Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 Series Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 93-NM-107-AD; Amendment 39-8824; AD 94-04-06]

Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 Series

Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

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

requires replacement of the existing ground/flight microswitches

located in the main landing gear with improved microswitches, and

installation of an anti-skid system ON/OFF switch in the flight

compartment. This amendment is prompted by an incident involving loss

of braking, which was caused by mechanical ground/flight microswitches

that froze while in the flight position. The actions specified by this

AD are intended to prevent loss of braking below 40 miles per hour,

when the anti-skid system is activated.

DATES: Effective March 21, 1994.

The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in

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

of March 21, 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: Timothy 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 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 September 1, 1993 (58 FR 46139).

That action proposed to require replacement of the existing left- and

right-hand ground/flight microswitches with new, improved microswitches

at the MLG downlock, temperature sensor, and anti-skid harness

positions. The proposed rule would also require installation of an

anti-skid system ON/OFF switch in the flight compartment, for certain

airplanes.

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate

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

the comments received.

One commenter supports the proposed rule.

The Air Transport Association (ATA) of America, on behalf of one of

its members, requests withdrawal of the proposal. The commenter notes

that the proposed replacement and installation has already been

accomplished on all 14 airplanes affected by this proposal in the U.S.-

registered fleet. Therefore, the commenter does not believe that an AD

is necessary. The commenter also asserts that issuance of the proposal

would only add to an administrative paperwork burden. The FAA does not

agree. Issuance of this AD is necessary to ensure accomplishment of the

requirements on any affected airplane currently of foreign registry

that is purchased by a U.S. operator and placed on the U.S. register in

the future. The FAA has determined that issuance of this AD should only

result in a minor administrative burden, since the required actions

have already been accomplished.

After careful review of the available data, including the comments

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 14 airplanes of U.S. registry will be

affected by this AD. The FAA has been advised that all 14 affected

airplanes have been modified in accordance with the requirements of

this AD. Therefore, currently, this AD action imposes no additional

economic burden on any U.S. operator.

However, should an unmodified airplane be imported and placed on

the U.S. Register in the future, it will take approximately 113 work

hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed actions, at an average

labor rate of $55 per work hour. Required parts would cost

approximately $1,800 per airplane. Based on these figures, the total

cost impact of the AD is estimated to be $8,015 per airplane.

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:

94-04-06 Fokker: Amendment 39-8824. Docket 93-NM-107-AD.

Applicability: Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes; serial

numbers 11244 through 11265 inclusive, 11268 through 11283

inclusive, 11286, 11289, 11291, 11293, 11295, 11297, 11300, and

11303; certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished

previously.

To prevent loss of braking below 40 miles per hour, when the

anti-skid system is activated, accomplish the following:

(a) For all airplanes: Within 3 months after the effective date

of this AD, replace the existing Dowty Electronics left- and right-

hand ground/flight microswitches, part number 620602801, issue 1,

with new, improved microswitches, part number 620602801, issue 2, at

the main landing gear (MLG) downlock, temperature sensor, and anti-

skid harness positions, in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin

SBF100-32-060, dated October 20, 1992.

(b) For airplanes having serial numbers 11244 through 11265

inclusive, 11268 through 11275 inclusive, 11277, and 11279: Within

12 months after the effective date of this AD, install an anti-skid

system ON/OFF switch in the flight compartment in accordance with

Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-060, dated October 20, 1992.

(c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install

a Dowty Electronics left- and/or right-hand ground/flight

microswitch, part number 620602801, issue 1, on any airplane.

(d) 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.

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

Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the

airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be

accomplished.

(f) The replacement and installation shall be done in accordance

with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-060, dated October 20, 1992.

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.

(g) This amendment becomes effective on March 21, 1994.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 7, 1994.

Darrell M. Pederson,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification

Service.

[FR Doc. 94-3236 Filed 2-16-94; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910-13-U