Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 37 (Tuesday, February 25, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10335-10337]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-02782]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0699; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-198-AD; 
Amendment 39-17751; AD 2014-03-13]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes. This AD 
was prompted by three reports of cracking in the rear pressure bulkhead 
(RPBH) web. This AD requires inspecting the RPBH web for cracking, and 
repairing if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct 
cracking of the RPBH web, which could result in in-flight decompression 
of the airplane and possible injury to the occupants.

DATES: This AD becomes effective April 1, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 1, 
2014.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2013-0699; or in person at the 
U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West 
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 
Washington, DC.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Fokker 
Services B.V., Technical Services Dept., P.O. Box 1357, 2130 EL 
Hoofddorp, the Netherlands; telephone +31 (0)88-6280-350; fax +31 
(0)88-6280-111; email [email protected]; Internet http://www.myfokkerfleet.com. You may view this referenced service information 
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 425-227-1221.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1137; 
fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Fokker Services 
B.V. Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on August 23, 2013 (78 FR 52465). The NPRM was 
prompted by three reports of cracking in the rear pressure bulkhead 
(RPBH) web. The NPRM proposed to require inspecting the RPBH web for 
cracking, and repairing if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect 
and correct cracking of the RPBH web, which could result in in-flight 
decompression of the airplane and possible injury to the occupants.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2012-0219, dated October 19, 2012 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products. The MCAI states:

    Three reports have been received of a crack in the rear pressure 
bulkhead (RPBH) web, just below the horizontal beam XI between 
buttock lines BL425L and BL425R, in the centre web bay below the 
pressure relief valves.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in 
an exponential crack growth rate, possibly leading to failure of the 
affected RPBH web, resulting in in-flight decompression of the 
aeroplane and possible injury to occupants.
    A repetitive inspection requirement has been published in issue 
10 of Fokker Services [Airworthiness Limitations Section] ALS Report 
SE-623 under task number 534106-00-05. The threshold to start this 
ALS-task is 30,000 [total] flight cycles (FC). However, it is known 
that many aeroplanes have already exceeded this threshold.

[[Page 10336]]

    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time inspection [detailed visual or high frequency eddy current 
inspection] of the affected RPBH web for cracks and, depending on 
findings, accomplishment of a repair. The repair can also be applied 
at any time as a modification, thereby exempting the aeroplane from 
(further) repetitive ALS task 534106-00-05 inspections.

You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-0699-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (78 FR 52465, August 23, 
2013) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (78 FR 52465, August 23, 2013) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 52465, August 23, 2013).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 4 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
               Action                        Labor cost           Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection..........................  5 work-hours X $85 per               $0             $425           $1,700
                                       hour = $425.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary repairs that 
would be required based on the results of the inspection. We have no 
way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these 
repairs:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On-condition inspection and repair...........  16 work-hours x $85 per hour =               $0           $1,360
                                                $1,360.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 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 this AD:
    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);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2013-0699; or in person at 
the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the 
MCAI, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for the Docket Operations office 
(telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    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 FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2014-03-13 Fokker Services B.V.: Amendment 39-17751. Docket No. FAA-
2013-0699; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-198-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective April 1, 
2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 
0100 airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in 
Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-53-120, dated May 15, 2012.

[[Page 10337]]

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by three reports of cracking in the rear 
pressure bulkhead (RPBH) web. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct cracking of the RPBH web, which could result in in-flight 
decompression of the airplane and possible injury to the occupants.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection

    Before the accumulation of 30,000 total flight cycles, or within 
12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
later: Do the actions specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of 
this AD.
    (1) Do a detailed inspection for cracking of the rear side of 
the RPBH web below beam XI between buttock line (BL) 425L and BL 
425R, in accordance with PART 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-53-120, dated May 15, 2012.
    (2) Do a high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection for 
cracking of the forward side of the RPBH web below beam XI between 
BL 425L and BL 425R, in accordance with PART 2 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-53-120, dated May 15, 
2012.

    Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD:  Fokker Services All 
Operators Message AOF100.176, dated May 15, 2012; and AOF100.178, 
dated September 10, 2012; provide additional information concerning 
the subject addressed by this AD.

(h) On-Condition Inspection and Repair

    (1) If any cracking is found during the inspections specified in 
paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD: Before further flight, repair 
the cracking, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-53-121, dated May 15, 2012.
    (2) For any airplane inspected as specified in paragraph (g)(1) 
of this AD and no cracking was found: Within 12 months after that 
inspection, do the HFEC inspection specified in PART 2 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-53-
120, dated May 15, 2012. If any cracking is found: Before further 
flight, repair the cracking, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-53-121, dated May 15, 
2012.

(i) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using 
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 
39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Tom 
Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
WA 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1137; fax (425) 227-1149. 
Information may be emailed to: [email protected]. 
Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal 
inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the 
local flight standards district office/certificate holding district 
office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this 
AD.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.

(j) Related Information

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness Directive 2012-
0219, dated October 19, 2012, for related information. You may 
examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-0699-0002.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-53-120, dated May 15, 2012.
    (ii) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-53-121, dated May 15, 2012.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Fokker Services B.V., Technical Services Dept., P.O. Box 1357, 2130 
EL Hoofddorp, the Netherlands; telephone +31 (0)88-6280-350; fax +31 
(0)88-6280-111; email [email protected]; Internet  http://www.myfokkerfleet.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
425-227-1221.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 29, 2014.
John P. Piccola,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-02782 Filed 2-24-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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