2018-17624. Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT).

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

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

DATES:

This AD is effective September 21, 2018.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 21, 2018.

ADDRESSES:

For service information identified in this final rule, contact Fokker Services B.V., Technical Services Dept., P.O. Box 1357, 2130 EL Hoofddorp, the Netherlands; telephone [phone]; fax [phone]; email [e-mail]; 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. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0303.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0303; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: [phone]) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

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 [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Fokker Services B.V. Model F28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 27, 2018 (83 FR 18488). The NPRM was prompted by a report that the retraction actuator eye-end of a Goodrich MLG failed. The NPRM proposed to require a one-time general visual inspection of the LH and RH MLG retraction actuators and replacement if necessary.

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.

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 certain 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.

Comments

We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this final rule. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed, except for minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:

• Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM.

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.

Costs of Compliance

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

We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

Estimated Costs

Action	Labor cost	Parts cost	Cost per product	Cost on U.S. operators
Inspection	1 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 inspection. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these replacements:

On-Condition Costs

Action	Labor cost	Parts cost	Cost per product
Replacement	1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85	$0	$85

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 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 and associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division.

Regulatory Findings

This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 that this AD:

(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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

• Air transportation
• Aircraft
• Aviation safety
• Incorporation by reference
• Safety

Adoption of the Amendment

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 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.

§ 39.13

[Amended]

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

2018-17-06 Fokker Services B.V.: Amendment 39-19360; Docket No. FAA-2018-0303; Product Identifier 2018-NM-006-AD.

(a) Effective Date

This AD is effective September 21, 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), in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-168, dated May 22, 2017. 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: [e-mail]. 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 [phone].

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.

(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.

(i) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-168, dated May 22, 2017.

(ii) Reserved.

(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 [phone]; fax [phone]; email [e-mail]; internet http://www.myfokkerfleet.com.

(4) 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.

(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/​federal-register/​cfr/​ibr-locations.html.

Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on August 7, 2018.

Michael Kaszycki,

Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service.