[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 178 (Tuesday, September 15, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49273-49275]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-24249]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 97-NM-290-AD; Amdt. 39-10741; AD 98-18-25]
RIN 2120-AA64
irworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F28 Mark 1000, 2000, 3000,
and 4000 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 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000
series airplanes, that requires replacement of certain hinges on the
forward, center, and aft cargo doors with improved hinges. This
amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness
information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions
specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the cargo door
hinges caused by stress corrosion or fatigue cracks, which could result
in
[[Page 49274]]
decompression of the airplane, and possible in-flight separation of the
cargo door.
DATES: Effective October 20, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of October 20, 1998.
ADDRESSES: 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 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: 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: 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
1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 series airplanes was published in the
Federal Register on December 18, 1997 (62 FR 66317). That action
proposed to require replacement of certain hinges on the forward,
center, and aft cargo doors with improved hinges.
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the single comment received.
Request To Require Revision 12 of Structural Integrity Program
(SIP)
One commenter suggests that the FAA revise AD 91-05-10 to require
accomplishment of Revision 12 of the F28 Structural Integrity Program
(SIP), rather than Revision 10. The commenter states that this change
would be more effective than issuance of the proposed AD, which
requires replacement of the cargo door hinges in accordance with Fokker
Service Bulletin F28/52-110, dated April 7, 1993. The commenter notes
that, as part of SIP Items 52-30-09 and 52-30-10, Revision 12 of the
SIP specifies a reduction in the inspection intervals for the cargo
door hinges, following their replacement as described in Fokker Service
Bulletin F28/52-110. The commenter states that this reduction indicates
that the hinges installed per the service bulletin are not
significantly improved over those previously installed, and that the
actions required by this proposed AD may be obsolete.
The FAA does not concur with the commenter's request to revise AD
91-05-10 and withdraw this proposed AD. The FAA first finds it
necessary to clarify that AD 93-13-04, amendment 39-8617 (58 FR 38513,
July 19, 1993), presently requires accomplishment of Revision 10 of the
SIP, rather than AD 91-05-10, as suggested by the commenter. Based on
information provided by the manufacturer, as well as further review of
SIP Items 52-30-09 and 52-30-10, the FAA has determined that
replacement of the cargo door hinges is necessary, as required by this
AD, in order to adequately address the identified unsafe condition. The
FAA may also consider separate rulemaking to require accomplishment of
Revision 12 of the SIP; however, no change to this final rule is
necessary.
Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, including the comment
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 37 airplanes of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD.
It will take approximately 62 work hours per airplane to replace
the forward cargo door hinge, at an average labor rate of $60 per work
hour. Required parts will cost approximately $5,740 per airplane. Based
on these figures, the cost impact of this replacement required by this
AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $350,020, or $9,460 per
airplane.
It will take approximately 62 work hours per airplane to replace
the center cargo door hinge, at an average labor rate of $60 per work
hour. Required parts will cost approximately $5,650 per airplane. Based
on these figures, the cost impact of this replacement required by this
AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $346,690, or $9,370 per
airplane.
It will take approximately 46 work hours per airplane to replace
the aft cargo door hinge, at an average labor rate of $60 per work
hour. Required parts will cost approximately $6,470 per airplane. Based
on these figures, the cost impact of this replacement required by this
AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $341,510, or $9,230 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.
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) 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:
98-18-25 Fokker: Amendment 39-10741. Docket 97-NM-290-AD.
Applicability: Model F28 Mark 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 series
airplanes; serial numbers 11003 through 11241 inclusive, 11991, and
11992; certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability
[[Page 49275]]
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 (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 failure of the cargo door hinges caused by stress
corrosion and/or fatigue cracks, which could result in decompression
of the airplane, and possible in-flight separation of the cargo
door; accomplish the following:
(a) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD,
replace the hinges on the forward, center, and aft belly cargo doors
with improved hinges in accordance with Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3,
as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service
Bulletin F28/52-110, dated April 7, 1993.
(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
Secs. 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.
(d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Fokker Service
Bulletin F28/52-110, dated April 7, 1993. 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.
Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Dutch
airworthiness directive 93-055 (A), dated April 23, 1993.
(e) This amendment becomes effective on October 20, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 28, 1998.
Vi L. Lipski,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-24249 Filed 9-14-98; 8:45 am]
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