81 FR 39553 - Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 117 (June 17, 2016)

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2008-05-18 R1 for certain Fokker Services B.V. Model F.27 Mark 050, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 airplanes. AD 2008-05-18 R1 required revising the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness to incorporate new limitations for fuel tank systems. This new AD requires a new maintenance or inspection program revision to incorporate the revised Airworthiness Limitation Items (ALIs) and critical design configuration control limitations (CDCCLs). This new AD also adds certain airplanes to the applicability. This AD was prompted by the issuance of revised service information to update the Fuel ALIs and CDCCLs that address fuel tank system ignition sources. We are issuing this AD to prevent the potential of ignition sources inside 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 117 (Friday, June 17, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 39553-39556]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-14130]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-8137; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-104-AD; 
Amendment 39-18561; AD 2016-12-12]
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 Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2008-05-18 R1 
for certain Fokker Services B.V. Model F.27 Mark 050, 200, 300, 400, 
500, 600, and 700 airplanes. AD 2008-05-18 R1 required revising the 
Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of the Instructions for 
Continued Airworthiness to incorporate new limitations for fuel tank 
systems. This new AD requires a new maintenance or inspection program 
revision to incorporate the revised Airworthiness Limitation Items 
(ALIs) and critical design configuration control limitations (CDCCLs). 
This new AD also adds certain airplanes to the applicability. This AD 
was prompted by the issuance of revised service information to update 
the Fuel ALIs and CDCCLs that address fuel tank system ignition 
sources. We are issuing this AD to prevent the potential of ignition 
sources inside 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 22, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 22, 
2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 23, 
2009 (74 FR 57402, November 6, 2009).

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-2015-8137.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
8137; 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 address for the Docket Office (telephone 800-
647-5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

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 2008-05-18 R1, Amendment 39-16083 (74 FR 57402, 
November 6, 2009) (``AD 2008-05-18 R1''). AD 2008-05-18 R1 applied to 
certain Model F.27 Mark 050, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 
airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on January 4, 
2016 (81 FR 38) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted by the issuance 
of revised service information to update the Fuel ALIs and CDCCLs that 
address fuel tank system ignition sources. The NPRM proposed to retain 
the requirements of AD 2008-05-18 R1, and require a new maintenance or 
inspection program revision to incorporate the revised ALIs and CDCCLs. 
The NPRM also proposed to add certain airplanes to the applicability. 
We are issuing this AD to prevent the potential of ignition sources 
inside 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 2015-0029, dated February 24, 2015 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition on all Model F.27 Mark 
050, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    * * * [T]he FAA published Special Federal Aviation Regulation 
(SFAR) 88, and the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) published 
Interim Policy INT/POL/25/12. The review conducted by Fokker 
Services on the Fokker F27 design in response to these regulations 
identified a number of Fuel Airworthiness Limitation Items (ALI) and 
Critical Design Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCL) items to 
prevent the development of unsafe conditions within the fuel system.
    To introduce these Fuel ALI and CDCCL items, Fokker Services 
published Service Bulletin (SB) F27/28-070. Consequently, EASA 
issued AD 2006-0207, requiring the implementation of these Fuel ALI 
and CDCCL items. That [EASA] AD was later revised to make reference 
to SBF27-28-070R1 and to specify that the use of later SB revisions 
was acceptable.
    In 2014, Fokker Services issued Revision 2 of SBF27-28-070 to 
update the Fuel ALI and CDCCL items and to consolidate Fuel ALI and 
CDCCL items contained in a number of other SBs. Consequently, EASA 
issued AD 2014-0105, superseding AD 2006-0207R1 and requiring the 
implementation of the updated Fuel ALI and CDCCL items.
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, Fokker Services issued Revision 
3 of SBF27-28-070, primarily to introduce 2 additional CDCCL items.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2014-0105, which is superseded, and requires 
implementation of the updated Fuel ALI and CDCCL items.
    More information on this subject can be found in Fokker Services 
All Operators Message AOF27.043#05.

    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-2015-8137.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or

[[Page 39554]]

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 Service Bulletin SBF27-28-070, 
Revision 3, dated December 11, 2014. The service information describes 
tasks for revising the maintenance or inspection program to update the 
fuel ALIs and CDCCLs that address fuel tank system ignition sources. 
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 16 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The actions that are required by AD 2008-05-18 R1 take about 1 
work-hour 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 required by AD 2008-05-18 R1 is $85 per 
product.
    We also estimate that it takes about 1 work-hour per product to 
comply with the new basic requirements of this AD. The average labor 
rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $0 per 
product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on 
U.S. operators to be $1,360, 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.

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) 
2008-05-18 R1, Amendment 39-16083 (74 FR 57402, November 6, 2009), and 
adding the following new AD:

2016-12-12 Fokker Services B.V.: Amendment 39-18561. Docket No. FAA-
2015-8137; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-104-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective July 22, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2008-05-18 R1, Amendment 39-16083 (74 FR 
57402, November 6, 2009) (``AD 2008-05-18 R1'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Fokker Services B.V. Model F.27 Mark 050, 
200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 airplanes; certificated in any 
category; all serial numbers.

(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 Fuel Airworthiness Limitation Items (ALIs) 
and critical design configuration control limitations (CDCCLs) that 
address fuel tank system ignition sources. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent the potential of ignition sources inside 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 Revision of the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of 
the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness To Incorporate Limits 
(Inspections, Thresholds, and Intervals), With Revised Table Reference

    This paragraph restates the actions required by paragraph (f)(1) 
of AD 2008-05-18 R1, with revised table reference. For Model F.27 
Mark 050, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 airplanes, serial numbers 
10102 through 10692 inclusive: Within 3 months after April 16, 2008 
(the effective date of AD 2008-05-18, Amendment 39-15412 (73 FR 
13071, March 12, 2008)), revise the ALS of the Instructions for 
Continued Airworthiness to incorporate the limits (inspections, 
thresholds, and intervals) specified in Fokker 50/60 Fuel 
Airworthiness Limitation Items (ALI) and Critical Design 
Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCL) Report SE-671, Issue 2, 
dated December 1, 2006; or Fokker Service Bulletin SBF27-28-070, 
Revision 1, dated January 8, 2008; as applicable. For all tasks 
identified in Fokker 50/60 Fuel Airworthiness Limitation Items (ALI) 
and Critical Design Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCL) Report 
SE-671, Issue 2, dated December 1, 2006; or Fokker Service Bulletin 
SBF27-28-070, Revision 1, dated January 8, 2008; the initial 
compliance times are as specified in Table 1 to paragraph (g) of 
this AD, as applicable. The repetitive inspections must be 
accomplished thereafter at the intervals specified in Fokker 50/60 
Fuel Airworthiness Limitation Items (ALI) and Critical Design 
Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCL) Report SE-671, Issue 2, 
dated December 1, 2006; or Fokker Service Bulletin SBF27-28-070, 
Revision 1, dated January 8, 2008; as applicable, except as provided 
by paragraphs (i) and (n)(1) of this AD.

[[Page 39555]]



  Table 1 to Paragraph (g) of This AD--Initial Compliance Times for ALS
                                Revision
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               For--                           The later of--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model F.27 Mark 050 airplanes:      102 months after April 16, 2008 (the
 Task 280000-01.                     effective date of AD 2008-05-18,
                                     Amendment 39-15412 (73 FR 13071,
                                     March 12, 2008)); or 102 months
                                     after the date of issuance of the
                                     original Dutch standard
                                     airworthiness certificate or the
                                     date of issuance of the original
                                     Dutch export certificate of
                                     airworthiness.
Model F.27 Mark 050 airplanes:      30 months after April 16, 2008 (the
 Task 280000-02.                     effective date of AD 2008-05-18,
                                     Amendment 39-15412 (73 FR 13071,
                                     March 12, 2008)); or 30 months
                                     after the date of issuance of the
                                     original Dutch standard
                                     airworthiness certificate or the
                                     date of issuance of the original
                                     Dutch export certificate of
                                     airworthiness.
Model F.27 Mark 200, 300, 400,      78 months after April 16, 2008 (the
 500, 600, and 700 airplanes: Task   effective date of AD 2008-05-18,
 280000-01.                          Amendment 39-15412 (73 FR 13071,
                                     March 12, 2008)); or 78 months
                                     after the date of issuance of the
                                     original Dutch standard
                                     airworthiness certificate or the
                                     date of issuance of the original
                                     Dutch export certificate of
                                     airworthiness.
Model F.27 Mark 200, 300, 400,      18 months after April 16, 2008 (the
 500, 600, and 700 airplanes: Task   effective date of AD 2008-05-18,
 280000-02.                          Amendment 39-15412 (73 FR 13071,
                                     March 12, 2008)); or 18 months
                                     after the date of issuance of the
                                     original Dutch standard
                                     airworthiness certificate or the
                                     date of issuance of the original
                                     Dutch export certificate of
                                     airworthiness.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(h) Retained Revision of the ALS of the Instructions for Continued 
Airworthiness To Incorporate CDCCLs, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the actions required by paragraph (f)(2) 
of AD 2008-05-18 R1, with no changes. For Model F.27 Mark 050, 200, 
300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 airplanes, serial numbers 10102 through 
10692 inclusive: Within 3 months after April 16, 2008 (the effective 
date of AD 2008-05-18, Amendment 39-15412 (73 FR 13071, March 12, 
2008)), revise the ALS of the Instructions for Continued 
Airworthiness to incorporate the CDCCLs as defined in Fokker 50/60 
Fuel Airworthiness Limitations Items (ALI) and Critical Design 
Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCL) Report SE-671, Issue 2, 
dated December 1, 2006; or Fokker Service Bulletin SBF27-28-070, 
Revision 1, dated January 8, 2008; as applicable.

(i) Retained Exceptional Short-Term Extensions Provision, With No 
Changes

    This paragraph restates the exceptional short-term extensions 
provision specified in paragraph (f)(3) of AD 2008-05-18 R1, with no 
changes. Where Fokker 50/60 Fuel Airworthiness Limitation Items 
(ALI) and Critical Design Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCL) 
Report SE-671, Issue 2, dated December 1, 2006; or Fokker Service 
Bulletin SBF27-28-070, Revision 1, dated January 8, 2008; as 
applicable; allow for exceptional short-term extensions, an 
exception is acceptable to the FAA if it is approved by the 
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards 
Certificate Holding District Office.

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

    This paragraph restates the requirement specified in paragraph 
(f)(4) of AD 2008-05-18 R1, with a new exception. Except as required 
by paragraph (l) of this AD, after accomplishing the actions 
specified in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, no alternative 
inspections, inspection intervals, or CDCCLs may be used, unless the 
inspections, inspection intervals, or CDCCLs are approved as an 
alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (n)(1) of this AD.

(k) Retained Credit for Previous Actions, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the credit provided in paragraph (f)(5) 
of AD 2008-05-18 R1, with no changes. Actions done before April 16, 
2008 (the effective date of AD 2008-05-18, Amendment 39-15412 (73 FR 
13071, March 12, 2008)), in accordance with Fokker 50/60 Fuel 
Airworthiness Limitation Items (ALI) and Critical Design 
Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCL) Report SE-671, Issue 1, 
dated January 31, 2006; and Fokker Service Bulletin SBF27/28-070, 
dated June 30, 2006; are acceptable for compliance with the 
corresponding requirements of this AD.

(l) New Requirements of This AD: Revise the Maintenance or Inspection 
Program

    For Model F.27 Mark 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 airplanes: 
Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, by incorporating 
the Fuel ALIs and CDCCLs identified in the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF27-28-070, Revision 3, 
dated December 11, 2014. Accomplishing the actions required by this 
paragraph ends the requirements specified in paragraphs (g) and (h) 
of this AD for that airplane. The initial compliance time for the 
Fuel ALIs identified in Fokker Service Bulletin SBF27-28-070, 
Revision 3, dated December 11, 2014, is at the initial compliance 
time specified in Fokker Service Bulletin SBF27-28-070, Revision 3, 
dated December 11, 2014, or within 3 months after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs later.

(m) No Alternative Actions, Intervals, or Critical Design Configuration 
Control Limitations (CDCCLs)

    After accomplishing the revision required by paragraph (l) of 
this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, or 
CDCCLs may be used; unless the actions, intervals, or CDCCLs are 
approved as an AMOC in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (n)(1) of 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 2015-0029, dated February 24, 
2015, 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-2015-8137.
    (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.

[[Page 39556]]

(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 22, 2016.
    (i) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF27-28-070, Revision 3, dated 
December 11, 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 SBF27-28-070, Revision 1, dated 
January 8, 2008.
    (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. 2016-14130 Filed 6-16-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P