Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 73 (Wednesday, April 16, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 21389-21392]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-07821]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0865; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-199-AD; 
Amendment 39-17819; AD 2014-07-05]
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 an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) 
indicating that the butt-joints on the forward fuselage above the 
passenger door are subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). This AD 
requires inspecting the forward fuselage butt-joints for cracking, 
repairing any crack, and eventually doing a terminating repair. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking of such butt-joints, which 
could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane and in-
flight decompression of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective May 21, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of May 21, 2014.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2013-0865: or in person at the 
Docket Management Facility, 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 October 23, 2013 (78 FR 63132). The NPRM was 
prompted by an evaluation by the DAH indicating that the butt-joints on 
the forward fuselage above the passenger door are subject to WFD. The 
NPRM proposed to require inspecting the forward fuselage butt-joints 
for cracking, repairing any crack, and eventually doing a terminating 
repair. We are issuing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking of such 
butt-joints, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the 
airplane and in-flight decompression of the airplane.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2012-0218, 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:

    A report has been received of a crack, detected in a butt-joint 
on the forward

[[Page 21390]]

fuselage of an F28 Mark 0100 aeroplane, above the passenger door. 
Investigation results revealed that, depending on the configuration 
of the aeroplane, four butt joints in the forward fuselage can be 
affected, at stringers 8, 37, 42 and 67 between fuselage stations 
3850 and 5305.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, can result in an 
exponential crack growth rate, possibly leading to failure of the 
butt-joint over a certain length and consequent in-flight 
decompression of the aeroplane.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time inspection [low frequency eddy current] of the forward fuselage 
butt joints for cracks and, depending on findings, accomplishment of 
a temporary repair [including a detailed inspection for cracks in 
the butt strap on the inside of the applicable joint, and corrective 
actions if necessary] and reporting the findings to Fokker Services. 
In addition, this AD requires a permanent repair/modification [and a 
detailed inspection for cracks in the butt strap on the inside of 
the applicable joint, and corrective actions if necessary].

    Corrective actions include removing the cracked part of the butt 
joint and installing an insert, and installing of an external repair 
strap. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at 
http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-0865-0001.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (78 FR 63132, October 23, 
2013) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant 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 63132, October 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 63132, October 23, 2013).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 4 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it will take about 127 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor 
rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost 
of this AD on U.S. operators to be $43,180, or $10,795 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will 
take about 30 work-hours, for a cost of $2,550 per product. We have no 
way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these 
actions.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for 
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of 
information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control 
number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120-
0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in 
the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for 
reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with 
this AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden 
and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA 
at 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information 
Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

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 AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2013-0865; or in person at the 
Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, 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:

2014-07-05 Fokker Services B.V.: Amendment 39-17819. Docket No. FAA-
2013-0865; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-199-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective May 21, 
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 SBF100-53-118, Revision 2, dated October 16, 
2012.

(d) Subject

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

[[Page 21391]]

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval 
holder (DAH) indicating that the butt-joints on the forward fuselage 
above the passenger door are subject to widespread fatigue damage 
(WFD). We are issuing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking of such 
butt-joints, which could result in reduced structural integrity of 
the airplane and in-flight decompression of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Inspection

    Before the accumulation of 35,000 total flight cycles, or within 
8 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
later: Do a low frequency eddy current inspection for cracking of 
the forward fuselage butt-joints, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-53-
118, Revision 2, dated October 16, 2012.

(h) Repair

    If any cracking is found during the inspection specified in 
paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight, do the actions 
specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Accomplish a temporary repair, including a detailed 
inspection for cracks in the butt strap on the inside of the 
applicable joint, and all applicable corrective actions, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service 
Bulletin SBF100-53-118, Revision 2, dated October 16, 2012.
    (2) Do a terminating repair of the forward fuselage butt-joints, 
including a detailed inspection for cracks in the butt strap on the 
inside of the applicable joint, and all applicable corrective 
actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-53-119, Revision 2, dated May 8, 
2013. Accomplishing the terminating repair specified in this 
paragraph is a method of compliance with the terminating repair 
required by paragraph (j) of this AD.

(i) Reporting

    Submit a report of any crack findings from the inspection 
specified in paragraph (g) of this AD to Fokker Services, Hoeksteen 
40, 2132 MS Hoofddorp, P.O. Box 1357, 2130 EL Hoofddorp, The 
Netherlands; by using the Reporting Form (figure 14 and figure 15, 
as applicable) of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-53-118, Revision 2, 
dated October 16, 2012; at the applicable time specified in 
paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this AD.
    (1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
    (2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this 
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of 
this AD.

(j) Terminating Repair

    Before the accumulation 50,000 total flight cycles, or within 8 
months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: 
Do the terminating repair of the forward fuselage butt-joints, 
including a detailed inspection for cracks in the butt strap on the 
inside of the applicable joint, and all applicable corrective 
actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-53-119, Revision 2, dated May 8, 
2013. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight.

(k) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for applicable actions 
required by paragraphs (g) and (h)(1) of this AD, if those actions 
were performed before the effective date of this AD using the 
service bulletins specified in paragraph (k)(1)(i) or (k)(1)(ii) of 
this AD, which are not incorporated by reference in this AD.
    (i) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-53-118, dated April 10, 2012.
    (ii) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-53-118, Revision 1, dated 
July 6, 2012.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraphs (h)(2) and (j) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before the effective date of this AD using the service 
bulletins specified in paragraph (k)(2)(i) or (k)(2)(ii) of this AD, 
which are not incorporated by reference in this AD.
    (i) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-53-119, dated June 20, 2012.
    (ii) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-53-119, Revision 1, dated 
October 30, 2012.

(l) Compliance Time Provisions

    No alternative compliance times may be used for the modification 
required by paragraph (j) of this AD, unless extensive new data are 
provided and the compliance time is approved as an alternative 
method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures 
specified in paragraph (m) of this AD.

(m) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, 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, Washington 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.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: A federal agency may not conduct or 
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a 
person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a 
collection of information subject to the requirements of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information 
displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number 
for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for 
this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5 
minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, 
completing and reviewing the collection of information. All 
responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments 
concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing 
the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. 
SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance 
Officer, AES-200.

(n) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2012-
0218, dated October 19, 2012, for related information. This MCAI may 
be found in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-0865-0001.
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference may be viewed at the addresses specified 
in paragraphs (o)(3) and (o)(4) of this AD.

(o) 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 SBF100-53-118, Revision 2, dated 
October 16, 2012.
    (ii) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-53-119, Revision 2, dated 
May 8, 2013.
    (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.


[[Page 21392]]


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 28, 2014.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-07821 Filed 4-15-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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