[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 149 (Monday, August 4, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41839-41841]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-20440]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 97-NM-149-AD; Amendment 39-10100; AD 97-16-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes. This
action requires a one-time inspection to detect fatigue cracking of the
hinges of the cargo doors, and repair, if necessary. This amendment is
prompted by reports indicating that, during inspections of the cargo
door area, fatigue cracking of hinges of the cargo doors was detected.
The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to detect and
correct such cracking, which could result in structural failure of the
cargo doors, and consequent rapid decompression of the airplane and
possible separation of the cargo doors from the airplane during flight.
DATES: Effective August 19, 1997.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of August 19, 1997.
Comments for inclusion in the rules docket must be received on or
before October 3, 1997.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-149-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
The service information referenced in this AD 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; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800
North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Dulin, Aerospace Engineer,
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
[[Page 41840]]
Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2141; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Rijksluchtvaartdienst (RLD), which is
the airworthiness authority for the Netherlands, recently notified the
FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Fokker Model F28 Mark
0100 series airplanes. The RLD advises that it has received reports
indicating that, during scheduled visual inspections of the cargo door
area, fatigue cracking of the hinges of the forward, center, and rear
cargo doors were found. This cracking occurred much earlier than
anticipated by fatigue analysis and test results. Therefore, the
threshold for inspection of the cargo door hinges specified in the
Airworthiness Limitations Items (ALI) and Maintenance Review Board
(MRB) task numbers 523052-00-02 and 523052-00-03 may need to be
adjusted. Investigation is continuing to determine if other factors
(such as a jamming cargo net at the door hinge, a cargo door that slams
against the fuselage when it is opened, etc.) may have contributed to
the cracking of the hinges.
Fatigue cracking of the hinges of the cargo doors, if not detected
and corrected in a timely manner, could result in structural failure of
the cargo doors, and consequent rapid decompression of the airplane and
possible separation of the cargo doors from the airplane during flight.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
Fokker has issued Service Bulletin SBF100-52-061, dated September
28, 1996, which describes procedures for a one-time inspection to
detect fatigue cracking of the hinges of the cargo doors. The service
bulletin also provides a form for operators to report the results of
the one-time inspection. The RLD classified this service bulletin as
mandatory and issued Dutch airworthiness directive (BLA) 1996-125 (A),
dated September 30, 1996, in order to assure the continued
airworthiness of these airplanes in the Netherlands.
FAA's Conclusions
This airplane model is manufactured in the Netherlands and is type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.19) 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 the 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, this AD is being issued to require a one-time
inspection to detect fatigue cracking of the hinges of the cargo doors,
and repair, if necessary. This AD also requires that operators submit a
report of the findings of the one-time inspection required by this
action to the airplane manufacturer. The information obtained from
these reports will enable the manufacturer to determine if other
factors may have contributed to the fatigue cracking of the hinges. The
inspections are required to be accomplished in accordance with the
service bulletin described previously. Repair of any fatigue cracking
detected, is required to be accomplished in accordance with a method
approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113.
Interim Action
This is considered to be interim action until final action is
identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking.
Cost Impact
None of the Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes affected by this
action are on the U.S. Register. All airplanes included in the
applicability of this rule currently are operated by non-U.S. operators
under foreign registry; therefore, they are not directly affected by
this AD action. However, the FAA considers that this rule is necessary
to ensure that the unsafe condition is addressed in the event that any
of these subject airplanes are imported and placed on the U.S. Register
in the future.
Should an affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S.
Register in the future, it would require approximately 2 work hours to
accomplish the required actions, at an average labor charge of $60 per
work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this AD would be
$120 per airplane.
Determination of Rule's Effective Date
Since this AD action does not affect any airplane that is currently
on the U.S. register, it has no adverse economic impact and imposes no
additional burden on any person. Therefore, prior notice and public
procedures hereon are unnecessary and the amendment may be made
effective in less than 30 days after publication in the Federal
Register.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not
preceded by notice and opportunity for public comment, comments are
invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this
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 under the caption
ADDRESSES. All communications received on or before the closing date
for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light
of the comments received. Factual information that supports the
commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating
the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional
rulemaking action would be needed.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify the 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 that
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this
AD will be filed in the rules docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 97-NM-149-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
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 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)
[[Page 41841]]
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:
97-16-08 Fokker: Amendment 39-10100. Docket 97-NM-149-AD.
Applicability: Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes, serial
numbers 11244 through 11474 inclusive, equipped with small cargo
doors having hinge assemblies having part numbers A28410-405,
A28410-407, and/or D28410-409; certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
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 detect and correct fatigue cracking of the hinges, which
could result in rapid decompression of the airplane and separation
of the cargo doors during flight; accomplish the following:
(a) Prior to the accumulation of 8,000 total flight cycles, or
within 5 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs later: Perform a one-time inspection to detect fatigue
cracking of the hinges of the forward, center, and aft cargo doors,
in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-52-061, dated
September 28, 1996. Prior to further flight, repair any cracking
detected, in accordance with a method approved by the Manager,
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate.
(b) Within 10 days after accomplishing the inspection required
by paragraph (a) of this AD, submit a report of the inspection
results to Fokker Services, Attn: Manager, Service Engineering--Jet,
P. O. Box 75047, 1117 ZN Schiphol-Oost, The Netherlands. Information
collection requirements contained in this regulation have been
approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et
seq.) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
(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.
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 SBF100-52-061, dated September 28, 1996. 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 Services B.V., Technical Support Department,
P.O. Box 75047, 1117 ZN Schiphol Airport, The Netherlands. 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 August 19, 1997.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 29, 1997.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-20440 Filed 8-1-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
