Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F27 Mark 050 Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 193 (Thursday, October 6, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 58300-58303]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-19829]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-22588; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-096-AD; 
Amendment 39-14317; AD 2005-20-21]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F27 Mark 050 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Fokker Model F27 Mark 050 airplanes. This AD requires 
repetitive visual checks for oil leaks of both engines between the 
spinner and the engine cowling, and directly behind the heated intake 
lip of the engine; repetitive inspections for oil leaks at the 
feathering pump on both engines; and corrective actions if necessary. 
This AD results from reports of oil leakage at the engine feathering 
pump. We are issuing this AD to prevent oil loss from the feathering 
pump, which could cause the engine to shut down in flight.

DATES: This AD becomes effective October 21, 2005.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of October 21, 
2005.
    We must receive comments on this AD by December 5, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this AD.
    <bullet> DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
    <bullet> Government-Wide Rulemaking Web Site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
    <bullet> Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590.
    <bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.

[[Page 58301]]

    <bullet> Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. 
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    Contact Fokker Services B.V., P.O. Box 231, 2150 AE Nieuw-Vennep, 
the Netherlands, for service information identified in this AD.

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:

Discussion

    The Civil Aviation Authority--The Netherlands (CAA-NL), which is 
the airworthiness authority for the Netherlands, notified us that an 
unsafe condition may exist on certain Fokker Model F27 Mark 050 
airplanes. The CAA-NL advises that a number of in-flight engine shut-
downs have been reported on Fokker Model F27 Mark 050 airplanes. The 
shut-downs were caused by oil leakage at the engine feathering pump, 
which resulted from a damaged seal on one of the bobbins between the 
feathering pump and the engine reduction gearbox. The CAA-NL mandated 
several actions to prevent recurrence of the leakage. Since those 
actions were mandated, several operators have found oil leaks at the 
feathering pumps. Most of these leaks were discovered during pre-flight 
or overnight checks. Investigators have not identified the cause of the 
new leaks. Oil loss from the feathering pump, if not corrected, could 
cause the engine to shut down in flight.

Relevant Service Information

    Fokker Services B.V. has issued All Operator Message (AOM) 
AOF50.037 (Ref TS04.57535), dated November 2, 2004. The AOM describes 
procedures for doing an external visual inspection for oil leaks before 
each take-off. The inspections are to be done in two specific areas of 
both engines: Between the spinner and the engine cowling, and directly 
behind the heated intake lip of the engine. The AOM states that either 
the flightcrew or the maintenance crew can perform this inspection. If 
any leak is found, the AOM specifies that further inspections are 
necessary before further flight, in accordance with the Fokker service 
bulletin described below. The AOM also states that operators should 
report cases of oil leakage and send failed O-rings to Fokker Services.
    Fokker Services B.V. has also issued Service Bulletin SBF50-61-023, 
dated November 3, 2004. The service bulletin describes procedures for 
repetitive detailed inspections for oil leaks at the feathering pump on 
both engines. If any leak is found, the service bulletin provides 
procedures for the corrective actions of replacing the O-rings of the 
feathering pump bobbins and the mounting pad gasket (if installed) with 
new parts.
    The CAA-NL mandated the service information and issued Dutch 
airworthiness directive 2004-129, dated November 3, 2004, to ensure the 
continued airworthiness of these airplanes in the Netherlands.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    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 (14 CFR 21.29) and 
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the CAA-NL has kept the FAA informed 
of the situation described above. We have examined the CAA-NL's 
findings, evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that we 
need to issue an AD for products of this type design that are 
certificated for operation in the United States.
    Therefore, we are issuing this AD to prevent oil loss from the 
feathering pump, which could cause the engine to shut down in flight. 
This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the service 
information described previously.

Interim Action

    We consider this AD interim action. If final action is later 
identified, we may consider further rulemaking then.

Clarification of Inspections

    Although the Dutch airworthiness directive specifies visually 
inspecting for oil leaks, this AD refers to that inspection as a 
``visual check.'' We have determined that pilots may properly perform 
these visual checks because the checks do not require tools, precision 
measuring equipment, training, or pilot logbook endorsements, or the 
use of or reference to technical data that are not contained in the 
body of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    None of the airplanes affected by this action are on the U.S. 
Register. All airplanes affected by this AD are currently operated by 
non-U.S. operators under foreign registry; therefore, they are not 
directly affected by this AD action. However, we consider this AD 
necessary to ensure that the unsafe condition is addressed if any 
affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the 
future.
    The following table provides the estimated costs to comply with 
this AD for any affected airplane that might be imported and placed on 
the U.S. Register in the future.

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Average
                  Action                     Work    labor rate                 Cost per airplane
                                             hours    per hour
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Pre-flight check, per cycle...............       1          $65  $65, per cycle.
Detailed inspection, per inspection cycle.       1           65  65, per inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Changes to 14 CFR Part 39/Effect on the AD Relating to Special Flight 
Permits

    On July 10, 2002, we issued a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 
47997, July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's airworthiness directives 
system. The regulation now includes material that relates to altered 
products, special flight permits, and alternative methods of compliance 
(AMOC). This material is included in part 39, except that the office 
authorized to approve AMOCs is identified in each individual AD. 
However, as amended, part 39 provides for the FAA to add special 
requirements for operating an airplane to a repair facility to do the 
work required by an airworthiness directive. For purposes of this AD, 
we have determined that such a special flight permit is prohibited.

[[Page 58302]]

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    No airplane affected by this AD is currently on the U.S. Register. 
Therefore, providing notice and opportunity for public comment is 
unnecessary before this AD is issued, and this AD may be made effective 
in less than 30 days after it is published in the Federal Register.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect 
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for 
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any relevant written 
data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an 
address listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-
22588; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-096-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD that might 
suggest a need to modify it.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of that Web 
site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, 
including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed 
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). 
You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal 
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you may visit 
http://dms.dot.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT 
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System 
receives them.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
subtitle VII, part A, subpart III, section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES 
section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 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. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2005-20-21 Fokker Services B.V.: Amendment 39-14317. Docket No. FAA-
2005-22588; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-096-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective October 21, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Fokker Model F27 Mark 050 airplanes, 
certificated in any category, as identified in Fokker Service 
Bulletin SBF50-61-023, dated November 3, 2004.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from reports of oil leakage at the engine 
feathering pump. We are issuing this AD to prevent oil loss from the 
feathering pump, which could cause the engine to shut down in 
flight.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Pre-Flight Checks

    (f) Before the next flight after the effective date of this AD: 
Do a visual check for oil leaks between the spinner and the engine 
cowling, and from directly behind the heated intake lip, of both 
engines, in accordance with Fokker All Operator Message (AOM) 
AOF50.037 (Ref TS04.57535), dated November 2, 2004. Repeat the 
visual check thereafter before each flight. If any leak is found, 
before further flight, do the action in paragraph (g) of this AD.

Repetitive Detailed Inspections

    (g) Except as required by paragraph (f) of this AD, at the 
applicable time in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD: Do a 
detailed inspection for oil leaks at the feathering pump on both 
engines and do any applicable corrective action before further 
flight. Do all actions in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-61-023, dated November 
3, 2004. Repeat the detailed inspection thereafter at the applicable 
interval in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD.
    (1) For airplanes identified in paragraph 1.A. ``Effectivity,'' 
sub-paragraph (1) of the service bulletin: Do the first inspection 
before the next flight after the effective date of this AD, and 
repeat the inspection thereafter before each flight.
    (2) For airplanes identified in paragraph 1.A. ``Effectivity,'' 
sub-paragraph (2) of the service bulletin: Do the first inspection 
within 32 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, and 
repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 32 
flight hours.

    Note 1:
    For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: ``An 
intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly 
to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is 
normally

[[Page 58303]]

supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an intensity 
deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying 
lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate 
procedures may be required.''

No Reporting Requirement

    (h) Although Fokker AOM AOF50.037 (Ref TS04.57535), dated 
November 2, 2004, specifies that operators should report cases of 
oil leakage and send failed O-rings to Fokker Services B.V., this AD 
does not include that requirement.

Special Flight Permit

    (i) Special flight permits (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) are not 
allowed.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (j)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for 
this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 
CFR 39.19.
    (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.  
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the 
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards 
Certificate Holding District Office.

Related Information

    (k) Dutch airworthiness directive 2004-129, dated November 3, 
2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (l) You must use Fokker All Operator Message AOF50.037 (Ref 
TS04.57535), dated November 2, 2004; and Fokker Service Bulletin 
SBF50-61-023, dated November 3, 2004; as applicable, to perform the 
actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies 
otherwise. (Only page 1 of Fokker All Operator Message AOF50.037 
(Ref TS04.57535), contains the issue date of the document; no other 
page of the document contains this information.) The Director of the 
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of these 
documents in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. 
Contact Fokker Services B.V., P.O. Box 231, 2150 AE Nieuw-Vennep, 
the Netherlands, for a copy of this service information. You may 
review copies at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401, Nassif 
Building, Washington, DC; on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or 
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For 
information on the availability of this material at the NARA, call 
(202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 26, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-19829 Filed 10-5-05; 8:45 am]
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