[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 63 (Friday, April 1, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 18029-18031]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-7202]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-1304; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-254-AD;
Amendment 39-16644; AD 2011-07-07]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark
1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This 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:
* * * Under certain conditions, an ignition source may develop in
the wing tank vapour space, due to insufficient clearance between
the wiring along the Fuel Quantity Tank Units (FQTU's) and the local
reinforcing structure around the upper skin cut-out.
This condition, if not corrected, in combination with flammable
fuel vapours, could result in a wing tank explosion and consequent
loss of the aeroplane.
* * * * *
We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective May 6, 2011.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 6, 2011.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.
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:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products.
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on January 5, 2011 (76
FR 482). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
* * * The FAA has published Special Federal Aviation Regulation
(SFAR) 88, and the [Joint Aviation Authorities] JAA has published
Interim Policy INT/POL/25/12. The design review conducted by Fokker
Services on the Fokker F28 type design in response to these
regulations revealed that, under certain conditions, an ignition
source may develop in the wing tank vapour space, due to
insufficient clearance between the wiring along the Fuel Quantity
Tank Units (FQTU's) and the local reinforcing structure around the
upper skin cut-out.
This condition, if not corrected, in combination with flammable
fuel vapours, could result in a wing tank explosion and consequent
loss of the aeroplane.
For the reasons described above, this AD requires a one-time
[detailed] inspection to investigate if a clearance of 3 mm (0.12
inch) or more is available between the FQTU
[[Page 18030]]
probes wiring and the surrounding reinforcement structure of the
wing upper skin and corrective rework actions, depending on
findings.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost to the public.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.
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 required different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences
are highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 2 products of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it will take about 6 work-hours per product to
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate
is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of
this AD to the U.S. operators to be $1,020, or $510 per product.
In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will
take about 21 work-hours and require parts costing $0, for a cost of
$1,785 per product. We have no way of determining the number of
products that may need these actions.
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
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will 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 this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) 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.
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 the NPRM, 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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
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]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
2011-07-07 Fokker Services B.V.: Amendment 39-16644. Docket No. FAA-
2010-1304; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-254-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective May 6,
2011.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark
1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 airplanes, certificated in any category,
all serial numbers.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57: Wings.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
* * * Under certain conditions, an ignition source may develop
in the wing tank vapour space, due to insufficient clearance between
the wiring along the Fuel Quantity Tank Units (FQTU's) and the local
reinforcing structure around the upper skin cut-out.
This condition, if not corrected, in combination with flammable
fuel vapours, could result in a wing tank explosion and consequent
loss of the aeroplane.
* * * * *
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.
Detailed Inspection and Corrective Actions
(g) At the next scheduled opening of the fuel tanks, but not
later than 84 months after the effective date of this AD, do a
detailed inspection for minimum clearance of the gap between the
FQTU wiring harness and the outer wing FQTU hole reinforcement
structure, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Fokker Service Bulletin SBF28-57-097, Revision 1, dated June 10,
2010.
(h) If during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this
AD, the minimum clearance is found to be insufficient, as defined in
the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF28-57-
097, Revision 1, dated June 10, 2010, before further flight, rework
the surrounding structure to remove the possibility of an ignition
source, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker
Service Bulletin SBF28-57-097, Revision 1, dated June 10, 2010.
[[Page 18031]]
Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service
Information
(i) Inspections accomplished before the effective date of this
AD according to Fokker Service Bulletin SBF28-57-097, dated May 6,
2010, are considered acceptable for compliance with the requirements
of paragraph (g) of this AD.
FAA AD Differences
Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service
information as follows: No differences.
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, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR
39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the International Branch, sent it 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.
Information may be e-mailed to: [email protected].
Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal
inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the
local flight standards district office/certificate holding 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.
Related Information
(k) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
Airworthiness Directive 2010-0156, dated August 3, 2010; and Fokker
Service Bulletin SBF28-57-097, Revision 1, dated June 10, 2010; for
related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(l) You must use Fokker Service Bulletin SBF28-57-097, Revision
1, dated June 10, 2010, to do the actions required by this AD,
unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this 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.
(3) You may review copies of the 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.
(4) You may also review copies of the service information that
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this
material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 15, 2011.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-7202 Filed 3-31-11; 8:45 am]
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