Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F27 Mark 050, 200, 500, and 600 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 46 (Wednesday, March 8, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12073-12075]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-5334]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-186-AD; Amendment 39-11611; AD 2000-05-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F27 Mark 050, 200, 500, 
and 600 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 F27 Mark 050, 200, 500, and 600 
series airplanes, that requires installation of certain components, and 
revisions of the Airplane Flight Manual. This action is necessary to 
prevent undetected failures of the horizontal and vertical stabilizer 
de-icing system, which could result in reduced controllability of the 
airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe 
condition.

DATES: Effective April 12, 2000.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of April 12, 2000.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Fokker Services B.V., P.O. Box 231, 2150 AE Nieuw-Vennep, 
the Netherlands. 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: Norman B. Martenson, Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.

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 F27 Mark 050, 
200, 500, and 600 series airplanes was published in the Federal 
Register on January 4, 2000 (65 FR 251). That action proposed to 
require installation of certain components, and revisions of the 
Airplane Flight Manual (AFM).

[[Page 12074]]

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 37 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD.
    It will take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish 
the required. AFM revision for operation of the airplane in the event 
of a failure of the de-icing system, at an average labor rate of $60 
per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this required 
AFM revision on U.S. operators is estimated to be $2,220, or $60 per 
airplane.
    It will take approximately 125 work hours per airplane to 
accomplish the required installations, at an average labor rate of $60 
per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $11,000 per 
airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the required 
installations on U.S. operators is estimated to be $684,500, or $18,500 
per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are 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.
    None of the Model F27 Mark 050 series airplanes affected by this 
action are on the U.S. Register. Should an affected airplane be 
imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future, it will take 
approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the required AFM 
revision for checks of the de-icing system, at an average labor rate of 
$60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this 
required AFM revision on U.S. operators is estimated to be $60 per 
airplane.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    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 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. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:
2000-05-02  Fokker Services B.V: Amendment 39-11611. Docket 98-NM-
186-AD.
    Applicability: Model F27 Mark 050 series airplanes as listed in 
Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-30-025, Revision 2, dated October 21, 
1998; and Model F27 Mark 200, 500, and 600 series airplanes, serial 
numbers 10603 through 10692 inclusive; certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent undetected failures of the horizontal and vertical 
stabilizer de-icing system, which could result in reduced 
controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:

AFM Revision (Mark 050 Airplanes)

    (a) For Model F27 Mark 050 series airplanes on which a de-icing 
distributor valve heating system has not been installed (Reference 
Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-30-024): Within 10 days after the 
effective date of this AD, revise the Limitations and Normal 
Procedures Sections of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) 
to include the following information. This may be accomplished by 
inserting a copy of this AD into the AFM.

``PRE-FLIGHT INSPECTION PROCEDURE FOR FLIGHTS INTO KNOWN OR FORECAST 
ICING CONDITIONS'

    <bullet> Cycle the airframe de-icing system twice through the 
Manual 1 and 2 position during ground operation.
    <bullet> Visually check the tailplane leading edge de-icing 
boots for inflation.

Installations and AFM Revision (Mark 050 Airplanes)

    (b) For Model F27 Mark 050 series airplanes: Within 18 months 
after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the requirements of 
paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Install a monitoring system for the horizontal and vertical 
stabilizer de-icing system in accordance with Fokker Service 
Bulletin SBF50-30-025, Revision 2, dated October 21, 1998. Prior to 
further flight thereafter, revise the FAA-approved AFM to 
incorporate the flight manual changes described in Fokker Manual 
Change Notification (MCNO) F50-001, dated October 23, 1997. 
Following accomplishment of the installation, the AFM revision 
required by paragraph (a) of this AD may be removed from the AFM.
    (2) Install a modified pressure switch in the monitoring system 
in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-30-026, dated 
August 11, 1999.

Installations and AFM Revision (Mark 200, 500, 600 Airplanes)

    (c) For Model F27 Mark 200, 500, and 600 series airplanes: 
Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the 
requirements of paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Install a monitoring system for the horizontal and vertical 
stabilizer de-icing system in accordance with Fokker

[[Page 12075]]

Service Bulletin F27/30-44, dated February 20, 1998. Prior to 
further flight thereafter, revise the FAA-approved AFM to 
incorporate the flight manual changes described in Fokker MCNO F27-
004, dated February 10, 1998.
    (2) Install a modified pressure switch in the monitoring system 
in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin F27/30-45, dated August 
11, 1999.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (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, International Branch, ANM-116, 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, International 
Branch, ANM-116.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

Special Flight Permits

    (e) 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.

Incorporation by Reference

    (f) Except as provided by paragraph (a) of this AD, the actions 
shall be done in accordance with the following Fokker service 
bulletins, including Fokker manual change notifications, as 
applicable, which contain the following specified effective pages:

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                                                                Revision level shown on
  Document referenced and date              Page No.                      page              Date shown on page
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SBF50-30-025, Revision 2, Oct.   1-3, 14, 15, 17-19...........  2......................  Oct. 21, 1998.
 21, 1998.                       4-13, 16, 22-25, 27-41, 43-45  Original...............  Oct. 31, 1997.
                                 20, 21, 26, 42...............  1......................  June 10, 1998.
                                     Manual Change Notification MCNO F50-001
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                                 1............................  Original...............  Oct. 23, 1997.
SBF27/30-44, February 20, 1998.  1-31.........................  Original...............  Feb. 20, 1998.
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                                     Manual Change Notification MCNM F27-003
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                                 1-5..........................  Original...............  Dec. 10, 1997.
                                     Manual Change Notification MCNO F27-004
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                                 1-2..........................  Original...............  Feb. 10, 1998.
SBF50-30-026, Aug. 11, 1999....  1-10.........................  Original...............  Aug. 11, 1999.
F27/30-45, August 11, 1999.....  1-12.........................  Original...............  Aug. 11, 1999.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 Services B.V., P.O. Box 
231, 2150 AE Nieuw-Vennep, the Netherlands. 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.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Dutch 
airworthiness directives 1998-019/2, and 1997-113/3, both dated June 
18, 1999.


    (g) This amendment becomes effective on April 12, 2000.
    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 29, 2000.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-5334 Filed 3-7-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

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