[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 95 (Tuesday, May 18, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 27668-27670]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-11890]
[[Page 27668]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-0516; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-251-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. 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:
When preparing for landing, the flight crew of a F28 Mark 0100
(Fokker 100) aeroplane observed a main landing gear (MLG) unsafe
indication after landing gear down selection. * * * [T]he right (RH)
MLG was partly extended and the left (LH) MLG door was open but
without the MLG being extended. * * *
Subsequent investigation revealed that the cause of the MLG
extension problem was the (partially) blocked hydraulic return line
from the MLG selector valve by pieces of hard plastic. These were
identified as parts of the poppet seat of PBSOV [parking brake shut-
off valve] Part Number (P/N) 70379. * * *
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to
further events where the MLG fails to extend, possibly resulting in
loss of control of the aeroplane during landing.
* * * * *
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 July 2, 2010.
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.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Fokker Services B.V., Technical Services Dept., P.O. Box 231, 2150 AE
Nieuw-Vennep, the Netherlands; telephone +31 (0)252-627-350; fax +31
(0)252-627-211; e-mail [email protected];
Internet http://www.myfokkerfleet.com. You may review copies of the
referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
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-2010-0516;
Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-251-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 have lengthened the 30-day comment period for proposed ADs that
address MCAI originated by aviation authorities of other countries to
provide adequate time for interested parties to submit comments. The
comment period for these proposed ADs is now typically 45 days, which
is consistent with the comment period for domestic transport ADs.
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
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2009-0220, dated October 14, 2009 (referred to
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
When preparing for landing, the flight crew of a F28 Mark 0100
(Fokker 100) aeroplane observed a main landing gear (MLG) unsafe
indication after landing gear down selection. The approach was
aborted and the landing gear unsafe procedure was accomplished. As
this did not produce the desired effect, a low pass was performed
and the control tower confirmed that the right (RH) MLG was partly
extended and the left (LH) MLG door was open but without the MLG
being extended. Eventually the aeroplane landed with partly extended
landing gear, without resulting in serious injuries to the
occupants.
Subsequent investigation revealed that the cause of the MLG
extension problem was the (partially) blocked hydraulic return line
from the MLG selector valve by pieces of hard plastic. These were
identified as parts of the poppet seat of PBSOV [parking brake shut-
off valve] Part Number (P/N) 70379. The PBSOV installed on the
incident aeroplane was a modified version of P/N 70379, identified
by suffix ``A'' behind the serial number on the identification
plate. This modification was introduced by Eaton, the valve
manufacturer, with Eaton Service Bulletin (SB) 70379-32-01 and
includes replacement of the original poppet with clamped hard
plastic seat by an improved poppet assembly with screwed-on seat.
When the affected valve was opened, it was confirmed that it
contained the improved poppet assembly. The poppet seat fragments
found in the return system therefore originated from a previously
installed (pre SB 70379-32-01) P/N 70379 PBSOV and must have been
present in the return/pressure line prior to installation of the
modified PBSOV.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to
further events where the MLG fails to extend, possibly resulting in
loss of control of the aeroplane during landing.
For the reasons described above, this AD requires the [detailed]
inspection of the associated hydraulic lines, irrespective what type
PBSOV is installed, removal of contamination in the system, if any,
and replacement of each unmodified PBSOV with a modified unit. This
AD also prohibits, after installation of a modified PBSOV on an
aeroplane, re-installation of an unmodified PBSOV on that aeroplane.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.
[[Page 27669]]
Relevant Service Information
Fokker Services B.V. has issued Service Bulletin SBF100-32-159,
dated October 6, 2009. Eaton Aerospace has issued Service Bulletin
70379-32-01, dated September 15, 2001. 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 6 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that
it would take about 4 work-hours per product to comply with the basic
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per
work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed
AD on U.S. operators to be $2,040, or $340 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, Incorporation by
reference, 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-2010-0516; Directorate
Identifier 2009-NM-251-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by July 2, 2010.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 0070
and 0100 airplanes, certificated in any category, all serial
numbers.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32: Landing
Gear.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
When preparing for landing, the flight crew of a F28 Mark 0100
(Fokker 100) aeroplane observed a main landing gear (MLG) unsafe
indication after landing gear down selection. * * * [T]he right (RH)
MLG was partly extended and the left (LH) MLG door was open but
without the MLG being extended. * * *
Subsequent investigation revealed that the cause of the MLG
extension problem was the (partially) blocked hydraulic return line
from the MLG selector valve by pieces of hard plastic. These were
identified as parts of the poppet seat of PBSOV [parking brake shut-
off valve] Part Number (P/N) 70379. * * *
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to
further events where the MLG fails to extend, possibly resulting in
loss of control of the aeroplane during landing.
* * * * *
Compliance
(f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Actions
(g) Do the following actions.
(1) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, do a
detailed inspection of the hydraulic lines associated with the PBSOV
for contamination in the system (the presence of pieces of material
from the poppet seat of an unmodified PBSOV having P/N 70379). If
any contamination is found, before further flight, remove the
contamination, in accordance with Part 1 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-159, dated October
6, 2009.
(2) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, re-
inspect the hydraulic lines and do all applicable corrective actions
as required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, and replace the
unmodified PBSOV having P/N 70379, with a modified PBSOV having P/N
70379 having the suffix ``A'' behind the serial number on the
identification plate, in accordance with Part 2 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-
159, dated October 6, 2009.
(3) After accomplishing paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, do not
install any unmodified
[[Page 27670]]
PBSOV having P/N 70379, unless the PBSOV having P/N 70379 has been
modified, having the suffix ``A'' behind the serial number on the
identification plate, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Eaton Service Bulletin 70379-32-01, dated September
15, 2001.
FAA AD Differences
Note 1: 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,
International Branch, ANM-116, 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 principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or
principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a
principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office.
The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
(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 (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), 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 2009-0220, dated October 14, 2009; Fokker Service Bulletin
SBF100-32-159, dated October 6, 2009; and Eaton Service Bulletin
70379-32-01, dated September 15, 2001; for related information.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 7, 2010.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-11890 Filed 5-17-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P