[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 203 (Thursday, October 21, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 64963-64965]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-26561]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-1038; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-250-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).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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:
During a normal walkaround check on a F28 Mark 0100 aeroplane, a
large crack was discovered in the lower portion of the right (RH)
MLG [main landing gear] piston. The affected MLG unit had
accumulated 7909 flight cycles (FC) at the time of detection. * * *
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to MLG
failure, possibly resulting in loss of control of the aeroplane
during the landing roll-out.
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 6,
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 W12-140, 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-2010-1038;
Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-250-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
[[Page 64964]]
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
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2009-0221, dated October 14, 2009 (referred to
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
During a normal walkaround check on a F28 Mark 0100 aeroplane, a
large crack was discovered in the lower portion of the right (RH)
MLG [main landing gear] piston. The affected MLG unit had
accumulated 7909 flight cycles (FC) at the time of detection. The
piston has been sent to Goodrich, the landing gear manufacturer, for
detailed investigation.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to MLG
failure, possibly resulting in loss of control of the aeroplane
during the landing roll-out.
For the reasons described above, this AD requires a one-time
detailed visual inspection of the MLG pistons, the replacement of
any MLG pistons on which cracks are detected, and the reporting of
all findings to the aeroplane TC [type certificate] holder. The
inspection results, in combination with the findings of the crack/
metallurgical investigation of the cracked piston by Goodrich, will
be used to determine the necessity of additional and/or more
detailed inspections, or any other corrective action. This AD is
considered an interim measure, and further action is likely to
follow.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.
Relevant Service Information
Fokker Services B.V. has issued Service Bulletin SBF100-32-158,
dated October 2, 2009. 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 3 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 $1,530, or $255 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-2010-1038; Directorate
Identifier 2009-NM-250-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by December 6, 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, equipped with
Goodrich (formerly Menasco, Colt Industries) main landing gear (MLG)
units having part number (P/N) 41050-7, 41050-8, 41050-9, 41050-10,
41050-11, 41050-12, 41050-13, 41050-14, 41050-15, 41050-16, 41060-1,
41060-2, 41060-3, 41060-4, 41060-5, or 41060-6.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32: Landing
gear.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
[[Page 64965]]
During a normal walkaround check on a F28 Mark 0100 aeroplane, a
large crack was discovered in the lower portion of the right (RH)
MLG piston. The affected MLG unit had accumulated 7909 flight cycles
(FC) at the time of detection. The piston has been sent to Goodrich,
the landing gear manufacturer, for detailed investigation.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to MLG
failure, possibly resulting in loss of control of the aeroplane
during the landing roll-out.
For the reasons described above, this AD requires a one-time
detailed visual inspection of the MLG pistons, the replacement of
any MLG pistons on which cracks are detected, and the reporting of
all findings to the aeroplane TC [type certificate] holder. The
inspection results, in combination with the findings of the crack/
metallurgical investigation of the cracked piston by Goodrich, will
be used to determine the necessity of additional and/or more
detailed inspections, or any other corrective action. This AD is
considered an interim measure, and further action is likely to
follow.
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.
Inspection
(g) Within 30 days after the effective day of this AD, do a
detailed visual inspection for cracks of the MLG pistons, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service
Bulletin SBF100-32-158, dated October 2, 2009.
(h) If any cracked MLG piston is found during the inspection
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight replace
the affected piston with a serviceable part, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-
158, dated October 2, 2009.
(i) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (i)(1) or
(i)(2) of this AD, report the inspection results (including no
findings) to Fokker Services B.V. by using the Questionnaire
provided in Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-158, dated October 2,
2009.
(1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of
this AD.
FAA AD Differences
Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows: The applicability of the MCAI includes MLG part number
(P/N) 41050-6, which is not an affected part. P/N 41060-6, however,
is an affected part, and is included in the applicability of this
AD.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(j) 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, 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
(k) For related information, refer to MCAI European Aviation
Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2009-0221, dated October 14,
2009; and Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-158, dated October 2,
2009.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 13, 2010.
John Piccola,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-26561 Filed 10-20-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P