Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 Series Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94-NM-21-AD; Amendment 39-8957; AD 94-14-05]

Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 Series

Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

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

applicable to certain Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes, that

requires removal of the actuator from the fuel-ballast transfer valve,

and installation of a locking device on the fuel-ballast transfer

valve. This amendment is prompted by a report that the fuel-ballast

transfer valve on certain airplanes must be modified to ensure the

valve is closed at all times. If the transfer valve is open during

flight, the fuel supply to the engines may be reduced during cross-feed

operation to the extent that fuel starvation could occur. The actions

specified by this AD are intended to prevent engine flameout due to

fuel starvation.

DATES: Effective August 10, 1994.

The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in

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

of August 10, 1994.

ADDRESSES: 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

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate,

Rules Docket, 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: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal

Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness

directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100

series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on March 30,

1994 (59 FR 14799). That action proposed to require removal of the

actuator from the fuel-ballast transfer valve, and installation of a

locking device on the fuel-ballast transfer valve.

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate

in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to

the single comment received.

The commenter supports the proposed rule.

After careful review of the available data, including the comment

noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public

interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

The FAA estimates that 5 airplanes of U.S. registry will be

affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 0.5 work hour per

airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor

rate is $55 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $250

per airplane. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD

on U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,387.50, or $277.50 per

airplane.

The total cost impact figure discussed above is based on

assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the

requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish

those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted.

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 part 39 of

the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. 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:

94-14-05 Fokker: Amendment 39-8957. Docket 94-NM-21-AD.

Applicability: Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes, serial

numbers 11443, 11446 through 11449 inclusive, and 11456;

certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished

previously.

To prevent reduced fuel flow to the engines during crossfeed

operations and the possibility of engine flameout, accomplish the

following:

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

the actuator from the fuel-ballast transfer valve, part number

7933141J, and install a locking device on the fuel-ballast transfer

valve, in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-28-029,

Revision 1, dated November 30, 1993.

(b) 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.

(c) 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.

(d) The removal and installation shall be done in accordance

with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-28-029, Revision 1, dated

November 30, 1993, which contains the following list of effective

pages:

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

Page

No. Revision level shown on page Date shown on page

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

1-3.. 1............................... November 30, 1993.

4-7.. Original........................ November 10, 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.

(e) This amendment becomes effective on August 10, 1994.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 23, 1994.

S.R. Miller,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification

Service.

[FR Doc. 94-15737 Filed 7-8-94; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910-13-U