Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 160 (Friday, August 17, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 40959-40961]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-17624]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0303; Product Identifier 2018-NM-006-AD; Amendment 
39-19360; AD 2018-17-06]
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 F28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes. This AD 
was prompted by a report that the retraction actuator eye-end of a 
Goodrich main landing gear (MLG) failed. This AD requires a one-time 
general visual inspection of the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) MLG 
retraction actuators and replacement if necessary. We are issuing this 
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective September 21, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 
21, 2018.

ADDRESSES: For 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. 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. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0303.

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-2018-
0303; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD 
docket shortly after receipt.

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 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Fokker Services 
B.V. Model F28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on April 27, 2018 (83 FR 18488). The NPRM was prompted 
by a report that the retraction actuator eye-end of a Goodrich MLG 
failed. The NPRM proposed to require a one-time general visual 
inspection of the LH and RH MLG retraction actuators and replacement if 
necessary.
    We are issuing this AD to address failure of the retraction 
actuator eye-end of a Goodrich MLG, which could prevent retraction of 
the MLG and/or its complete extension, possibly resulting in damage to 
the airplane during landing, and consequent injury to occupants.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2018-0001, dated January 4, 2018 (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 0070 and 0100 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    An occurrence was reported where, following take-off after gear 
up selection, the retraction actuator eye-end (P/N [part number] 
41518-3) of a Goodrich MLG failed. After the LG UNSAFE indication, 
the flight crew successfully selected gear down and locked by 
applying the alternate extension

[[Page 40960]]

procedure, and an uneventful landing was made. Investigation results 
showed that the final overload fracture of the eye-end was preceded 
by fatigue cracks, believed to have been caused by interference 
between the MLG retraction actuator eye-end and the actuator 
bracket. It was also highlighted that the affected eye-end had been 
installed incorrectly, i.e. with the grease nipple located on the 
lower side, thus causing damage to the eye-end due to interference 
with the bracket. Further investigations revealed other occurrences 
of interference between retraction actuator eye-end and bracket with 
resulting damage.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could prevent 
retraction of the MLG and/or its complete extension, possibly 
resulting in damage to the aeroplane during landing, and consequent 
injury to occupants.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Fokker Services 
published SBF100-32-168 to provide inspection and replacement 
instructions.
    For the reasons described above, this AD requires a one-time 
[general visual] inspection [for deficiencies] (check the eye-end 
for presence of interference/damage and for orientation of the 
greasing nipple) of the MLG retraction actuators, left-hand (LH) and 
right-hand (RH) sides, and, depending on findings, replacement.

    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-2018-
0303.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. We received no comments on the NPRM 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 final rule 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 addressing 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 SBF100-32-
168, dated May 22, 2017. This service information describes procedures 
for a one-time general visual inspection for deficiencies of the 
Goodrich MLG retraction actuators and replacement of the actuator if 
necessary (e.g., if the retraction actuator greasing nipple is not 
located on the upper side MLG retraction actuator eye-end or if 
interference damage or evidence of removed damage is present on the 
eye-end of the MLG retraction actuator). 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 5 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                Cost on U.S.
        Action                  Labor cost            Parts cost       Cost per product          operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection............  1 work-hour x $85 per hour              $0  $85 per inspection     $425 per inspection
                         = $85 per inspection                        cycle.                 cycle.
                         cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
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 
replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                   Action                                 Labor cost                Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement................................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85...              $0             $85
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 and 
associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division.

Regulatory Findings

    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

[[Page 40961]]

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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2018-17-06 Fokker Services B.V.: Amendment 39-19360; Docket No. FAA-
2018-0303; Product Identifier 2018-NM-006-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective September 21, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Fokker Services B.V. Model F28 Mark 0070 and 
0100 airplanes, certificated in any category, all serial numbers, if 
equipped with Goodrich main landing gear (MLG), part number (P/N) 
41050-x (all dashes) or P/N 41060-x (all dashes).

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing 
gear.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report that the retraction actuator 
eye-end of a Goodrich MLG failed. We are issuing this AD to address 
failure of the retraction actuator eye-end of a Goodrich MLG, which 
could prevent retraction of the MLG and/or its complete extension, 
possibly resulting in damage to the airplane during landing, and 
consequent injury to occupants.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Definition

    For the purposes of this AD, a ``serviceable part'' is a 
serviceable retraction actuator with an eye-end that does not have 
any indication of interference or damage, as specified in the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-
168, dated May 22, 2017.

(h) Inspection and Corrective Action

    Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a 
general visual inspection of the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) 
MLG retraction actuators for deficiencies (i.e., check for the 
presence of interference damage, including evidence of removed 
damage, and for the orientation of the greasing nipple), in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service 
Bulletin SBF100-32-168, dated May 22, 2017. If any deficiency is 
found, before further flight, replace the affected MLG retraction 
actuator with a serviceable part, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-
168, dated May 22, 2017.

(i) 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 (j)(2) of this AD. 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.
    (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 
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA); or Fokker Services B.V.'s EASA Design 
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval 
must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(j) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2018-0001, dated January 4, 2018, 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-2018-0303.
    (2) For more information about this AD, 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.

(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 SBF100-32-168, dated May 22, 2017.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (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 
Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
206-231-3195.
    (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 Des Moines, Washington, on August 7, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-17624 Filed 8-16-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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