Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 228 (Friday, November 27, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 73963-73965]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-29852]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-1048; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-055-AD; 
Amendment 39-18332; AD 2015-23-14]
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 all 
Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes. This AD 
was prompted by reports that cracks can occur in a frame of the tail 
section on certain airplanes. This AD requires a one-time detailed 
inspection of the oblique frame 67-2 for any cracking, and repair if 
necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct such cracking, 
which could lead to failure of the oblique frame 67-2, and consequent 
loss of the structural integrity of the tail section.

DATES: This AD becomes effective January 4, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of January 4, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2014-1048 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. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
1048.

[[Page 73964]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 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 all Fokker Services B.V. 
Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on January 23, 2015 (80 FR 3500). We are issuing this 
AD to detect and correct cracking of the oblique frame 67-2, which 
could lead to failure of the oblique frame 67-2, and consequent loss of 
the structural integrity of the tail section.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2014-0039, dated February 20, 2014, dated 
(referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness 
Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all 
Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes. The MCAI 
states:

    Service experience has shown that cracks can occur in oblique 
frame 67-2 in the tail section on aeroplanes with more than 29 000 
flight cycles (FC).
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, can result in an 
exponential crack growth rate, possibly leading to failure of the 
oblique frame 67-2 over a certain length and consequent loss of the 
structural integrity of the tail section of the aeroplane.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time [detailed] inspection of the oblique frame 67-2 for cracks and, 
depending on findings, accomplishment of a repair.
    Repetitive inspections are planned to be incorporated into a 
revision of Fokker Services Report SE-623, which is part of the 
Airworthiness Limitations Section of the Instructions for Continued 
Airworthiness, for which a separate [EASA] AD is expected to be 
published.
    Fokker Services All Operators Message AOF100.187#02 provides 
additional information concerning the subject addressed by this 
[EASA] AD.

You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-1048-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (80 FR 3500, January 23, 
2015) 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 (80 FR 3500, January 23, 2015) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (80 FR 3500, January 23, 2015).

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Fokker Services B.V. has issued Service Bulletin SBF100-53-124, 
dated January 23, 2014; and Service Bulletin SBF100-53-125, Revision 1, 
dated February 13, 2014. The service information describes procedures 
for a one-time detailed inspection of the oblique frame 67-2 for any 
cracking, and repair if necessary. This service information is 
reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it 
through their normal course of business or by the means identified in 
the ADDRESSES section of this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 8 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it will take about 1 work-hour 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 $680, or $85 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will 
take about 12 work-hours and require parts costing $0, for a cost of 
$1,020 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
aircraft that might need this action.

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-2014-1048; 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.

[[Page 73965]]

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2015-23-14 Fokker Services B.V.: Amendment 39-18332. Docket No. FAA-
2014-1048; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-055-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective January 4, 2016.

(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, all serial numbers.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports that cracks can occur in the 
oblique frame 67-2 in the tail section on certain airplanes. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct such cracking, which could 
lead to failure of the oblique frame 67-2, and consequent loss of 
the structural integrity of the tail section.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection and Repair

    For airplanes that have accumulated more than 29,000 total 
flight cycles since the airplane's first flight as of the effective 
date of this AD: Within 500 flight cycles or 12 months after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, do a one-time 
detailed inspection of the oblique frame 67-2 for any cracking, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service 
Bulletin SBF100-53-124, dated January 23, 2014. 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 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.

(h) Corrective Action

    If any cracking is found during the inspection required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight, repair the oblique 
frame 67-2, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-53-125, Revision 1, dated February 
13, 2014.

(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, 
Washington 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) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Fokker B.V. Service's 
EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the 
approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(j) Related Information

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0039, dated February 20, 2014, for 
related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-
1048-0002.

(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 SBF100-53-124, dated January 23, 
2014.
    (ii) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-53-125, Revision 1, dated 
February 13, 2014.
    (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 November 11, 2015.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-29852 Filed 11-25-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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