Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 73 (Monday, April 16, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 16191-16194]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-07639]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0906; Product Identifier 2017-NM-039-AD; Amendment 
39-19252; AD 2018-07-21]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2005-12-16, 
which applied to all Fokker Services B.V. Model F28 Mark 0100 
airplanes. AD 2005-12-16 required an inspection to determine the part 
number of the passenger service unit (PSU) panels for the PSU 
modification status, and corrective actions if applicable. This new AD 
requires an inspection of the PSU panels and the PSU panel/airplane 
interface connectors for discrepancies, and corrective actions if 
necessary. This AD also removes airplanes from the applicability. This 
AD was prompted by reports of smoke in the passenger compartment during 
ground operations and in-flight, and a determination that the 
modification actions required by AD 2005-12-16 might not have been 
implemented correctly. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is May 21, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of May 21, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of July 
20, 2005 (70 FR 34642, June 15, 2005).

ADDRESSES: For Fokker service information identified in this final 
rule, 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. For Grimes Aerospace service information 
identified in this final rule, contact Grimes Aerospace Company, 
Product Support Group, 240 Twain Avenue, Urbana, OH 43078; phone 513-
653-5225; fax 513-652-2322. You may view this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th 
St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available on the 
internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2017-0906.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0906; 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 address for the Docket Office (telephone 800-
647-5527) is 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 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3226.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to supersede AD 2005-12-16, Amendment 39-14132 (70 FR 34642, 
June 15, 2005) (``AD 2005-12-16''). AD 2005-12-16 applied to all Fokker 
Services B.V. Model F28 Mark 0100 airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on November 3, 2017 (82 FR 51172). The NPRM was 
prompted by reports of smoke in the passenger compartment during ground 
operations and in flight, and the determination that the modification 
actions required by AD 2005-12-16 might not have been implemented 
correctly. The NPRM proposed to continue to require an inspection to 
determine the part number of the PSU panels for the PSU modification 
status, and corrective actions if applicable. The NPRM also proposed to 
require an inspection of the PSU panels and the PSU panel/airplane 
interface connectors for discrepancies, and corrective actions if 
necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct overheating of 
the PSU panel due to moisture ingress, which could result in smoke or 
fire in the passenger cabin.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent

[[Page 16192]]

for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2017-0043, dated March 6, 2017 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Fokker 
Services B.V. Model F28 Mark 0100 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Reports were received of burning smell and smoke in the 
passenger compartment during flight as a result of overheating of 
passenger service units (PSU). These were attributed to moisture 
ingress into the interface electrical connectors of an unsealed PSU 
panel.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
further incidents of smoke in the passenger compartment, possibly 
resulting in injury to occupants.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Grimes Aerospace 
Company, the PSU manufacturer (currently Honeywell) issued SB 10-
1178-33-0040 and SB 10-1571-33-0041, and Fokker Services issued 
SBF100-25-097, to provide instructions for installation of improved 
sealing of the PSU and its interface electrical connectors. 
Subsequently, CAA-NL [Civil Aviation Authority--The Netherlands] 
issued AD (BLA) 2004-022 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2005-12-16] to 
require modification, cleaning and sealing of the affected PSU.
    Since that [CAA-NL] AD was issued, following a new occurrence of 
burning smell and smoke in the passenger compartment during 
disembarking of the passengers, the investigation revealed that, on 
several aeroplanes, the modification instructions of Honeywell and 
Fokker Services (SB listed above) were not, or not correctly, 
implemented. Prompted by these findings, Fokker Services published 
SBF100-25-128, providing inspection instructions to detect non-
accomplishment and any discrepancy with the original modification 
instructions.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirement of CAA-NL AD (BLA) 2004-022, which is superseded, and 
requires a one-time inspection [for discrepancies] of the PSU panels 
and their interface with the aeroplane, and, depending on findings, 
the accomplishment of applicable corrective action(s).

    Discrepancies include incorrect application of the sealant on the 
PSU panels, uninstalled gaskets, inability to properly lock the 
connectors, and incorrectly applied sealant on the connectors. 
Corrective actions include restoring the sealing of the affected PSU 
panel, repairing the PSU panel, or installing a new PSU panel with a 
replaced receptacle, and installing gaskets; making sure the connecter 
can properly lock; and applying sealant on the connector.
    The MCAI also revised the applicability by specifying certain line 
numbers and excluding airplanes on which certain modifications were 
done. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at 
http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2017-0906.

Comments

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

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Fokker Services B.V. has issued Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-25-
128, dated July 21, 2016. This service information describes procedures 
for inspection of the PSU panels and the PSU panel/airplane interface 
connectors for discrepancies, and for incorrectly applied sealant on 
the connectors, and corrective actions.
    Grimes Aerospace has issued Service Bulletin 10-1178-33-0040, dated 
October 15, 1993; Service Bulletin 10-1178-33-0040, Revision 1, dated 
March 25, 1996; and Service Bulletin 10-1571-33-0041, dated October 15, 
1993. This service information describes procedures for inspection of 
the PSU panels and the PSU panel/airplane interface connectors for 
discrepancies, and corrective actions. This service information is 
distinct since it applies to different part numbers.
    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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 8 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The actions required by AD 2005-12-16, and retained in this AD take 
about 5 work-hours per product, at an average labor rate of $85 per 
work-hour. Required parts cost about $6 per product. Based on these 
figures, the estimated cost of the actions that are required by AD 
2005-12-16 is $431 per product.
    We also estimate that it would take about 13 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 $8,840, or $1,105 per product.
    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD.

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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes to 
the Director of the System Oversight Division.

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);

[[Page 16193]]

    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.

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2005-12-16, Amendment 39-14132 (70 FR 34642, June 15, 2005), and adding 
the following new AD:

2018-07-21 Fokker Services B.V.: Amendment 39-19252; Docket No. FAA-
2017-0906; Product Identifier 2017-NM-039-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective May 21, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces 2005-12-16, Amendment 39-14132 (70 FR 34642, 
June 15, 2005) (``AD 2005-12-16'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Fokker Services B.V. Model F28 Mark 0100 
airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 11244 
through 11527 inclusive, except those airplanes modified in service 
as specified in Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-25-070, or Fokker 
Service Bulletin SBF100-25-109, or Fokker Modification Report FS-
N545 or FS-N571.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
furnishings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of smoke in the passenger 
compartment during ground operations and in flight, and a 
determination that the modification actions required by AD 2005-12-
16 might not have been implemented correctly. We are issuing this AD 
to detect and correct overheating of the passenger service unit 
(PSU) panel due to moisture ingress, which could result in smoke or 
fire in the passenger cabin.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Inspection and Corrective Actions, With Clarified Note

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (f) of AD 
2005-12-16, with clarified note. Within 36 months after July 20, 
2005 (the effective date of AD 2005-12-16), inspect to determine if 
Grimes Aerospace PSU panels having part number (P/N) 10-1178-() or 
P/N 10-1571-() are installed and the PSU modification status if 
applicable, and do any corrective actions if applicable, by doing 
all of the actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-25-097, dated December 30, 2003.

    Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: Guidance on modifying the 
PSU panel can be found in Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-25-097, 
dated December 30, 2003, which refers to Grimes Aerospace Service 
Bulletin 10-1178-33-0040, Revision 1, dated March 25, 1996 (for PSU 
panels having P/N 10-1178-()); and Grimes Aerospace Service Bulletin 
10-1571-33-0041, dated October 15, 1993 (for PSU panels having P/N 
10-1571-()).

(h) Retained Parts Installation Limitation, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2005-12-16, with no changes. As of July 20, 2005 (the effective date 
of AD 2005-12-16), no person may install a PSU panel having P/N 10-
1178-() or P/N 10-1571-() on any airplane, unless it has been 
inspected and any applicable corrective actions have been done in 
accordance with paragraph (g) of this AD.

(i) New Affected PSU Identification

    For the purpose of this AD, Grimes (Honeywell) PSUs having P/N 
10-1178-() with a serial number below 4000, and PSUs having P/N 10-
1571-() with a serial number below 1000, are referred to as affected 
PSUs in paragraphs (j) through (l) of this AD.

(j) New Inspections

    Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD: Do the 
actions required by paragraphs (j)(1) and (j)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Do a general visual inspection of the panel of each affected 
PSU for incorrect application of the sealant, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-25-
097, dated December 30, 2003; and, as applicable, Grimes Aerospace 
Service Bulletin 10-1178-33-0040, dated October 15, 1993 (for PSUs 
having P/N 10-1178-()); Grimes Aerospace Service Bulletin 10-1178-
33-0040, Revision 1, dated March 25, 1996 (for PSUs having P/N 10-
1178-()); or Grimes Aerospace Service Bulletin 10-1571-33-0041, 
dated October 15, 1993 (for PSUs having P/N 10-1571-()).
    (2) Do a general visual inspection of the electrical connectors 
of each affected PSU panel for discrepancies; i.e., uninstalled 
gaskets, inability to properly lock the connectors, and incorrectly 
applied sealant on the connectors; in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-25-
128, dated July 21, 2016.

(k) Corrective Actions

    If, during any inspection required by paragraph (j) of this AD, 
any discrepancy is found, before further flight, restore the sealing 
of the affected PSU panels and accomplish all applicable corrective 
actions to correct the PSU panel interface, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-25-
128, dated July 21, 2016. Do all applicable corrective actions 
before further flight.

(l) Parts Installation Limitation

    As of the effective date of this AD, an affected PSU panel may 
be installed on any airplane, provided that before further flight 
after installation, it has been inspected in accordance with 
paragraph (j) of this AD and all applicable corrective actions have 
been done in accordance with paragraph (k) 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 Section, Transport Standards Branch, 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 Section, send it to the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (n)(2) of this AD. Information 
may be emailed to: [email protected].
    (i) 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.
    (ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2005-12-16 are approved as 
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the effective date of 
this AD, 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 Section, Transport Standards 
Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or 
Fokker Services B.V.'s Design Organization Approval (DOA). If 
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized 
signature.

(n) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0043, dated March 6, 2017, 
for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on 
the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2017-0906.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Tom Rodriguez, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards 
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des

[[Page 16194]]

Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3226.

(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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
May 21, 2018.
    (i) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-25-128, dated July 21, 2016.
    (ii) Grimes Aerospace Service Bulletin 10-1178-33-0040, dated 
October 15, 1993.
    (iii) Grimes Aerospace Service Bulletin 10-1178-33-0040, 
Revision 1, dated March 25, 1996.
    (iv) Grimes Aerospace Service Bulletin 10-1571-33-0041, dated 
October 15, 1993.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
July 20, 2005 (70 FR 34642, June 15, 2005).
    (i) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-25-097, dated December 30, 
2003.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (5) For Fokker 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. For Grimes Aerospace service 
information identified in this AD, contact Grimes Aerospace Company, 
Product Support Group, 240 Twain Avenue, Urbana, OH 43078; phone 
513-653-5225; fax 513-652-2322.
    (6) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
206-231-3195.
    (7) 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 Des Moines, Washington, on March 30, 2018.
Chris Spangenberg,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-07639 Filed 4-13-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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