[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 221 (Thursday, November 15, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 68052-68055]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-26781]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0643; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-190-AD;
Amendment 39-17241; AD 2012-22-05]
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 an existing airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100
airplanes. That AD currently requires performing a detailed visual
inspection for cracks of the pistons on the main landing gear (MLG),
and replacing the affected pistons if necessary. This new AD also
requires modifying the MLG by installing a piston containing a certain
part number, and revising the airplane maintenance program. This AD was
prompted by a new modification developed to safeguard the integrity of
the MLG assembly and improve surface protection of the affected area of
the MLG piston. We are issuing this AD to prevent MLG failure, possibly
resulting in loss of control of the airplane during the landing roll-
out.
DATES: This AD becomes effective December 20, 2012.
[[Page 68053]]
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of December 20,
2012.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of March
22, 2011 (76 FR 8618, February 15, 2011).
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.
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
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products.
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on June 21, 2012 (77 FR
37337), and proposed to supersede AD 2011-04-01, Amendment 39-16601 (76
FR 8618, February 15, 2011). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe
condition for the specified products. The Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) states:
During a normal walk around check on a F28 Mark 0100 aeroplane,
a large crack was discovered in the lower portion of the right (RH)
MLG piston. The affected MLG unit had accumulated 7,909 flight
cycles (FC) at the time of detection. The piston was sent to
Goodrich, the landing gear manufacturer, for detailed investigation,
which revealed that the crack had been initiated by corrosion pits.
The extent of the corrosion indicates that the initial crack existed
for a substantial period before a high loading event caused the
crack to grow further by ductile overload.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to MLG
failure during the landing roll-out, possibly resulting in damage to
the aeroplane and injury to occupants.
To address this potential unsafe condition, EASA [European
Aviation Safety Agency] issued AD 2009-0221 [which corresponds with
FAA AD 2011-04-01, Amendment 39-16601 (76 FR 8618, February 15,
2011)] to require a one-time detailed visual inspection of the MLG
pistons, the replacement of any MLG pistons on which cracks are
detected, and the reporting of all findings to the aeroplane TC
[type certificate] holder. No cracks were reported as a result of
this inspection.
Subsequently, a repetitive inspection was introduced in the
Airworthiness Limitations Section (Fokker Services report SE-623
Issue 8) in Appendix 1 of the Maintenance Review Board (MRB)
document to safeguard the integrity of the MLG assembly, pending the
accomplishment of a terminating action.
Goodrich issued Service Bulletin (SB) 41000-32-29 to introduce
an improved surface protection (nickel plate) of the affected area
of the MLG piston P/N [part number] 41141-3 and re-identification as
P/N 41141-5, which is considered as a terminating action for the
repetitive inspections.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires
repetitive visual inspections of the P/N 41141-3 MLG piston for
cracks and, depending on findings, replacement or modification of
the MLG piston. This [EASA] AD also requires modification of the
affected MLG by installing a piston P/N 41141-5.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.
Change Made to This AD
We have revised paragraphs (k), (l), and (n), of this final rule to
clarify the document citation of Fokker Report SE-623 to meet the
Office of Federal Register's guidelines for materials incorporated by
reference. There is no change to the requirements specified in those
paragraphs.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (77 FR 37337, June 21,
2012) 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 the AD as proposed--except for
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM (77 FR 37337, June 21, 2012) for correcting the unsafe condition;
and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 37337, June 21, 2012).
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect about 2 products of U.S.
registry.
The actions that are required by AD 2011-04-01, Amendment 39-16601
(76 FR 8618, February 15, 2011), and retained in this AD take about 3
work-hours per product, at an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour.
Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the currently required
actions is $255 per product.
We estimate that it will take about 24 work-hours per product to
comply with the new 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 to the U.S. operators to be $4,080, or $2,040 per product.
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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket
[[Page 68054]]
contains the NPRM (77 FR 37337, June 21, 2012), 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. Comments will be available in the AD docket
shortly after receipt.
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)
2011-04-01, Amendment 39-16601 (76 FR 8618, February 15, 2011), and
adding the following new AD:
2012-22-05 Fokker Services B.V.: Amendment 39-17241. Docket No. FAA-
2012-0643; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-190-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 20,
2012.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD supersedes AD 2011-04-01, Amendment 39-16601 (76 FR
8618, February 15, 2011).
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 0070
and 0100 airplanes, certificated in any category, all serial
numbers, equipped with Goodrich (formerly Menasco, Colt Industries)
main landing gear (MLG) units, part numbers (P/N) 41050-7, 41050-8,
41050-9, 41050-10, 41050-11, 41050-12, 41050-13, 41050-14, 41050-15,
41050-16, 41060-1, 41060-2, 41060-3, 41060-4, 41060-5, or 41060-6.
(2) This AD requires revisions to certain operator maintenance
documents to include new actions (e.g., inspections). Compliance
with these inspections is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For
airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired
in the areas addressed by these actions, the operator may not be
able to accomplish the actions described in the revisions. In this
situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must
request approval for an alternative method of compliance (AMOC)
according to paragraph (m)(1) of this AD. The request should include
a description of changes to the required inspections that will
ensure the continued operational safety of the airplane.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32: Landing
Gear.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a new modification developed to
safeguard the integrity of the MLG assembly and improve surface
protection of the affected area of the MLG piston. We are issuing
this AD to prevent MLG failure, possibly resulting in loss of
control of the airplane during the landing roll-out.
(f) Compliance
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD
performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions
have already been done.
(g) Retained Initial Inspection
This paragraph restates the initial inspection required by
paragraph (g) of AD 2011-04-01, Amendment 39-16601 (76 FR 8618,
February 15, 2011). Within 30 days after March 22, 2011 (the
effective date of AD 2011-04-01), do a detailed visual inspection
for cracks of the MLG pistons, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-158, dated October
2, 2009.
(h) Retained Replacement
This paragraph restates the replacement required by paragraph
(h) of AD 2011-04-01, Amendment 39-16601 (76 FR 8618, February 15,
2011). If any cracked MLG piston is found during the inspection
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight, replace
the affected piston with a serviceable part, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-
158, dated October 2, 2009.
(i) New Modification
Within 120 months, or during a scheduled overhaul of the MLG,
whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD: Modify
the MLG by installing a piston containing P/N 41141-5, in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin
SBF100-32-161, dated April 7, 2011. Re-installation of a MLG piston
that has been modified and re-identified as P/N 41141-5, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Goodrich Service
Bulletin 41000-32-29, dated November 10, 2010, is an optional method
of compliance for the requirements specified in paragraph (i) of
this AD. It is acceptable to operate an airplane with one MLG having
a P/N 41141-5 piston installed, and the other MLG having a P/N
41141-3 piston installed, provided all MLG P/N 41141-3 are replaced
within the compliance times specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
(j) New Parts Installation Prohibition
After 120 months after the effective date of this AD: No person
may install a MLG piston, P/N 41141-3, or a MLG unit equipped with a
MLG piston P/N 41141-3, on any airplane.
(k) New Revision of the Airplane Maintenance Program
Within 2 months after the effective date of this AD: Revise the
airplane maintenance program by incorporating Task 321100-01-16,
Inspection of MLG Piston, and associated thresholds and intervals
described in Fokker Report, SE-623, Fokker 70/100 Airworthiness
Limitation Items and Safe Life Items, Issue 8, dated December 20,
2010. The initial compliance time for Task 321100-01-16 is within 2
months after the effective date of this AD.
(l) No Alternative Actions or Intervals
After accomplishing the revisions required by paragraph (k) of
this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may
be used other than those specified in Fokker Report, SE-623, Fokker
70/100 Airworthiness Limitation Items and Safe Life Items, Issue 8,
dated December 20, 2010, unless the actions and intervals are
approved as an AMOC in accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (m)(1) 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 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 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) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(n) Related Information
Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness
Directive 2011-0159, dated August 26, 2011, and the service
information specified in paragraphs (n)(1)through (n)(4) of this AD,
for related information.
(1) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-158, dated October 2,
2009.
(2) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-161, dated April 7, 2011.
[[Page 68055]]
(3) Fokker Report, SE-623, Fokker 70/100 Airworthiness
Limitation Items and Safe Life Items, Issue 8, dated December 20,
2010.
(4) Goodrich Service Bulletin 41000-32-29, dated November 10,
2010.
(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 the AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on
December 20, 2012.
(i) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-161, dated April 7, 2011.
(ii) Fokker Report, SE-623, Fokker 70/100 Airworthiness
Limitation Items and Safe Life Items, Issue 8, dated December 20,
2010.
(iii) Goodrich Service Bulletin 41000-32-29, dated November 10,
2010.
(4) The following service information was approved for IBR on
March 22, 2011 (76 FR 8618, February 15, 2011).
(i) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-158, dated October 2,
2009.
(ii) Reserved.
(5) 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; email
[email protected]; Internet http://www.myfokkerfleet.com. For Goodrich Corporation service information
identified in this AD, contact Goodrich, 1400 South Service Road,
West Oakville, L6L 5Y7, Ontario, Canada, telephone +1-905-827-7777;
fax +1-905-825-1583; Internet http://www.goodrich.com/TechPubs.
(6) You may review copies of the 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.
(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 Renton, Washington, on October 24, 2012.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-26781 Filed 11-14-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P