Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 Series Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94-NM-47-AD; Amendment 39-8945; AD 94-13-05]

Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 Series

Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),

applicable to certain Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes. This

action requires modification of the electrical connections in a certain

relay panel. This amendment is prompted by a report that, as a result

of a previous modification, certain electrical wires with a positive

voltage were connected to an electrical connector that is also wired to

the liftdumper system, which could negatively affect the liftdumper

system. The actions specified in this AD are intended to ensure

protection against uncommanded deployment of the liftdumper.

DATES: Effective July 12, 1994.

The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in

the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as

of July 12, 1994.

Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or

before August 26, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103,

Attention: Rules Docket No. 94-NM-47-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,

Washington 98055-4056.

The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from

Fokker Aircraft USA, Inc., 1199 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria,

Virginia 22314. This information may be examined at the FAA, Transport

Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at

the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street NW., suite

700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Dulin, Aerospace Engineer,

Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,

1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206)

227-2141; fax (206) 227-1320.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Rijksluchtvaartdienst (RLD), which is

the airworthiness authority for the Netherlands, recently notified the

FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Fokker Model F28 Mark

0100 series airplanes. The RLD advises that certain Model F28 Mark 0100

series airplanes were modified to increase air conditioning airflow at

higher altitudes by augmenting the airflow through the turbine bypass

valves. These airplanes were modified in accordance with Fokker Service

Bulletin SBF100-21-026. On some airplanes, this modification resulted

in the installation of electrical wires with a positive voltage into an

electrical connector that is also wired for the liftdumper system.

Incorporation of this modification on these airplanes could negatively

affect the liftdumper system, since only electrical wires that are

directly connected to a ground should be installed in this connector.

This condition, if not corrected, could result in reduced protection

against uncommanded deployment of the liftdumper.

Fokker has issued Service Bulletin SBF100-21-045, Revision 1, dated

November 17, 1993, that describes procedures for modification of the

electrical connections in a certain relay panel. This modification

entails disconnecting certain electrical wires from the connector in

the number 2 relay panel and connecting these wires to a different

connector. Accomplishment of this modification must be performed after

or in conjunction with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-21-026, in order

to ensure that only electrical wires that are directly connected to

ground are installed to the electrical connector that is also wired for

the liftdumper system.

The RLD classified Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-21-045, as

mandatory and issued Netherlands Airworthiness Directive BLA 92-079/2

(A), dated December 24, 1993, in order to assure the continued

airworthiness of these airplanes in the Netherlands.

Fokker has also issued Service Bulletin SBF100-21-056, Revision 1,

dated November 24, 1993, which supersedes Fokker Service Bulletins

SBF100-21-026 and SBF100-21-045. Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-21-056

describes procedures for augmentation of the flow through the turbine

bypass valves of the air conditioning system to increase the air

conditioning airflow at higher altitudes. The RLD classified this

service bulletin as optional; however, the service bulletin

incorporates the provisions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-21-045,

including the instructions necessary to correct the wiring.

This airplane model is manufactured in the Netherlands and is type

certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of

Section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations and the applicable

bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this bilateral

airworthiness agreement, the RLD has kept the FAA informed of the

situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the

RLD, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action

is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for

operation in the United States.

Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to

exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered

in the United States, this AD is being issued to prevent reduced

protection against uncommanded deployment of the liftdumper. This AD

requires modification of the electrical connections in a certain relay

panel. The actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with

either of the service bulletins described previously.

There currently are no Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes

affected by this AD on the U.S. Register. All airplanes included in the

applicability of this rule currently are operated by non-U.S. operators

under foreign registry; therefore, they are not directly affected by

this AD action. However, the FAA considers that this rule is necessary

to ensure that the unsafe condition is addressed in the event that any

of these subject airplanes are imported and placed on the U.S. Register

in the future.

Should an affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S.

Register in the future, it would require approximately 7 work hours to

accomplish the required actions, at an average labor charge of $55 per

work hour. Required parts would cost approximately $80 per airplane.

Based on these figures, the total cost impact of this AD would be $465

per airplane.

Since this AD action does not affect any airplane that is currently

on the U.S. register, it has no adverse economic impact and imposes no

additional burden on any person. Therefore, notice and public

procedures hereon are unnecessary and the amendment may be made

effective in less than 30 days after publication in the Federal

Register.

Comments Invited

Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not

preceded by notice and opportunity for public comment, comments are

invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this

rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may

desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be

submitted in triplicate to the address specified under the caption

ADDRESSES. All communications received on or before the closing date

for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light

of the comments received. Factual information that supports the

commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating

the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional

rulemaking action would be needed.

Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,

economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might

suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be

available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the

Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that

summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this

AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.

Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments

submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed,

stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments

to Docket Number 94-NM-47-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and

returned to the commenter.

The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct

effects 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. Therefore, in

accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final

rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the

preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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); 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action

and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained

from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption

ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by

reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the

Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 14 CFR part

39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C.

106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.

Sec. 39.13 [Amended]

2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new

airworthiness directive:

94-13-05 Fokker: Amendment 39-8945. Docket 94-NM-47-AD.

Applicability: Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes having

serial numbers 11244 through 11275 inclusive, 11277, and 11279; that

have been modified in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin

SBF100-21-026; certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished

previously.

To prevent reduced protection against uncommanded deployment of

the liftdumper, accomplish the following:

(a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, modify

the electrical connections in the number 2 relay panel in accordance

with either Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-21-045, Revision 1, dated

November 17, 1993, or Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-21-056,

Revision 1, dated November 24, 1993.

(b) As of the effective date of this AD, no airplane shall be

modified in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-21-026

unless either Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-21-045, Revision 1,

dated November 17, 1993, or Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-21-056,

Revision 1, dated November 24, 1993, is also accomplished.

(c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the

compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be

used if approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113,

FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their

requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector,

who may add comments and then send it to the Manager,

Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

Note: Information concerning the existence of approved

alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be

obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with

sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14

CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where

the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(e) The modification shall be done in accordance with the

following Fokker service bulletins, which contain the specified

effective pages:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Revision level

Service bulletin referenced and date Page No. shown on page Date shown on page

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SBF100-21-045, Revision 1, November 17, 1 1............. November 17, 1993.

1993. 2-9 Original...... May 5, 1992.

SBF100-21-056, Revision 1, November 24, 1-6, 26, 28 1............. November 24, 1993.

1993.. 7-25, 27, 29, 30-58 Original...... July 30, 1993.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the

Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR Part 51.

Copies may be obtained from Fokker Aircraft USA, Inc., 1199 North

Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314. Copies may be inspected at

the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,

Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol

Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

(f) This amendment becomes effective on July 12, 1994.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 13, 1994.

Darrell M. Pederson,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification

Service.

[FR Doc. 94-14904 Filed 6-24-94; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910-13-U