[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 122 (Thursday, June 25, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34560-34562]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-16049]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-NM-102-AD; Amendment 39-10607; AD 98-13-19]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F27 Mark 100, 200, 300,
400, 500, 600, and 700 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 all Fokker Model F27 Mark 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600,
and 700 series airplanes, that requires a one-
[[Page 34561]]
time detailed visual inspection of the forward fuel feed lines in the
left- and right-hand engine nacelles for chafing; replacement of
damaged parts with serviceable parts; and modification of the supports
and improved routing for the high- and low-tension leads of the inboard
ignition units. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory
continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness
authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent
chafing on the forward fuel feed lines, which could result in fuel
leakage and consequent increased risk of fire in the engine nacelles.
DATES: Effective July 30, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of July 30, 1998.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Fokker Services B.V., Technical Support Department, P.O.
Box 75047, 1117 ZN Schiphol Airport, the Netherlands. 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: Norman B. Martenson, Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-2110; fax (425) 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 all Fokker Model F27 Mark 100,
200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 series airplanes was published in the
Federal Register on April 23, 1998 (63 FR 20141). That action proposed
to require a one-time detailed visual inspection of the forward fuel
feed lines in the left- and right-hand engine nacelles for chafing;
replacement of damaged parts with serviceable parts; and modification
of the supports and improved routing for the high- and low-tension
leads of the inboard ignition units.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
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 34 airplanes of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD.
It will take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish
the required inspection, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour.
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the inspection required by
this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $2,040, or $60 per
airplane.
It will take approximately 4 work hours per airplane to accomplish
the required modification, at an average labor rate of $60 per work
hour. The cost of required parts would be minimal. Based on these
figures, the cost impact of the modification required by this AD on
U.S. operators is estimated to be $8,160, or $240 per airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are 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 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:
98-13-19 Fokker Services B.V.: Amendment 39-10607. Docket 98-NM-
102-AD.
Applicability: All Model F27 Mark 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600,
and 700 series airplanes; certificated in any category.
Note 1: 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 chafing on the forward fuel feed lines, which could
result in fuel leakage and consequent increased risk of fire in the
engine nacelles, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, perform
a one-time detailed visual inspection of the left- and right-hand
engine nacelles for chafing of the forward fuel feed lines by the
high- and low-tension leads of the inboard ignition units, in
accordance with Part 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker
Service Bulletin F27/28-62, dated September 1, 1997. If any chafing
is detected, prior to further flight, replace the fuel line with a
new fuel line in accordance with Part 1 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of the service bulletin.
(b) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, modify
the supports and reroute the high- and low-tension leads of the
inboard ignition units, in accordance with Part 2 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of
[[Page 34562]]
Fokker Service Bulletin F27/28-62, dated September 1, 1997.
(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, International Branch, ANM-116, 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, International
Branch, ANM-116.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.
(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 actions shall be done in accordance with Fokker Service
Bulletin F27/28-62, dated September 1, 1997. 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 Services B.V., Technical Support Department,
P.O. Box 75047, 1117 ZN Schiphol Airport, the Netherlands. 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.
Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Dutch
airworthiness directive BLA 1997-094 (A), dated September 30, 1997.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on July 30, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 11, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-16049 Filed 6-24-98; 8:45 am]
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