has issued Fokker Service Bulletin F28/53-143, dated
August 30, 1996, to correct the erroneous torque values specified in
Fokker Service Bulletin F28/53-125. Among other things, Fokker Service
Bulletin F28/53-143 procedures for a one-time inspection to determine
the torque values of the coupling fitting attachment bolts at fuselage
station 10790, and re-torquing of the bolts to the correct value, if
necessary. Accomplishment of the actions specified in this service
bulletin is intended to adequately address the identified unsafe
condition. The RLD classified this service bulletin as mandatory and
issued Dutch airworthiness directive 1996-119 (A), dated September 30,
1996, in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes
in the Netherlands.
FAA's Conclusions
These airplane models are manufactured in the Netherlands and are
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 Proposed 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, the proposed AD would require accomplishment of
the actions specified in Part 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Fokker Service Bulletin, F28/53-143, dated August 30, 1996.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 27 airplanes of U.S. registry would be
affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 128 work
hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed inspection, and that the
average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the
cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be
$207,360, or $7,680 per airplane.
The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that
no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed 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 proposed herein would 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
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that 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);
and (3) if promulgated, 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 copy of the draft
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting 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.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend
part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as
follows:
[[Page 16713]]
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:
Fokker Services B.V.: Docket 98-NM-45-AD.
Applicability: Model F.28 Mark 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 series
airplanes, serial numbers 11003 through 11201 inclusive, 11991 and
11992; on which Fokker Service Bulletin F28/53-125, dated January
23, 1993, has been accomplished; certificated in any category.
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 (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 loss of the coupling fitting attachment bolts between
the center wing section and the fuselage, and consequent reduced
structural integrity of the airplane, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 3,000 flight cycles or 1 year after the effective
date of this AD, whichever occurs later, perform a one-time
inspection to determine the torque values of the coupling fitting
attachment bolts between the fuselage and the center wing section at
fuselage station number 10790, in accordance with Part 1 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin F28/53-143,
dated August 30, 1996.
(1) If the torque values are within the limits specified by the
service bulletin, no further action is required by this AD.
(2) If the torque value of any bolt is outside the limits
specified by the service bulletin, prior to further flight, re-
torque the bolt in accordance with the service bulletin.
(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 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.
Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Dutch
airworthiness directive 1996-119 (A), dated September 30, 1996.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 31, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-8902 Filed 4-3-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
