Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 131 (Friday, July 9, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41391-41394]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-15368]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-NM-162-AD; Amendment 39-13710; AD 2004-14-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 
Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to certain Fokker Model F.28 Mark 0100 series 
airplanes, that currently requires repetitive inspections of certain 
main landing gear (MLG) main fittings to detect forging defects, and 
rework of the main fittings if necessary. This amendment requires 
either replacement of each MLG with a MLG that has main fittings that 
have been inspected and reworked, or various one-time inspections of 
the main fittings and rework if necessary. Either of these actions 
constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This 
action also revises the applicability by adding airplanes. The actions 
specified by this AD are intended to detect forging defects of the MLG 
main fittings, which could lead to cracking and result in significant 
structural damage to the airplane and possible injury to the occupants. 
This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective August 13, 2004.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of August 13, 2004.
    The incorporation by reference of a certain other publication, as 
listed in the regulations, was approved previously by the Director of 
the Federal Register as of December 20, 2001 (66 FR 63159, December 5, 
2001).

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

[[Page 41392]]

examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport 
Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-1137; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 2001-24-10, 
amendment 39-12527 (66 FR 63159, December 5, 2001), which is applicable 
to certain Fokker Model F.28 Mark 0100 series airplanes, was published 
in the Federal Register on March 17, 2004 (69 FR 12582). The action 
proposed to continue to require either replacement of each MLG with a 
MLG that has main fittings that have been inspected and reworked, or 
various one-time inspections of the main fittings and rework if 
necessary. Either of those actions would constitute terminating action 
for the repetitive inspections. The action also proposed to revise the 
applicability by adding airplanes.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comments received.

Support for the Proposed AD

    The Air Transport Association of America, on behalf of its members, 
generally supports the intent of the proposed AD.

Request to Include an Additional Terminating Action

    The commenter, an operator, notes that its fleet of Fokker Model 
F.28 Mark 0100 series airplanes is not affected by the proposed AD. The 
commenter suggests adding an additional terminating action to paragraph 
(f) of the proposed AD to allow the installation of Menasco main 
landing gear (MLG) main fittings made of steel, in accordance with 
Fokker Service Bulletin F100-32-090.
    The FAA acknowledges the commenter's request, but the unsafe 
condition addressed in this AD pertains to cracking associated with 
Messier-Dowty MLG main fittings as called out in the applicability 
statement of this AD. This AD is applicable to airplanes equipped with 
specific Messier-Dowty MLG and main fitting sub-assembly part numbers. 
This AD is not applicable to airplanes with MLGs and fittings 
manufactured by Menasco. No change to this AD is necessary.

Change Made to This AD

    Paragraph (f)(1) of this AD has been reworded to comply with the 
Office of the Federal Register's guidelines for material incorporated 
by reference.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
noted above, we have determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule with the change previously described.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 70 airplanes of U.S. registry that will be 
affected by this AD.
    The actions that are currently required by AD 2001-24-10 take 
approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the previously required actions on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $9,100, or $130 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
    Should an operator rework a MLG per Part 1 of Fokker Service 
Bulletin SBF100-32-134, it will take approximately 44 work hours per 
airplane at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these 
figures, the cost impact of the modification is estimated to be $2,860 
per airplane.
    Should an operator do the inspections specified in Messier-Dowty 
Service Bulletin F100-32-102, it will take approximately 2 work hours 
per airplane at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of the inspections is estimated to be 
$130 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. The cost impact figures discussed 
in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform 
the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures 
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to 
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other 
administrative actions.

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 in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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

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. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-12527 (66 FR 
63159, December 5, 2001), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), amendment 39-13710, to read as follows:

2004-14-01 Fokker Services B.V.: Amendment 39-13710. Docket 2003-NM-
162-AD. Supersedes AD 2001-24-10, Amendment 39-12527.

    Applicability: Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 series airplanes, 
certificated in any category, equipped with a Messier-Dowty main 
landing gear (MLG) unit having a part number (P/N) with a main 
fitting sub-assembly, as listed in Table 1 of this AD.

[[Page 41393]]



                         Table 1.--Applicability
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                                          Which includes a Main fitting
                 P/N--                          sub-assembly P/N--
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201072011..............................  201072283, 201072284, or
                                          201251258 (main fitting P/N
                                          201072383, 201072384, or
                                          201072389).
201072012..............................  201072283, 201072284, or
                                          201251258 (main fitting P/N
                                          201072383, 201072384, or
                                          201072389).
201072013..............................  201072283, 201072284, or
                                          201251258 (main fitting P/N
                                          201072383, 201072384, or
                                          201072389).
201072014..............................  201072283, 201072284, or
                                          201251258 (main fitting P/N
                                          201072383, 201072384, or
                                          201072389).
201072015..............................  201072283, 201072284, or
                                          201251258 (main fitting P/N
                                          201072383, 201072384, or
                                          201072389).
201072016..............................  201072283, 201072284, or
                                          201251258 (main fitting P/N
                                          201072383, 201072384, or
                                          201072389).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To detect forging defects of the MLG main fittings, which could 
lead to cracking and result in significant structural damage to the 
airplane and possible injury to the occupants, accomplish the 
following:

Restatement of the Requirements of AD 2001-24-10

Initial and Repetitive Inspections

    (a) For Fokker Model F.28 Mark 0100 series airplanes: Before the 
accumulation of 1,000 total landings on a new MLG, or within 30 days 
after December 20, 2001 (the effective date of AD 2001-24-10, 
amendment 39-12527), whichever occurs later, do an initial eddy 
current inspection on all MLG main fittings to detect forging 
defects, per Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin No. F100-32-101, 
including Appendices A and B, dated October 25, 2001. After 
accomplishment of the initial inspection, repeat the eddy current 
inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 500 landings or 6 
months, whichever occurs first, per the service bulletin. 
Accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph (f) of this AD 
terminates the repetitive inspections. Although this service 
bulletin specifies to submit certain information to the part 
manufacturer, this AD does not include such a requirement.

Rework

    (b) For Fokker Model F.28 Mark 0100 series airplanes: After any 
inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, before further 
flight, accomplish the applicable actions required by paragraph 
(b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD.
    (1) If any cracking is found within the limits specified in 
Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin No. F100-32-101, including Appendices 
A and B, dated October 25, 2001: Rework the MLG main fitting per the 
service bulletin.
    (2) If any cracking is found that exceeds the limits specified 
in Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin No. F100-32-101, including 
Appendices A and B, dated October 25, 2001: Rework the MLG main 
fitting per a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, 
ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the Civil Aviation 
Authority--The Netherlands (CAA-NL) (or its delegated agent).

Exception to Service Information

    (c) During any action required by this AD, if the service 
bulletin specifies to contact Messier-Dowty for an appropriate 
action: Before further flight, repair per a method approved by the 
Manager, International Branch, ANM-116; or the CAA-NL (or its 
delegated agent).

New Actions Required by This AD

Initial and Repetitive Inspections

    (d) For Fokker Model F.28 Mark 0070 series airplanes: Before the 
accumulation of 1,000 total landings on a new MLG, or within 30 days 
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, do an 
initial eddy current inspection on all MLG main fittings to detect 
forging defects, per Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin No. F100-32-101, 
including Appendices A and B, dated October 25, 2001. After 
accomplishment of the initial inspection, repeat the inspection 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 500 landings or 6 months, 
whichever occurs first, per the service bulletin. Accomplishment of 
the actions required by paragraph (f) of this AD terminates the 
repetitive inspections.

Rework

    (e) For Fokker Model F.28 Mark 0070 series airplanes: After any 
inspection required by paragraph (d) of this AD, before further 
flight, accomplish the applicable actions required by paragraph 
(e)(1) or (e)(2) of this AD.
    (1) If any cracking is found within the limits specified in 
Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin No. F100-32-101, including Appendices 
A and B, dated October 25, 2001: Rework the MLG main fitting per the 
service bulletin.
    (2) If any cracking is found that exceeds the limits specified 
in Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin No. F100-32-101, including 
Appendices A and B, dated October 25, 2001: Rework the MLG main 
fitting per a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, 
ANM-116; or the CAA-NL (or its delegated agent).

Terminating Actions

    (f) For all airplanes: Before the accumulation of 16,000 total 
landings on a new MLG, do the actions in paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(2) 
of this AD. Accomplishment of paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this AD 
constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections 
required by paragraphs (a) and (d) of this AD.
    (1) Replace the main fitting of the MLG with a main fitting that 
has had a detailed inspection to detect forging defects and has been 
reworked, per paragraph 2.B., Part 1, of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-134, dated March 
24, 2003. Any discrepancy found during the detailed inspection must 
be repaired before further flight per a method approved by the 
Manager, International Branch, ANM-116; or the CAA-NL (or its 
delegated agent). Accomplishment of the applicable actions in the 
Fokker 100 Aircraft Maintenance Manual and Messier-Dowty Component 
Maintenance Manual, Chapter 32-11-04, is one approved method.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is 
defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a specific 
structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, 
failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally 
supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity 
deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, 
magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate 
access procedures may be required.''


    Note 2: Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-134, dated March 24, 
2003, references Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin F100-32-102, 
including Appendices A, B, and C, dated February 24, 2003, as an 
additional source of service information for reworking the main 
fitting of each MLG.

    (2) Do eddy current and etch penetrant inspections, as 
applicable, to detect forging defects; and rework the main fitting 
of each MLG, as applicable; by accomplishing all of the actions in 
paragraph 3.C. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Messier-Dowty 
Service Bulletin F100-32-102, including Appendices A, B, and C, 
dated February 24, 2003. Do all of the actions per the service 
bulletin. Any rework must be done before further flight.

Parts Installation

    (g) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a 
MLG, MLG main fitting sub-assembly, or MLG main fitting having a P/N 
listed in Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin F100-32-102, including 
Appendices A, B, and C, dated February 24, 2003, on any airplane 
unless the part has been inspected

[[Page 41394]]

and reworked, as applicable, per that service bulletin.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (h) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, is authorized to approve alternative methods of 
compliance for this AD.

Incorporation by Reference

    (i) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be 
done in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-134, dated 
March 24, 2003; Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin No. F100-32-101, 
including Appendices A and B, dated October 25, 2001; and Messier-
Dowty Service Bulletin F100-32-102, including Appendices A, B, and 
C, dated February 24, 2003; as applicable.
    (1) The incorporation by reference of Fokker Service Bulletin 
SBF100-32-134, dated March 24, 2003; and Messier-Dowty Service 
Bulletin F100-32-102, including Appendices A, B, and C, dated 
February 24, 2003; is approved by the Director of the Federal 
Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) The incorporation by reference of Messier-Dowty Service 
Bulletin No. F100-32-101, including Appendices A and B, dated 
October 25, 2001, was approved previously by the Director of the 
Federal Register as of December 20, 2001 (66 FR 63159, December 5, 
2001).
    (3) 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 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.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Dutch 
airworthiness directive 2003-040, dated March 31, 2003.

Effective Date

    (j) This amendment becomes effective on August 13, 2004.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 24, 2004.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-15368 Filed 7-8-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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