[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 146 (Monday, July 29, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 39311-39312]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-18772]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 95-NM-171-AD; Amendment 39-9700; AD 96-15-10]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 and 0070
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 and 0070 series
airplanes, that requires modification of the wheel brake assembly on
the main landing gear. This amendment is prompted by reports of
aluminum brake pistons that have ballooned and failed. The actions
specified by this AD are intended to prevent such failure of the
pistons, which could result in leakage of the hydraulic fluid,
resultant loss of braking capability, and a possible brake fire.
DATES: Effective September 3, 1996.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of September 3, 1996.
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: Ruth Harder, Aerospace Engineer,
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206)
227-1721; fax (206) 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 certain Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100
and 0070 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on
April 10, 1996 (61 FR 15908). That action proposed to require
modification of the wheel brake assembly on the main landing gear
(MLG).
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the comments received.
Support for the Proposal
One commenter supports the proposal.
Request To Withdraw the Proposal
The Air Transport Association (ATA) of America, on behalf of its
member operators, has no technical objection to the proposal, but
requests that the FAA withdraw the proposal if the entire affected U.S.
fleet has been modified already. The ATA states that its one member
operator affected by the proposal will accomplish the modification on
all of its fleet within a short time. Consequently, the ATA questions
the need for an AD when the fleet will be in compliance with the AD by
the time the final rule is adopted.
The FAA does not concur with the commenter's request to withdraw
the proposal. Even if the current U.S.-registered fleet may be in
compliance with the requirements of the AD, the issuance of the rule is
still necessary to ensure that any affected airplane that is imported
and placed on the U.S. register in the future will be required to be in
compliance as well. The manufacturer has advised the FAA that not all
of the affected airplanes, worldwide, have been modified; therefore,
the possibility exists that an unmodified airplane could be imported to
the U.S. at some future time. Issuance of this AD will ensure that the
airplane is modified prior to the time it is permitted to operate in
the U.S.
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 122 airplanes of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD.
The replacement of the brake pistons, if accomplished, will take
approximately 9 work hours per airplane (when accomplished as part of a
normal brake overhaul), at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour.
Required parts will be provided by the manufacturer at no cost to
operators. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this replacement
action on U.S. operators is estimated to be $540 per airplane.
The installation of the cylinder sleeve kit, if accomplished, will
take approximately 9 work hours per airplane (when accomplished as part
of a normal brake overhaul), at an average labor rate of $60 per work
hour. Required parts will cost approximately $4,400 per airplane. Based
on these figures, the cost impact of this installation action on U.S.
operators is estimated to be $4,940 per airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are 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. However, the FAA has been advised
that at least 40 affected airplanes already have been modified in
accordance with the requirements of this AD; therefore, the future cost
impact of the AD on U.S. operators is reduced by that amount.
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
[[Page 39312]]
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:
96-15-10 Fokker: Amendment 39-9700. Docket 95-NM-171-AD.
Applicability: Model F28 Mark 0100 and 0070 series airplanes;
equipped with Aircraft Braking Systems Corporation (ABSC) brake
assemblies having part number (P/N) 5008132-2, -3, -4, -5, -6, or -
7, all serial numbers; 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 (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 loss of braking capability and possible brake fire
due to failure of the brake pistons, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 9 months after the effective date of this AD, or at
the next scheduled or unscheduled brake overhaul, whichever occurs
first: Modify ABSC wheel brake assemblies having P/N 5008132-2, -3,
-4, -5, -6, or -7, all serial numbers, by accomplishing either
paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD.
(1) Replace the brake assemblies with modified units having
stainless steel pistons, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-092, dated January
11, 1995. Or
(2) Install a cylinder sleeve kit in accordance with Aircraft
Braking Systems Service Bulletin Fo100-32-63, dated January 13,
1995.
(b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install
an ABSC brake assembly having part number 5008132-2, -3, -4, -5, -6,
or -7, on any airplane unless it has been modified in accordance
with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-092, dated January 11, 1995,
or Aircraft Braking Systems Service Bulletin Fo100-32-63, dated
January 13, 1995.
(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, 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.
(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.
(e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Fokker Service
Bulletin SBF100-32-092, dated January 11, 1995; and Aircraft Braking
Systems Service Bulletin Fo100-32-63, dated January 13, 1995. 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 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.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on September 3, 1996.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 18, 1996.
Stewart R. Miller,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-18772 Filed 7-26-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
