Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F28 Series Airplanes (Excluding Model F28 Mark 0100 Series Airplanes)

[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 121 (Friday, June 21, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31824-31825]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-15603]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-NM-170-AD; Amendment 39-9673; AD 96-13-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F28 Series Airplanes 
(Excluding Model F28 Mark 0100 Series Airplanes)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Fokker Model F28 series airplanes, that requires 
a one-time detailed visual inspection to detect cracking of the 
elevator gust lock housing and the gust lock support structure, and 
repair or replacement of cracked parts. This amendment is prompted by a 
report of failure of an elevator gust lock housing due to fatigue 
cracking. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent 
fatigue cracking of the elevator gust lock housing and the gust lock 
support structure, which could result in loss of the elevator and the 
support structure, and possible consequent loss of primary pitch 
control.

DATES: Effective July 26, 1996.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of July 26, 1996.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Fokker Aircraft USA, Inc., 1199 North Fairfax Street, 
Alexandria, Virginia 22314. This information may be examined at the 
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, 
Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the 
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 
700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Connie Beane, Aerospace Engineer, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206) 
227-2796; fax (206) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Fokker Model F28 series 
airplanes was published in the Federal Register on April 1, 1996 (61 FR 
14275). That action proposed to require a one-time detailed visual 
inspection to detect cracking of the elevator gust lock housing and the 
gust lock support structure, and repair or replacement of cracked parts 
with new or serviceable parts. For airplanes on which cracking is 
found, that action also prohibited use of the gust lock system until 
cracked parts were replaced.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the two comments received.

Support for the Proposal

    Both commenters support the proposed rule.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 43 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 2 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor 
rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of 
the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $5,160, or $120 per 
airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD 
action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this AD were not adopted.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) will not have a 
significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial 
number of small entities

[[Page 31825]]

under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. A final 
evaluation has been prepared for this action and it is contained in the 
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the 
location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    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]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

96-13-05  Fokker: Amendment 39-9673. Docket 95-NM-170-AD.

    Applicability: Model F28 series airplanes; serial numbers 11003 
through 11241 inclusive, 11991, and 11992; certificated in any 
category.

    Note 1: Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes are not 
subject to the requirements of this AD.
    Note 2: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent fatigue cracking of the elevator gust lock housing 
and the gust lock support structure, which could result in loss of 
the elevator and the support structure, and subsequent possible loss 
of primary pitch control, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform 
a one-time detailed visual inspection to detect cracking of the 
elevator gust lock housing and the gust lock support structure, in 
accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin F28/55-30, Revision 1, dated 
January 4, 1993.
    (b) If any cracking is found, prior to further flight, repair or 
replace the cracked elevator gust lock housing or gust lock support 
structure with a new or serviceable part in accordance with Fokker 
Service Bulletin F28/55-30, Revision 1, dated January 4, 1993. Use 
of the elevator gust lock system is prohibited until cracked parts 
are replaced with new or serviceable parts.
    (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their 
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, 
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (e) The inspection, repair, and replacement shall be done in 
accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin F28/55-30, Revision 1, dated 
January 4, 1993, which contains the following list of effective 
pages:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Revision level                        
            Page No.              shown on page-    Date shown on page  
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1-2-...........................  1-.............  Jan. 4, 1993.         
3-5-...........................  Original-......  Aug. 24, 1992.        
------------------------------------------------------------------------

This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the 
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 
51. Copies may be obtained from Fokker Aircraft USA, Inc., 1199 
North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314. Copies may be 
inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (f) This amendment becomes effective on July 26, 1996.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 13, 1996.
James V. Devany,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-15603 Filed 6-20-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

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