Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F.27 Mark 050 Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 55 (Tuesday, March 24, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12238-12241]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-5958]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-0224; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-302-AD; 
Amendment 39-15852; AD 2009-06-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F.27 Mark 050 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD) that applies to certain Fokker Model F.27 Mark 050 airplanes. The 
existing AD currently requires repetitive visual checks for oil leaks 
of both engines between the spinner and the engine cowling, and 
directly behind the heated intake lip of the engine; repetitive 
inspections for oil leaks at the feathering pump on both engines; and 
corrective actions if necessary. This new AD retains the requirements 
of the existing AD. This AD also requires replacing the outlet port 
(high-pressure) bobbin with a new, improved outlet port (high-pressure) 
bobbin, which terminates the repetitive visual checks and inspections. 
This AD results from reports of oil leakage at the engine feathering 
pump. We are issuing this AD to prevent oil loss from the feathering 
pump, which could cause the engine to shut down in flight.

DATES: This AD becomes effective April 8, 2009.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of April 8, 
2009.
    On October 21, 2005 (70 FR 58300, October 6, 2005), the Director of 
the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain 
other publications.
    We must receive comments on this AD by April 23, 2009.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
    <bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Fokker 
Services B.V., Technical Services Dept., P.O. Box 231, 2150 AE Nieuw-
Vennep, the Netherlands; telephone +31 (0)252-627-350; fax +31 (0)252-
627-211; e-mail [email protected]; Internet 
http://www.myfokkerfleet.com.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD

[[Page 12239]]

docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Office (telephone 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 Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-1137; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    On September 26, 2005, the FAA issued AD 2005-20-21, amendment 39-
14317 (70 FR 58300, October 6, 2005). That AD applies to certain Fokker 
Model F27 Mark 050 airplanes. That AD requires repetitive visual checks 
for oil leaks of both engines between the spinner and the engine 
cowling, and directly behind the heated intake lip of the engine; 
repetitive inspections for oil leaks at the feathering pump on both 
engines; and corrective actions if necessary. That AD resulted from 
reports of oil leakage at the engine feathering pump. The actions 
specified in that AD are intended to prevent oil loss from the 
feathering pump, which could cause the engine to shut down in flight.

Actions Since AD Was Issued

    Since we issued that AD, Fokker Services B.V. conducted a voluntary 
controlled service introduction of an improved outlet port (high-
pressure) bobbin part number (P/N) 638005637 to replace bobbin P/N 
638005614.
    The preamble to AD 2005-20-21 specifies that we consider the 
requirements ``interim action.'' That AD explains that we might 
consider further rulemaking if final action is later identified. The 
manufacturer now has developed such a modification, and we have 
determined that further rulemaking is indeed necessary; this AD follows 
from that determination.

Relevant Service Information

    Fokker Services B.V. has issued Service Bulletin SBF50-61-025, 
dated July 4, 2007. The service bulletin describes procedures for 
replacing the existing outlet port (high-pressure) bobbin with a new, 
improved outlet port (high-pressure) bobbin. The improved bobbin design 
uses a gasket that significantly reduces the risk of seal failure 
caused by extrusion of part of the seal. Accomplishing the actions 
specified in the service information is intended to adequately address 
the unsafe condition.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, mandated the 
service information and issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2007-0203, 
dated August 1, 2007, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these 
airplanes in Europe.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are issuing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.
    Therefore, we are issuing this AD to supersede AD 2005-20-21. This 
new AD retains the requirements of the existing AD. This AD also 
requires replacing the outlet port (high-pressure) bobbin with a new, 
improved outlet port (high-pressure) bobbin, which terminates the 
requirements of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    None of the airplanes affected by this action are on the U.S. 
Register. All airplanes affected by this AD are currently operated by 
non-U.S. operators under foreign registry; therefore, they are not 
directly affected by this AD action. However, we consider this AD 
necessary to ensure that the unsafe condition is addressed if any 
affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the 
future.
    The following table provides the estimated costs to comply with 
this AD for any affected airplane that might be imported and placed on 
the U.S. Register in the future.

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Average
               Action                  Work   labor rate    Cost of                Cost per airplane
                                      hours    per hour      parts
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-flight check, per cycle                1         $80          $0  $80 per cycle.
 (required by AD 2005-20-21).
Detailed inspection, per inspection        1          80           0  $80 per inspection cycle.
 cycle (required by AD 2005-20-21).
Bobbin replacement (new required           8          80         468  $1,108.
 action).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    No airplane affected by this AD is currently on the U.S. Register. 
Therefore, providing notice and opportunity for public comment is 
unnecessary before this AD is issued, and this AD may be made effective 
in less than 30 days after it is published in the Federal Register.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to 
provide your comments before it becomes effective. However, we invite 
you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this AD. Send 
your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include 
``Docket No. FAA-2009-0224; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-302-AD'' at 
the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the 
overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this 
AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may 
amend this AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about 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

[[Page 12240]]

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 have 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 the regulation:
    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); and
    3. 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES 
section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
removing amendment 39-14317 (70 FR 58300, October 6, 2005) and adding 
the following new AD:

2009-06-15 Fokker Services B.V.: Amendment 39-15852. Docket No. FAA-
2009-0224; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-302-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective April 8, 2009.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2005-20-21.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Fokker Model F.27 Mark 050 airplanes, 
certificated in any category, as identified in Fokker Service 
Bulletin SBF50-61-025, dated July 4, 2007, unless engines that are 
installed have previously been modified in accordance with Fokker 
Service Bulletin SBF50-61-024.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 61: 
Propellers/propulsors.

Unsafe Condition

    (e) This AD results from reports of oil leakage at the engine 
feathering pump. We are issuing this AD to prevent oil loss from the 
feathering pump, which could cause the engine to shut down in 
flight.

Compliance

    (f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Restatement of the Requirements of AD 2005-20-21:

Pre-Flight Checks

    (g) Before the next flight after October 21, 2005 (the effective 
date of AD 2005-20-21): Do a visual check for oil leaks between the 
spinner and the engine cowling, and from directly behind the heated 
intake lip, of both engines, in accordance with Fokker All Operator 
Message (AOM) AOF50.037 (Ref TS04.57535), dated November 2, 2004. 
Repeat the visual check thereafter before each flight, until the 
terminating action required by paragraph (m) of this AD is done. If 
any leak is found, before further flight, do the action in paragraph 
(h) of this AD, except as required by paragraph (j) of this AD.

Repetitive Detailed Inspections

    (h) Except as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, at the 
applicable time in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD: Do a 
detailed inspection for oil leaks at the feathering pump on both 
engines and do any applicable corrective action before further 
flight, except as required by paragraph (j) of this AD. Do all 
actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker 
Service Bulletin SBF50-61-023, dated November 3, 2004. Repeat the 
detailed inspection thereafter at the applicable interval in 
paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD, until the terminating action 
required by paragraph (m) of this AD is done.
    (1) For airplanes identified in paragraph 1.A. ``Effectivity,'' 
sub-paragraph (1) of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-61-023, dated 
November 3, 2004: Do the first inspection before the next flight 
after October 21, 2005, and repeat the inspection thereafter before 
each flight.
    (2) For airplanes identified in paragraph 1.A. ``Effectivity,'' 
sub-paragraph (2) of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-61-023, dated 
November 3, 2004: Do the first inspection within 32 flight hours 
after October 21, 2005, and repeat the inspection thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 32 flight hours.

    Note 1: 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.''

No Reporting Requirement

    (i) Although Fokker AOM AOF50.037 (Ref TS04.57535), dated 
November 2, 2004, specifies that operators should report cases of 
oil leakage and send failed O-rings to Fokker Services B.V., this AD 
does not include that requirement.

New Requirements of This AD

New Corrective Action

    (j) As of the effective date of this AD: If during any 
inspection required by paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD, oil leakage 
is found at the feathering pump mounting pad of an engine, before 
further flight, replace bobbin part number (P/N) 638005614 with 
bobbin P/N 638005637 and install a gasket on the feathering pump of 
that engine, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-61-025, dated July 4, 2007.
    (k) After accomplishing the actions in paragraph (j), no person 
may replace an engine with one that has not been modified according 
to Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-61-025, dated July 4, 2007.
    (l) As of 24 months after the effective date of this AD, no 
person may install an engine on any airplane, unless it has been 
modified according to Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-61-025, dated 
July 4, 2007.

Terminating Action

    (m) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD: 
Replace the outlet port (high-pressure) bobbin P/N 638005614 with a 
new, improved outlet port (high-pressure) bobbin P/N 638005637 and 
install a gasket on the feathering pump of that engine, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service 
Bulletin SBF50-61-025, dated July 4, 2007. Doing the replacement 
required by this paragraph on both engines terminates the 
requirements of this AD.

Special Flight Permit

    (n) Special flight permits, as described in Section 21.197 and 
Section 21.199 of the

[[Page 12241]]

Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199), are not 
allowed.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (o)(1) 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. Send information 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.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the 
AMOC applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or 
principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a 
principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office.

Related Information

    (p) European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 
2007-0203, dated August 1, 2007, also addresses the subject of this 
AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (q) You must use the service information identified in Table 1 
of this AD, as applicable, to perform the actions that are required 
by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.

             Table 1--All Material Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Service information                          Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fokker All Operator Message        November 2, 2004.
 AOF50.037 (Ref TS04.57535).
Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-61-  November 3, 2004.
 023.
Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-61-  July 4, 2007.
 025.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-61-025, 
dated July 4, 2007, in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR 
part 51.
    (2) On October 21, 2005 (70 FR 58300, October 6, 2005), the 
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-61-023, dated November 3, 
2004; and Fokker All Operator Message AOF50.037 (Ref TS04.57535), 
dated November 2, 2004.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Fokker Services B.V., Technical Services Dept., P.O. Box 231, 2150 
AE Nieuw-Vennep, the Netherlands; telephone +31 (0)252-627-350; fax 
+31 (0)252-627-211; e-mail 
[email protected]; Internet http://www.myfokkerfleet.com.
    (4) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 425-227-1221 or 425-227-1152.
    (5) You may also review copies of the 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 27, 2009.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E9-5958 Filed 3-23-09; 8:45 am]
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