[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 182 (Wednesday, September 21, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-23221]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: September 21, 1994]
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14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 94-NM-38-AD; Amendment 39-9025; AD 94-19-03]
Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 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 series airplanes, that
requires replacement of the autopilot disconnect switches with modified
units. This amendment is prompted by several incidents in which the
flight crew did not depress both halves of the autopilot disconnect
switch during the LAND 2 or LAND 3 approach and, as a result, one
autopilot remained engaged. This condition resulted in unanticipated
movements of the stabilizer trim and higher than anticipated control
forces of the flight controls. The actions specified by this AD are
intended to prevent the flight crew from inadvertently disconnecting
only one autopilot when both autopilots are engaged, which could result
in unanticipated control surface movements.
DATES: Effective October 21, 1994.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of October 21, 1994.
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: Tim Dulin, Aerospace Engineer,
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206)
227-2141; fax (206) 227-1320.
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
series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on May 11, 1994
(59 FR 24383). That action proposed to require replacement of the
autopilot disconnect switches with modified units.
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the comments received.
Both commenters support the proposed rule.
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.
The FAA estimates that 19 airplanes of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 8 work hours per
airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor
rate is $55 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately
$2,500 per airplane. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of
the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $55,860, or $2,940 per
airplane.
The total cost impact figure discussed above is 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.
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. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C.
106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
94-19-03 Fokker: Amendment 39-9025. Docket 94-NM-38-AD.
Applicability: Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes; serial
numbers 11244 through 11286 inclusive, 11289 through 11293
inclusive, 11295 through 11297 inclusive, 11300, 11303, 11306,
11308, 11310, 11312, and 11313; certificated in any category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent the flight crew from inadvertently disconnecting only
one autopilot when both autopilots are engaged, which could result
in unanticipated control surface movements, accomplish the
following:
(a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, replace
the autopilot disconnect switches with modified units, in accordance
with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-22-020, dated September 25,
1990.
(b) As of 6 months after the effective date of this AD, no
person shall install an autopilot disconnect switch, part number
A47007-401 or A47007-403, on any airplane.
(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: 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
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.
(e) The replacement shall be done in accordance with Fokker
Service Bulletin SBF100-22-020, dated September 25, 1990. 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 October 21, 1994.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 14, 1994.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 94-23221 Filed 9-20-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
