81 FR 37485 - Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 112 (June 10, 2016)

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2011-17-10, for all Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 airplanes. AD 2011-17-10 required inspecting for a by-pass wire between the housing of each in-tank fuel quantity indication (FQI) cable plug and the cable shield, and corrective actions if necessary. AD 2011-17- 10 also required revising the airplane maintenance program. This new AD removes certain airplanes from the applicability. This new AD applies only to Model F.28 Mark 1000 airplanes and also requires revising the airplane maintenance or inspection program by incorporating the instructions in revised service information. This AD was prompted by the issuance of revised service information to update the critical design configuration control limitations (CDCCLs) that address potential ignition sources inside fuel tanks. We are issuing this AD to prevent potential ignition sources inside the fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 112 (Friday, June 10, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 37485-37488]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-13545]



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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 112 / Friday, June 10, 2016 / Rules 
and Regulations

[[Page 37485]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-8138; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-112-AD; 
Amendment 39-18552; AD 2016-12-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2011-17-10, 
for all Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 
airplanes. AD 2011-17-10 required inspecting for a by-pass wire between 
the housing of each in-tank fuel quantity indication (FQI) cable plug 
and the cable shield, and corrective actions if necessary. AD 2011-17-
10 also required revising the airplane maintenance program. This new AD 
removes certain airplanes from the applicability. This new AD applies 
only to Model F.28 Mark 1000 airplanes and also requires revising the 
airplane maintenance or inspection program by incorporating the 
instructions in revised service information. This AD was prompted by 
the issuance of revised service information to update the critical 
design configuration control limitations (CDCCLs) that address 
potential ignition sources inside fuel tanks. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent potential ignition sources inside the fuel tanks, which, in 
combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank 
explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective July 15, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 15, 
2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of 
September 16, 2011 (76 FR 50111, August 12, 2011).

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Fokker Services B.V., Technical Services Dept., P.O. Box 1357, 
2130 EL Hoofddorp, the Netherlands; telephone +31 (0)88-6280-350; fax 
+31 (0)88-6280-111; email [email protected]; Internet http://www.myfokkerfleet.com. You may view this referenced 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. It is also available on the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket Number FAA-2015-8138.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket Number FAA-
2015-8138; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD 
docket contains this AD, 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 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 supersede AD 2011-17-10, Amendment 39-16774 (76 FR 50111, 
August 12, 2011) (``AD 2011-17-10''). AD 2011-17-10 applied to all 
Model F.28 Mark 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 airplanes. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on January 4, 2016 (81 FR 34) (``the 
NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted by the issuance of revised service 
information to update the CDCCLs that address potential ignition 
sources inside fuel tanks. The NPRM proposed to retain the requirements 
of AD 2011-17-10, and to require revising the airplane maintenance or 
inspection program by incorporating the instructions in the revised 
service information. The NPRM also proposed to remove certain airplanes 
from the applicability. We are issuing this AD to prevent potential 
ignition sources inside the fuel tanks, which, in combination with 
flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and 
consequent loss of the airplane.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2014-0111, dated May 8, 2014 (referred to after 
this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the 
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition on certain Model F.28 Mark 1000 
airplanes. The MCAI states:

    [T]he FAA published Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) 
88 [Amendment 21-78 (66 FR 23086, May 7, 2001). Subsequently, SFAR 
88 was amended by: Amendment 21-82 (67 FR 57490, September 10, 2002; 
corrected at 67 FR 70809, November 26, 2002) and Amendment 21-83 (67 
FR 72830, December 9, 2002; corrected at 68 FR 37735, June 25, 2003, 
to change ``21-82'' to ``21-83'')], and the Joint Aviation 
Authorities (JAA) published Interim Policy INT/POL/25/12.
    The review conducted by Fokker Services on the F28 design, in 
response to these regulations, revealed that on certain aeroplanes, 
an interrupted shield contact may exist or develop between the 
housing of an in-tank Fuel Quantity Indication (FQI) cable plug and 
the cable shield of the shielded FQI system cables in the main and 
collector fuel tanks, which can, under certain conditions, form a 
spark gap.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, may create an 
ignition source in the fuel tank vapour space, possibly resulting in 
a wing fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the aeroplane.
    To address and correct this unsafe condition, Fokker Services 
published Service Bulletin (SB) SBF28-28-053 which provides 
instructions, for early production aeroplanes, for a one-time 
inspection to check for the presence of a by-pass wire between the 
housing of each in-tank FQI cable plug and the cable shield and, 
depending on findings, for the installation of a by-pass wire. In 
addition, SBF28-28-053 provides a Critical

[[Page 37486]]

Design Configuration Control Limitation (CDCCL) item to make certain 
that the by-pass wire remains installed on these aeroplanes.
    On later production aeroplanes, an improved plug Part Number (P/
N) 20P227-2 was introduced with a better shield connection to the 
housing of the plug. Therefore, SBF28-28-053 (original issue and 
Revision 1) also provided a CDCCL item to ensure that this type of 
plug remains installed on those aeroplanes.
    EASA issued AD 2010-0217 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2011-17-
10, Amendment 39-16774 (76 FR 50111, August 12, 2011)] to require 
accomplishment of the instructions related to the by-pass wire and 
implementation of the CDCCL items as specified in Fokker Services 
SBF28-28-053 Revision 1, as applicable to aeroplane s/n.
    Since EASA AD 2010-0217 was issued, it was identified that P/N 
20P227-1 and 20P228-1 plugs are also approved and can therefore be 
installed on the later production aeroplanes. Prompted by this 
finding, Fokker Services issued SBF28-28-055 to address the 
implementation of a CDCCL item to make certain that only approved 
plug types remain installed on the later production aeroplanes, 
while SBF28-28-053 Revision 2 was issued for early production 
aeroplanes to address the by-pass wire related actions only.
    Consequently, EASA issued AD 2011-0184, retaining the 
requirements of EASA AD 2010-0217, which was superseded, to require 
implementation of the related CDCCL items as specified in Fokker 
Services SBF28-28-053 Revision 2, or SBF28-28-055, as applicable to 
aeroplane s/n.
    More recently, Fokker Services published Revision 3 of SBF28-28-
053, to eliminate the use of a heat gun in or near to the fuel tank, 
and prompted by a change to the definition of the related CDCCL 
item. Fokker Services also cancelled SBF28-28-055, due to the 
introduction of a revised definition of the CDCCL item that has been 
published in Fokker Services SBF28-28-050, Revision 2.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements related to SBF28-28-053 of EASA AD 2011-0184, which is 
superseded, but requires those actions to be accomplished in 
accordance with the instructions of Fokker Services SBF28-28-053, 
Revision 3 (R3).
    All the actions related to SBF28-28-055, as previously required 
through paragraphs (5) and (6) of EASA AD 2011-0184, are now 
addressed by EASA AD 2014-0110 [http://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2014-0110_1.pdf].
* * * * *
    The CDCCL requirement in AD 2011-17-10 for Model F.28 Mark 2000, 
3000, and 4000 airplanes is now addressed in other related rulemaking. 
Therefore, this AD does not include Model F.28 Mark 2000, 3000, and 
4000 airplanes in the applicability.
    This AD also removes airplanes having serial numbers 11993 and 
11994 from the applicability because those airplanes were scrapped and 
removed from the type certificate data sheet.
    The unsafe condition is the potential of ignition sources inside 
fuel tanks. Such ignition sources, in combination with flammable fuel 
vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the 
airplane. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at 
http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket 
No. FAA-2015-8138.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM 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 this 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 for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Fokker Services B.V. has issued Fokker Service Bulletin SBF28-28-
053, Revision 3, dated January 9, 2014. The service information 
describes procedures for inspecting for a by-pass wire between the 
housing of each in-tank FQI cable plug and the cable shield, and 
installing a by-pass wire if necessary. The service information also 
describes CDCCL Item 1.7 for fuel quantity indicating system (FQIS) 
wiring in wing tanks. This service information is reasonably available 
because the interested parties have access to it through their normal 
course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 5 airplanes of U.S. registry. This 
AD adds a requirement to revise the airplane maintenance or inspection 
program by incorporating the instructions in revised service 
information. The current costs associated with this AD are repeated as 
follows for the convenience of affected operators:
    The actions required by AD 2011-17-10 will take about 6 work-hours 
per product, at an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour. Required 
parts cost about $0 per product. Based on these figures, the estimated 
cost of the actions that were required by AD 2011-17-10 is $510 per 
product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions 
required by AD 2011-17-10 take about 7 work-hours and require parts 
costing $308, for a cost of $903 per product. We have no way of 
determining the number of products that may need these actions.
    We also estimate that it takes about 1 work-hour per product to 
revise the maintenance or inspection program. The average labor rate is 
$85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this 
AD on U.S. operators to be $425, or $85 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

[[Page 37487]]

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) 
2011-17-10, Amendment 39-16774 (76 FR 50111, August 12, 2011), and 
adding the following new AD:


2016-12-03 Fokker Services B.V.: Amendment 39-18552. Docket No. FAA-
2015-8138; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-112-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective July 15, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2011-17-10, Amendment 39-16774 (76 FR 50111, 
August 12, 2011) (``AD 2011-17-10'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 1000 
airplanes; certificated in any category; serial numbers (S/Ns) 11003 
through 11041 inclusive, and S/Ns 11991 and 11992.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by the issuance of revised service 
information to update the critical design configuration control 
limitations (CDCCLs) that address potential ignition sources inside 
fuel tanks. We are issuing this AD to prevent potential ignition 
sources inside the fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable 
fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent 
loss of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Retained Inspection and Installation, With Revised Service 
Information

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2011-17-10, with revised service information. At a scheduled opening 
of the fuel tanks, but not later than 84 months after September 16, 
2011 (the effective date of AD 2011-17-10), do a general visual 
inspection for the presence of a by-pass wire between the housing of 
each in-tank fuel quantity indication (FQI) cable plug and the cable 
shield, in accordance with Part 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF28-28-053, Revision 1, dated September 
20, 2010; or Fokker Service Bulletin SBF28-28-053, Revision 3, dated 
January 9, 2014. As of the effective date of this AD, only Fokker 
Service Bulletin SBF28-28-053, Revision 3, dated January 9, 2014, 
may be used.

(h) Retained Corrective Actions, With Revised Service Information

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2011-17-10, with revised service information. If during the general 
visual inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, it is found 
that a by-pass wire is not installed: Before the next flight, 
install the by-pass wire between the housing of the in-tank FQI 
cable plug and the cable shield, in accordance with Part 2 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF28-28-053, 
Revision 1, dated September 20, 2010; or Fokker Service Bulletin 
SBF28-28-053, Revision 3, dated January 9, 2014. As of the effective 
date of this AD, only Fokker Service Bulletin SBF28-28-053, Revision 
3, dated January 9, 2014, may be used.

(i) Retained Maintenance Program Revision To Add Fuel Airworthiness 
Limitation, With a New Exception

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2011-17-10, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph 
(k) of this AD, concurrently with the actions required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, revise the airplane maintenance program by 
incorporating CDCCL-1 specified in paragraph 1.L.(1)(c) of Fokker 
Service Bulletin SBF28-28-053, Revision 1, dated September 20, 2010.

(j) Retained Requirement for No Alternative Actions, Intervals, and/or 
CDCCLs, With a New Exception

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (k) of AD 
2011-17-10 with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph (k) 
of this AD: After accomplishing the revision required by paragraph 
(i) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspection, interval) 
and/or CDCCLs may be used unless the actions, intervals, and/or 
CDCCLs are approved as an alternative methods of compliance (AMOC) 
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (n)(1) of 
this AD.

(k) New Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision To Add Fuel 
Airworthiness Limitation

    Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Revise the 
airplane maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, by 
incorporating CDCCL Item 1.7 as specified in paragraph 1.L.(1)(c) of 
Fokker Service Bulletin SBF28-28-053, Revision 3, dated January 9, 
2014. Accomplishing the revision required by this paragraph 
terminates the revision required by paragraph (i) of this AD.

(l) No Alternative CDCCLs

    After the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as 
required by paragraph (k) of this AD, no alternative CDCCLs may be 
used unless the CDCCLs are approved as an AMOC in accordance with 
the procedures specified in paragraph (n)(1) of this AD.

(m) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the applicable actions 
required by paragraph (k) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before the effective date of this AD using Fokker Service 
Bulletin SBF28-28-053, Revision 2, dated June 22, 2011. This 
document is not incorporated by reference in this AD.

(n) 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, 
WA 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.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the effective date of 
this AD, for any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions 
from a manufacturer, the action must be accomplished using a method 
approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA); or Fokker B.V. Service's EASA Design Organization Approval 
(DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-
authorized signature.

(o) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0111, dated May 8, 2014, 
for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on 
the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2015-8138.
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (p)(5) and (p)(6) of this AD.

(p) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
July 15, 2016.

[[Page 37488]]

    (i) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF28-28-053, Revision 3, dated 
January 9, 2014.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
September 16, 2011 (76 FR 50111, August 12, 2011).
    (i) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF28-28-053, Revision 1, dated 
September 20, 2010.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (5) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Fokker Services B.V., Technical Services Dept., P.O. Box 1357, 2130 
EL Hoofddorp, the Netherlands; telephone +31 (0)88-6280-350; fax +31 
(0)88-6280-111; email [email protected]; Internet http://www.myfokkerfleet.com.
    (6) You may view this 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 May 31, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-13545 Filed 6-9-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P