Airworthiness Directives: Fokker F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 Airplanes
Federal Register: October 30, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 211)
Proposed Rules
Page 64571-64573
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
DOCID:fr30oc08-18
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39
Docket No. FAA-2008-1119; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-112-AD
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Fokker F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above that would supersede an existing AD. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information
(MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The
MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:
Several reports have been received about roll control problems due to frozen moisture on the aileron pulleys that are located in the LH [left-hand] and RH [right-hand] Main Landing Gear (MLG) wheel bays on the centre wing rear spar, under the wing to fuselage fairings. Investigation revealed that improper sealing of the aerodynamic seals of the Wing-to-Fuselage Fairings can cause rain-or washwater and de-icing fluids to leak onto the affected aileron pulleys. Exposure of the aileron pulleys to the leaked moisture in freezing condition can result in restricted aileron control movement
(partly jammed) and/or higher control forces. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to partial loss of control of the aircraft. *
* *
* * * * *
The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 1, 2008.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-40, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http:// www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) 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 Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1137; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2008-1119;
Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-112-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD based on those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
On February 15, 2008, we issued AD 2008-04-22, Amendment 39-15394
(73 FR 10650, February 28, 2008). That AD required actions intended to address an unsafe condition on the products listed above.
Since we issued AD 2008-04-22, new reports of problems due to freezing moisture in the same area addressed by AD 2008-04-22 have been received. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2008-0079, dated April 24, 2008
(referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:
Page 64572
Several reports have been received about roll control problems due to frozen moisture on the aileron pulleys that are located in the LH [left-hand] and RH [right-hand] Main Landing Gear (MLG) wheel bays on the centre wing rear spar, under the wing to fuselage fairings. Investigation revealed that improper sealing of the aerodynamic seals of the Wing-to-Fuselage Fairings can cause rain-or washwater and de-icing fluids to leak onto the affected aileron pulleys. Exposure of the aileron pulleys to the leaked moisture in freezing condition can result in restricted aileron control movement
(partly jammed) and/or higher control forces. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to partial loss of control of the aircraft. To address this unsafe condition, Fokker Services originally introduced
SBF100-53-101 which was made mandatory through CAA Netherlands (CAA-
NL) AD NL-2005-013 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2008-04-22, amendment 39-15394] with a compliance time of 12 months after
November 1, 2005.
Following this, new reports of problems due to freezing moisture in the same area have been received. This has prompted Fokker
Services to publish SBF100-53-107, which introduces an additional one-time inspection [for deviations] of the aerodynamic seals of the
Wing-to-Fuselage Fairings and the application of an improved sealing of the aerodynamic seal by means of a fillet seam between the upper left and right fairings and the fuselage skin.
For the reasons described above, this EASA AD supersedes CAA-NL
AD NL-2005-013 and requires an additional one-time inspection [for deviations] and application of improved sealing.
This action retains the inspection in AD 2008-04-22. Doing the additional inspection terminates the requirement to do the inspection required by the existing AD. The additional inspection for deviations includes inspecting for fit between the left-hand and right-hand wing- to-fuselage fairings and the fuselage skin; inspecting for damage to the aerodynamic seal on the fairings; inspecting for fit of the aerodynamic seal to the fuselage; and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. The related investigative actions include inspecting the aerodynamic seal for damage (including wear); inspecting the abrasion resistant coating for damage (including wear); and re-inspecting for fit. The corrective actions include installing a new seal, restoring the protective coating, correcting the position of the fairing, and sealing the gaps between the fairings and the surrounding structure. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Fokker Services B.V. has issued Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-53- 107, dated February 26, 2008. The actions described in this service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information provided in the MCAI and related service information.
We might also have proposed different actions in this AD from those in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are highlighted in a Note within the proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 7 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 3 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed
AD on U.S. operators to be $1,680, or $240 per product.
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.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed regulation: 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); 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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Amendment 39-15394 (73 FR 10650, February 28, 2008) and adding the following new AD:
Fokker Services B.V.: Docket No. FAA-2008-1119; Directorate
Identifier 2008-NM-112-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by December 1, 2008.
Affected ADs
(b) The proposed AD supersedes AD 2008-04-22, Amendment 39- 15394.
Page 64573
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Fokker F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes, certificated in any category.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53:
Fuselage.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states:
Several reports have been received about roll control problems due to frozen moisture on the aileron pulleys that are located in the LH [left-hand] and RH [right-hand] Main Landing Gear (MLG) wheel bays on the centre wing rear spar, under the wing to fuselage fairings. Investigation revealed that improper sealing of the aerodynamic seals of the Wing-to-Fuselage Fairings can cause rain-or washwater and de-icing fluids to leak onto the affected aileron pulleys. Exposure of the aileron pulleys to the leaked moisture in freezing condition can result in restricted aileron control movement
(partly jammed) and/or higher control forces. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to partial loss of control of the aircraft. To address this unsafe condition, Fokker Services originally introduced
SBF100-53-101 which was made mandatory through CAA Netherlands (CAA-
NL) AD NL-2005-013 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2008-04-22] with a compliance time of 12 months after November 1, 2005.
Following this, new reports of problems due to freezing moisture in the same area have been received. This has prompted Fokker
Services to publish SBF100-53-107, which introduces an additional one-time inspection [for deviations] of the aerodynamic seals of the
Wing-to-Fuselage Fairings and the application of an improved sealing of the aerodynamic seal by means of a fillet seam between the upper left and right fairings and the fuselage skin.
For the reasons described above, this EASA AD supersedes CAA-NL
AD NL-2005-013 and requires an additional one-time inspection [for deviations] and application of improved sealing.
This action retains the inspection in AD 2008-04-22. Doing the additional inspection terminates the requirement to do the inspection required by the existing AD. The additional inspection for deviations includes inspecting for fit between the left-hand and right-hand wing-to-fuselage fairings and the fuselage skin; inspecting for damage to the aerodynamic seal on the fairings; inspecting for fit of the aerodynamic seal to the fuselage; and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. The related investigative actions include inspecting the aerodynamic seal for damage (including wear); inspecting the abrasion resistant coating for damage (including wear); and re-inspecting for fit. The corrective actions include installing a new seal, restoring the protective coating, correcting the position of the fairing, and sealing the gaps between the fairings and the surrounding structure.
Restatement of Certain Requirements of AD 2008-04-22
(f) Unless already done: Within 12 months after April 3, 2008
(the effective date of AD 2008-04-22), inspect the wing-to-fuselage fairings for indications of incorrect fit, damage, or wear, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service
Bulletin SBF100-53-101, dated September 30, 2005 (``the service bulletin''). Doing the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this
AD terminates the actions required by this paragraph.
(1) If no indications of incorrect fit, damage, or wear are found, no further action is required by this paragraph.
(2) If any incorrect fit, damage, or wear is found, before next flight, do related investigative actions and applicable corrective actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin.
New Requirements of This AD: Actions and Compliance
(g) Unless already done: Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect for deviations of the aerodynamic seal of the wing-to-fuselage fairings and the fuselage skin, do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions, and apply a fillet seam between the fairings and the fuselage skin, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service
Bulletin SBF100-53-107, dated February 26, 2008. Do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions before further flight.
Accomplishment of this inspection terminates the actions required by paragraph (f) of this AD.
FAA AD Differences
Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(h) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, ANM- 116, International Branch, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Tom
Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1137; fax (425) 227-1149.
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local
FSDO.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120- 0056.
Related Information
(i) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness
Directive 2008-0079, dated April 24, 2008; Fokker Service Bulletin
SBF100-53-101, dated September 30, 2005; and Fokker Service Bulletin
SBF100-53-107, dated February 26, 2008; for related information.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 10, 2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
FR Doc. E8-25890 Filed 10-29-08; 8:45 am
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
