Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. Model F.27 Mark 050, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 Airplanes; and Model F.28 Airplanes

AGENCY:

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

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

[T]he Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has published Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) 88, and the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) has published Interim Policy INT/POL/25/12. The review conducted by Fokker Services on the Fokker F27 and F28 type designs in response to these regulations revealed that, under certain failure conditions, a short circuit can develop in the fuel pilot valve solenoid or in the wiring to the solenoid. Such a short circuit may result in an ignition source in the wing tank vapour space.

This condition, if not corrected, could result in a wing fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the aeroplane.

We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES:

This AD becomes effective November 16, 2011.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of November 16, 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, 2011 (76 FR 36011). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

[T]he Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has published Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) 88, and the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) has published Interim Policy INT/POL/25/12. The review conducted by Fokker Services on the Fokker F27 and F28 type designs in response to these regulations revealed that, under certain failure conditions, a short circuit can develop in the fuel pilot valve solenoid or in the wiring to the solenoid. Such a short circuit may result in an ignition source in the wing tank vapour space.

This condition, if not corrected, could result in a wing fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the aeroplane.

For the reasons described above, this AD requires [re-working the wiring and] the installation of a fuse packed in a jiffy junction [i.e., crimped wire in-line junction device] in the wiring to the fuel pilot valve solenoid.

The required actions also include revising the maintenance program to include a certain Critical Design Configuration Control Limitation (CDCCL). You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Comments

We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (76 FR 36011, June 21, 2011) 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.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information provided in the MCAI and related service information.

We might also have required different actions in this AD from those in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences are highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this AD will affect 6 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 6 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost up to $2,198 per product. Where the service information lists required parts costs that are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. operators up to $16,248, or up to $2,708 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 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); 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.

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 contains the NPRM (76 FR 36011, June 21, 2011), 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

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2011-21-01 Fokker Services B.V.: Amendment 39-16824. Docket No. FAA-2011-0568; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-010-AD.

Effective Date

(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective November 16, 2011.

Affected ADs

(b) None.

Applicability

(c) This AD applies to Fokker Services B.V. Model F.27 Mark 050, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 airplanes; and Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 0070, 0100, 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 airplanes; certificated in any category; all serial numbers.

Note 1:

This AD requires revisions to certain operator maintenance documents to include a new Critical Design Configuration Control Limitation (CDCCL). Compliance with this CDCCL is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in the areas addressed by this AD, 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 (j)(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.

Subject

(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28: Fuel.

Reason

(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states:

[T]he Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has published Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) 88, and the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) have published Interim Policy INT/POL/25/12. The review conducted by Fokker Services on the Fokker F27 and F28 type designs in response to these regulations revealed that, under certain failure conditions, a short circuit can develop in the fuel pilot valve solenoid or in the wiring to the solenoid. Such a short circuit may result in an ignition source in the wing tank vapour space.

This condition, if not corrected, could result in a wing fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the aeroplane.

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.

Installation of Fuses Packed in Jiffy Junctions

(g) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, re-work the wiring and install the fuses packed in jiffy junctions (i.e., crimped wire in-line junction device), in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable Fokker service bulletin identified in table 1 of this AD.

Critical Design Configuration Control Limitation (CDCCL)

(h) Before further flight after doing the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD: Revise the aircraft maintenance program by incorporating the CDCCL specified in paragraph 1.L.(1)(c) of the applicable Fokker service bulletins identified in table 1 of this AD.

No Alternative Actions, Intervals, and/or CDCCLs

(i) After accomplishing the revision required by paragraph (h) of this AD, no alternative CDCCLs may be used unless the CDCCLs are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD.

FAA AD Differences

Note 2:

This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows:

Although European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness Directive 2010-0195, dated September 29, 2010, specifies revising the maintenance program to include maintaining CDCCLs, this AD only requires the revision. Requiring a revision of the maintenance program, rather than requiring maintaining CDCCLs, requires operators to record AD compliance only at the time the revision is made. Maintaining CDCCLs specified in the airworthiness limitations must be complied with in accordance with 14 CFR 91.403(c).

Other FAA AD Provisions

(j) The following provisions also apply to this AD:

(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance: 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 e-mailed to: 9-ANM-11-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. 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.

Related Information

(k) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2010-0195, dated

September 29, 2010, and the Fokker service bulletins identified in table 1 of this AD, for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

(l) You must use the following service information, as applicable, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51 of the following service information on the date specified.

(1) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-28-024, including Manual Change Notification—Maintenance Document MCNM-F50-070, dated June 23, 2010, and including Drawing W7916-057, Sheets 006 and 007, Issue E, dated June 23, 2010, and Drawing W7987-520, Sheets 1 and 2, dated October 24, 2005, approved for IBR November 16, 2011.

(2) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF28-28-051, including Manual Change Notification—Maintenance Document MCNM-F28-034, dated June 23, 2010, and including Drawing W57231, Sheets 010 and 011, Issue K, dated June 23, 2010, and Drawing W58048, Sheet 2, dated April 29, 2010, approved for IBR November 16, 2011.

(3) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF27-28-069, including Manual Change Notification—Maintenance Document MCNM-F27-025, dated June 23, 2010, and including Drawing W7202-138, Sheets 001 and 002, Issue B, dated June 23, 2010, approved for IBR November 16, 2011.

(4) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-28-042, including Manual Change Notification—Maintenance Document MCNM-F100-129, dated June 23, 2010, and including Drawing W41192, Sheet 012, Issue AG, dated June 23, 2010, and Drawing W59520, Sheet 1, Issue A, dated April 29, 2010, approved for IBR November 16, 2011.

(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; e-mail technicalservices.fokkerservices@stork.com; Internet: http://www.myfokkerfleet.com.

(6) 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.

(7) 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.