[Federal Register: August 31, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 169)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 50274-50276]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr31au07-16]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-29064; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-128-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. 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:
One Fokker 100 (F28 Mark 0100) operator reported that during
maintenance in the APU (auxiliary power unit) compartment, a
disconnected nut was discovered on one of the shuttle valves in the
deployment lines of the engine fire-extinguishing system. An
additional check by the operator revealed that on more aircraft in
its fleet, the nuts of the shuttle valves were incorrectly
tightened. This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure
or deteriorated functioning of the engine fire-extinguishing system
in case of an engine fire.
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 October 1, 2007.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
DOT Docket Web Site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the
[[Page 50275]]
instructions for sending your comments electronically.
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: Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the
West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://
dms.dot.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, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
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-2007-
29064; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-128-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://
dms.dot.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
The Civil Aviation Authority--The Netherlands (CAA-NL), which is
the aviation authority for the Netherlands, has issued Dutch
Airworthiness Directive NL-2006-002, dated January 24, 2006 (referred
to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
One Fokker 100 (F28 Mark 0100) operator reported that during
maintenance in the APU (auxiliary power unit) compartment, a
disconnected nut was discovered on one of the shuttle valves in the
deployment lines of the engine fire-extinguishing system. An
additional check by the operator revealed that on more aircraft in
its fleet, the nuts of the shuttle valves were incorrectly
tightened. This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure
or deteriorated functioning of the engine fire-extinguishing system
in case of an engine fire. Since a potentially unsafe condition has
been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other aircraft
of this type design, this Airworthiness Directive requires a one-
time inspection of the nuts and shuttle valves in the deployment
lines of the engine fire-extinguishing system in the APU compartment
and corrective actions, as necessary.
The one-time inspection is intended to find discrepancies, including
incorrectly installed or tightened nuts, and signs of leakage, damage,
or corrosion. Corrective actions include tightening or replacing
discrepant nuts or shuttle valves, as applicable. 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 SBF100-26-
019, dated January 6, 2006. 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 13 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that
it would take about 1 work-hour 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 $1,040, or $80 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,
[[Page 50276]]
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 adding the following new AD:
Fokker Services B.V.: Docket No. FAA-2007-29064; Directorate
Identifier 2007-NM-128-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by October 1, 2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Fokker Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100
airplanes, all serial numbers; certificated in any category.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 26: Fire
protection.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
One Fokker 100 (F28 Mark 0100) operator reported that during
maintenance in the APU (auxiliary power unit) compartment, a
disconnected nut was discovered on one of the shuttle valves in the
deployment lines of the engine fire-extinguishing system. An
additional check by the operator revealed that on more aircraft in
its fleet, the nuts of the shuttle valves were incorrectly
tightened. This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure
or deteriorated functioning of the engine fire-extinguishing system
in case of an engine fire. Since a potentially unsafe condition has
been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other aircraft
of this type design, this Airworthiness Directive requires a one-
time inspection of the nuts and shuttle valves in the deployment
lines of the engine fire-extinguishing system in the APU compartment
and corrective actions, as necessary.
The one-time inspection is intended to find discrepancies, including
incorrectly installed or tightened nuts, and signs of leakage,
damage or corrosion. Corrective actions include tightening or
replacing discrepant nuts or shuttle valves, as applicable.
Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect
the nuts on the affected shuttle valves in accordance with Section 3
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin
SBF100-26-019, dated January 6, 2006.
(2) When discrepancies are found during the inspection as
required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before next flight, tighten
or replace the affected nuts, or replace the shuttle valves; as
applicable; in accordance with Section 3 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Fokker SBF100-26-019, dated January 6, 2006.
Note 1: Fokker 70/100 Maintenance Manual Task 26-21-03-400-814A
also pertains to this subject.
FAA AD Differences
Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows:
No difference.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, 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, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
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
(h) Refer to MCAI Dutch Airworthiness Directive NL-2006-002,
dated January 24, 2006, and Fokker Service Bulletin SBF 100-26-019,
dated January 6, 2006, for related information.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 17, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-17296 Filed 8-30-07; 8:45 am]
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