82 FR 33004 - Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 137 (July 19, 2017)

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Fokker Services B.V. Model F28 Mark 0100 airplanes. This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating that certain wing fuel tank access panels are subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). This AD requires replacement of affected access panels and modification of the coamings of the associated access holes. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 137 (Wednesday, July 19, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33004-33007]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-14583]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9389; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-153-AD; 
Amendment 39-18953; AD 2017-14-09]
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 adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Fokker Services B.V. Model F28 Mark 0100 airplanes. This AD was 
prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) 
indicating that certain wing fuel tank access panels are subject to 
widespread fatigue damage (WFD). This AD requires replacement of 
affected access panels and modification of the coamings of the 
associated access holes. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 23, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 23, 
2017.

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.,

[[Page 33005]]

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 No. FAA-2016-
9389.

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-2016-
9389; 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 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 by adding an AD that would apply to all Fokker Services B.V. 
Model F28 Mark 0100 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on November 17, 2016 (81 FR 81018) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM 
was prompted by an evaluation by the DAH indicating that certain wing 
fuel tank access panels are subject to WFD. The NPRM proposed to 
require replacement of affected access panels and modification of the 
coamings of the associated access holes. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent fatigue cracking in the wing structure, which could result in 
reduced structural integrity 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 AD 
2014-0158, dated July 7, 2014 (referred to after this as the Mandatory 
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an 
unsafe condition for all Fokker Services B.V. Model F28 Mark 0100 
series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Based on findings on test articles, fatigue-induced cracks may 
develop in the coamings of certain wing fuel tank access panels Part 
Number (P/N) D12395-403 and P/N D12450-403, installed on Fokker F28 
Mark 0100 aeroplanes.
    To ensure the continued structural integrity with respect to 
fatigue, repetitive inspections were included in the Airworthiness 
Limitations Section (ALS) of the Instructions for Continued 
Airworthiness. Fokker Services also developed precautionary measures 
to reduce stress loads in the affected areas by replacement of the 
affected access panels with new panels, P/N D19701-401 and P/N 
D19701-403, having thinner skin, and a modification by introducing 
internal patches to the coamings of the affected access holes.
    These precautionary measures were introduced with Service 
Bulletins (SB) SBF100-57-027 and SBF100-57-028. As part of the 
Widespread Fatigue Damage re-evaluation, it was concluded that 
repetitive inspections through the ALS do not provide a sufficient 
level of protection against the fatigue-induced cracks.
    This condition, if not corrected, would affect the structural 
integrity of the lower wing skins of both outer wings in the areas 
surrounding the affected fuel tank access panels.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
replacement of the affected access panels and modification of the 
coamings of these access holes.
    Post-modification inspection requirements depend on the actual 
number of flight cycles accumulated at the moment of modification. 
Related detailed information is provided in SBF100-57-027 and 
SBF100-57-028, as well as in Fokker Services ALS Report SE-623 Issue 
12.
    Fokker Services All Operators Message AOF100.178#05 provides 
additional information concerning the subject addressed by this 
[EASA] AD.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
9389. In the NPRM, we incorrectly cited EASA AD 2016-0125, dated June 
21, 2016. We do not address EASA AD 2016-0125 or its contents in this 
AD.

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 relevant 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 the following service information:
     Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-57-027, Revision 2, dated 
December 11, 2013, which provides instructions to replace certain fuel 
tank access panels.
     Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-57-028, Revision 2, dated 
December 11, 2013, which provides instructions to modify the coamings 
of certain fuel tank access holes.
    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 15 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement and modification..........  510 work-hours x $85 per         $45,500         $88,850      $1,332,750
                                         hour = $43,350.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

[[Page 33006]]

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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2017-14-09 Fokker Services B.V.: Amendment 39-18953; Docket No. FAA-
2016-9389; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-153-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective August 23, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Fokker Services B.V. Model F28 Mark 0100 
airplanes, certificated in any category, all serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval 
holder indicating that certain wing fuel tank access panels are 
subject to widespread fatigue damage. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent fatigue cracking in the wing structure, which could result 
in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Modification and Replacement

    Within 63,000 flight cycles since first flight of the airplane, 
or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs later, accomplish the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) 
and (g)(2) of this AD, as applicable.
    (1) For airplanes identified in Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-
57-028, Revision 2, dated December 11, 2013: Modify the coamings of 
the fuel tank access holes at the access panel locations identified 
in, and in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker 
Service Bulletin SBF100-57-028, Revision 2, dated December 11, 2013.
    (2) For airplanes identified in Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-
57-027, Revision 2, dated December 11, 2013: Replace access panels 
having part number D12395-403 and D12450-403 with new panels having 
part number D19701-401 and D19701-403, at the access panel locations 
identified in, and in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-57-027, Revision 2, 
dated December 11, 2013.

(h) Parts Installation Prohibition

    (1) For airplanes that, on the effective date of this AD, have 
an access panel with part number D12395-403 or D12450-403 installed 
at any of the affected locations: After accomplishing the actions 
required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, as applicable, 
no person may install, on any airplane, access panels having part 
number D12395-403 or D12450-403 at any access panel location as 
identified in Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-57-027, Revision 2, 
dated December 11, 2013.
    (2) For airplanes that, on the effective date of this AD, do not 
have an access panel with part number D12395-403 or D12450-403 
installed at any of the affected locations: As of the effective date 
of this AD, no person may install, on any airplane, access panels 
having part number D12395-403 or D12450-403 at any access panel 
location as identified in Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-57-027, 
Revision 2, dated December 11, 2013.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if those actions were performed before 
the effective date of this AD using the service information 
specified in paragraph (i)(1)(i) or (i)(1)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-57-028, dated May 2, 1994.
    (ii) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-57-028, Revision 1, dated 
November 1, 1994.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, if those actions were performed before 
the effective date of this AD using the service information 
specified in paragraph (i)(2)(i) or (i)(2)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-57-027, dated September 13, 
1993.
    (ii) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-57-027, Revision 1, dated 
May 2, 1994.

(j) 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 manager of the International Branch, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (k)(2) of this AD. 
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: 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 Services B.V.'s 
EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the 
approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2014-0158, dated July 7, 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-2016-9389.
    (2) For more information about this AD, 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.
    (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (l)(3) and (l)(4) of this AD.

[[Page 33007]]

(l) 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.
    (i) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-57-027, Revision 2, dated 
December 11, 2013.
    (ii) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-57-028, Revision 2, dated 
December 11, 2013.
    (3) 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.
    (4) 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.
    (5) 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 July 3, 2017.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-14583 Filed 7-18-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P