[Federal Register: June 29, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 124)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 37291-37293]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr29jn05-17]
========================================================================
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
========================================================================
[[Page 37291]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-21683; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-021-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F27 Mark 200, 400, 500,
and 600 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Fokker Model F27 Mark 200, 400, 500, and 600 airplanes.
This proposed AD would require a general visual inspection of the
rotary knobs for the fuel tank isolation valves to determine if the
seal wire has been installed correctly and corrective actions if
necessary. This proposed AD is prompted by investigation of a recent
accident, which found that the rotary knobs controlling the fuel tank
isolating valves had been in the shut position. We are proposing this
AD to ensure that the rotary knobs are not inadvertently moved to the
shut position, which could result in fuel starvation to both engines
and consequent inability to maintain controlled flight and landing.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 29, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590.
By fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Fokker Services B.V., P.O. Box 231, 2150 AE Nieuw-Vennep, the
Netherlands.
You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at
http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., room PL-
401, on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC. This
docket number is FAA-2005-21683; the directorate identifier for this
docket is 2005-NM-021-AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-1137; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-21683;
Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-021-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments submitted by the closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov
, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of our
docket Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union,
etc.). You can review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you
can visit http://dms.dot.gov.
Examining the Docket
You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov
, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.
Discussion
The Civil Aviation Authority--The Netherlands (CAA-NL), which is
the airworthiness authority for the Netherlands, notified us that an
unsafe condition may exist on certain Fokker Model F27 Mark 200, 400,
500, and 600 airplanes. The CAA-NL advises that the rotary knobs
controlling the fuel tank isolating valves were found in the shut
position during investigation of a recent accident caused by fuel
starvation to both engines shortly before takeoff. Although the
airplane had been delivered with a seal wire between the two knobs,
investigators found no seal wire or holes in the knobs for attaching
the seal wire. Other airplanes were found to have the seal wire
installed incorrectly. Inadvertently moving the rotary knobs to the
shut position, if not prevented, could result in fuel starvation to
both engines and consequent inability to maintain controlled flight and
landing.
Relevant Service Information
Fokker Services B.V. has issued Fokker Service Bulletin F27/28-67,
dated February 23, 2004. The service bulletin describes procedures for
doing an inspection of the rotary knobs for the fuel tank isolation
valves to determine if the seal wire has been installed correctly, and
taking corrective actions if necessary. The corrective actions include
the following actions:
If the holes are positioned incorrectly or are not
drilled, drilling two holes in each rotary knob and reidentifying the
knobs as P/N Y00092-401.
[[Page 37292]]
If the seal wire is installed incorrectly, installing the
seal wire from the bottom hole in the left rotary knob to the top hole
in the right rotary knob with the knobs in the open position.
If the seal wire is installed correctly, installing a
placard between the rotary knobs.
The service bulletin also specifies the following:
Contacting the manufacturer after accomplishing the
service bulletin.
Incorporating the changes specified in Fokker Services
Manual Change Notification MCNO F27-020, dated February 23, 2004, into
the airplane maintenance manual.
Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is
intended to adequately address the unsafe condition. The CAA-NL
mandated the service information and issued Dutch airworthiness
directive 2004-037 R1, dated April 14, 2005, to ensure the continued
airworthiness of these airplanes in the Netherlands.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
These airplane models are manufactured in the Netherlands and are
type certificated for operation in the United States under the
provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant
to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the CAA-NL has kept the FAA
informed of the situation described above. We have examined the CAA-
NL's findings, evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that
we need to issue an AD for products of this type design that are
certificated for operation in the United States.
Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require
accomplishing the actions specified in the service information
described previously, except as discussed under ``Differences Between
the Proposed AD and the Dutch Airworthiness Directive.''
Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Dutch Airworthiness
Directive
The applicability of Dutch airworthiness directive 2004-037 R1
excludes airplanes on which Fokker Service Bulletin F27/28-58, dated
May 12, 1986, has been accomplished. However, we have not excluded
those airplanes in the applicability of this proposed AD; rather, this
proposed AD includes credit for the actions specified in that service
bulletin. Operators must continue to operate the airplane in the
configuration required by this proposed AD unless an alternative method
of compliance is approved. This difference has been coordinated with
the CAA-NL.
Dutch airworthiness directive 2004-037 R1 requires incorporating
the changes specified in Fokker Services Manual Change Notification
MCNO F27-018, dated December 1, 2003, into the airplane flight manual,
and the changes specified in Fokker Services Manual Change Notification
MCNM F27-020, dated February 23, 2004, into the airplane maintenance
manual. Fokker Services Manual Change Notification MCNO F27-018 adds
items to the taxiing checklist to advise the pilot to verify if the
seal wire is installed. Fokker Services Manual Change Notification MCNM
F27-020 adds information to advise maintenance personnel to verify that
the seal wire is installed. We have determined that incorporation of
these changes to the airplane flight and maintenance manuals is not
necessary for adequately addressing the unsafe condition of this AD.
This difference also has been coordinated with the CAA-NL.
Although the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin
F27/28-67 describe procedures for informing the manufacturer of
accomplishment of the service bulletin, this proposed AD would not
require those actions. We do not need this information from operators.
Clarification of Inspection Terminology
The ``inspection'' specified in the Fokker service bulletin is
referred to as a ``general visual inspection'' in this proposed AD. We
have included the definition for a general visual inspection in a note
in the proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
This proposed AD would affect about 1 airplane of U.S. registry.
The proposed actions would take about 2 work hours per airplane, at an
average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the
estimated cost of the proposed AD for the one U.S. operator is $130.
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 have 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 that the 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. See the ADDRESSES section for a location
to examine the regulatory evaluation.
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 adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
Fokker Services B.V.: Docket No. FAA-2005-21683; Directorate
Identifier 2005-NM-021-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration must receive comments on
this AD action by July 29, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
[[Page 37293]]
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Fokker Model F27 Mark 200, 400, 500, and
600 airplanes, certificated in any category; serial numbers 10505
through 10591 inclusive; not equipped with inboard wing fuel tanks.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by investigation of a recent accident,
which found that the rotary knobs controlling the fuel tank
isolating valves had been in the shut position. We are issuing this
AD to ensure that the rotary knobs are not inadvertently moved to
the shut position, which could result in fuel starvation to both
engines and consequent inability to maintain controlled flight and
landing.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Inspection and Corrective Action if Applicable
(f) Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, do a
general visual inspection of the rotary knobs for the fuel tank
isolation valves to determine if the seal wire is installed
correctly and do the corrective action(s) as applicable, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service
Bulletin F27/28-67, dated February 23, 2004. Do the applicable
corrective actions before further flight.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection
is: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior area,
installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or
irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching
distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to
ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This
level of inspection is made under normally available lighting
conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or
droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or
doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain
proximity to the area being checked.''
Credit for Alternative Method of Compliance
(g) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin F27/28-58, dated May 12,
1986, are acceptable for compliance with the requirements of
paragraph (f) of this AD.
Parts Installation
(h) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a
rotary knob having part number E16032-3, 10632-10003, or P80-004 on
any airplane, unless the corrective actions specified in paragraph
(f) of this AD have been accomplished.
No Reporting Requirement
(i) Although the service bulletin referenced in this AD
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(j) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for
this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14
CFR 39.19.
Related Information
(k) Dutch airworthiness directive 2004-037 R1, dated April 14,
2005, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 21, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-12838 Filed 6-28-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P