82_FR_56165 82 FR 55939 - Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes

82 FR 55939 - Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 226 (November 27, 2017)

Page Range55939-55941
FR Document2017-25382

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Fokker Services B.V. Model F.27 airplanes. This AD requires contacting the FAA to obtain instructions for addressing the unsafe condition on these products, and doing the actions specified in those instructions. This AD was prompted by reports indicating that certain exit signs have a hydrogen isotope that decays over time, causing the signs to lose their brightness. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 226 (Monday, November 27, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 226 (Monday, November 27, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55939-55941]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-25382]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1095; Product Identifier 2012-NM-215-AD; Amendment 
39-19108; AD 2017-24-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Fokker Services B.V. Model F.27 airplanes. This AD requires contacting 
the FAA to obtain instructions for addressing the unsafe condition on 
these products, and doing the actions specified in those instructions. 
This AD was prompted by reports indicating that certain exit signs have 
a hydrogen isotope that decays over time, causing the signs to lose 
their brightness. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 12, 2017.
    We must receive comments on this AD by January 11, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.

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-2017-
1095; 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 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. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1137; fax 425-227-
1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2012-0238, dated November 9, 2012 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for certain Fokker Services B.V. Model F.27 
airplanes. The MCAI states:

    A number of Fokker F.27 aeroplanes have exit signs installed to 
locate the emergency exits. A number of these signs are not 
electrically powered, but are self-illuminated by means of a 
hydrogen isotope known as Tritium. As this isotope decays over time, 
these signs will lose their brightness.
    To remain compliant with regulations, Tritium exit signs should 
be replaced when their brightness has deteriorated below accepted 
levels. The established service life for the Tritium powered exit 
signs is 7 years. Currently, the F.27 maintenance program does not 
include a replacement task for exit signs containing Tritium.
    This condition, if not corrected, could result in insufficiently 
bright exit signs, possibly preventing safe evacuation during an 
emergency, which could result in injury to occupants.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires the 
replacement of the affected Tritium powered exit signs. Depending on 
the aeroplane configuration, the replacement exit signs must be 
either photo-luminescent or Tritium powered. In addition, this 
[EASA] AD introduces a life limit for the Tritium signs and requires 
repetitive maintenance tasks for the photo-luminescent signs. [The 
EASA AD provides an option to revise the airplane maintenance 
program.]

    You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
1095.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the

[[Page 55940]]

MCAI. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all pertinent 
information and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to 
exist or develop on other products of the same type design.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    Since there are currently no domestic operators of this product, we 
find good cause that notice and opportunity for prior public comment 
are unnecessary. In addition, for the reason(s) stated above, we find 
that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 
30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public 
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2017-1095; Product 
Identifier 2012-NM-215-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We 
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD based on 
those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    Currently, there are no affected U.S.-registered airplanes. This AD 
requires contacting the FAA to obtain instructions for addressing the 
unsafe condition, and doing the actions specified in those 
instructions. Based on the actions specified in the MCAI, we are 
providing the following cost estimates for an affected airplane that is 
placed on the U.S. Register in the future:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                Action                          Labor cost                   Parts cost               product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement...........................  1 work-hour x $85 per      Unavailable..................             $85
                                         hour = $85.
Inspection............................  1 work-hour x $85 per      $0...........................              85
                                         hour = $85.
Maintenance or inspection program       1 work-hour x $85 per      $0...........................              85
 revision.                               hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes to 
the Director of the System Oversight Division.

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):

2017-24-04 Fokker Services B.V.: Amendment 39-19108; Docket No. FAA-
2017-1095; Product Identifier 2012-NM-215-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective December 12, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Fokker Services B.V. Model F.27 airplanes, 
certificated in any category, serial numbers 10425 through 10692 
inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 11, Placards and 
markings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports indicating that certain exit 
signs have a hydrogen isotope that decays over time, causing the 
signs to lose their brightness. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
insufficiently illuminated exit signs, which could possibly prevent 
safe evacuation during an emergency and cause injury to occupants.

[[Page 55941]]

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, request 
instructions from the Manager, International Section, Transport 
Standards Branch, FAA, to address the unsafe condition specified in 
paragraph (e) of this AD; and accomplish the actions at the times 
specified in, and in accordance with, those instructions. Guidance 
can be found in Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2012-0238, dated 
November 9, 2012.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, 
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 Section, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (i)(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.

(i) Related Information

    (1) Refer to MCAI EASA AD 2012-0238, dated November 9, 2012, for 
related information. You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at 
http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2017-1095.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Tom Rodriguez, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards 
Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 
425-227-1137; fax 425-227-1149.

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 14, 2017.
Chris Spangenberg,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-25382 Filed 11-24-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                              Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 226 / Monday, November 27, 2017 / Rules and Regulations                                            55939

                                             accordance with §§ 1734.5 through                       DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                          other information. The street address for
                                             1734.12.                                                                                                      the Docket Operations office (telephone
                                               (4) If RUS determines that the                        Federal Aviation Administration                       800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES
                                             application is not suitable for further                                                                       section. Comments will be available in
                                             consideration, notify the applicant with                14 CFR Part 39                                        the AD docket shortly after receipt.
                                             the reasons for this determination. The                 [Docket No. FAA–2017–1095; Product                    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom
                                             applicant will be offered appeal rights                 Identifier 2012–NM–215–AD; Amendment                  Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer,
                                             in accordance with § 1734.47.                           39–19108; AD 2017–24–04]                              International Section, Transport
                                                                                                                                                           Standards Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind
                                             § 1734.47   Appeals.                                    RIN 2120–AA64
                                                                                                                                                           Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356;
                                                RUS Electric and                                     Airworthiness Directives; Fokker                      telephone 425–227–1137; fax 425–227–
                                             Telecommunications Borrowers may                        Services B.V. Airplanes                               1149.
                                             appeal a decision to reject their                                                                             SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                                                                     AGENCY:  Federal Aviation
                                             application. Any appeal must be made,                                                                         Discussion
                                                                                                     Administration (FAA), DOT.
                                             in writing, within 10 days after the
                                             applicant is notified of the                            ACTION: Final rule; request for                          The European Aviation Safety Agency
                                             determination to deny the application.                  comments.                                             (EASA), which is the Technical Agent
                                             Appeals shall be submitted to the                                                                             for the Member States of the European
                                                                                                     SUMMARY:   We are adopting a new                      Union, has issued EASA AD 2012–0238,
                                             Administrator, RUS, U.S. Department of                  airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
                                             Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave.                                                                           dated November 9, 2012 (referred to
                                                                                                     Fokker Services B.V. Model F.27                       after this as the Mandatory Continuing
                                             SW., STOP 1590, Washington, DC                          airplanes. This AD requires contacting
                                             20250–1590. Thereafter, the                                                                                   Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the
                                                                                                     the FAA to obtain instructions for                    MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition
                                             Administrator will review the appeal to                 addressing the unsafe condition on
                                             determine whether to sustain, reverse,                                                                        for certain Fokker Services B.V. Model
                                                                                                     these products, and doing the actions                 F.27 airplanes. The MCAI states:
                                             or modify the original determination.                   specified in those instructions. This AD
                                             Final determinations will be made after                                                                          A number of Fokker F.27 aeroplanes have
                                                                                                     was prompted by reports indicating that               exit signs installed to locate the emergency
                                             consideration of all appeals. The                       certain exit signs have a hydrogen
                                             Administrator’s determination will be                                                                         exits. A number of these signs are not
                                                                                                     isotope that decays over time, causing                electrically powered, but are self-illuminated
                                             final. A copy of the Administrator’s                    the signs to lose their brightness. We are            by means of a hydrogen isotope known as
                                             decision will be furnished promptly to                  issuing this AD to address the unsafe                 Tritium. As this isotope decays over time,
                                             the applicant.                                          condition on these products.                          these signs will lose their brightness.
                                                                                                                                                              To remain compliant with regulations,
                                             PART 1735—GENERAL POLICIES,                             DATES: This AD becomes effective                      Tritium exit signs should be replaced when
                                             TYPES OF LOANS, LOAN                                    December 12, 2017.                                    their brightness has deteriorated below
                                             REQUIREMENTS—                                              We must receive comments on this                   accepted levels. The established service life
                                             TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM                              AD by January 11, 2018.                               for the Tritium powered exit signs is 7 years.
                                                                                                     ADDRESSES: You may send comments,                     Currently, the F.27 maintenance program
                                                                                                     using the procedures found in 14 CFR                  does not include a replacement task for exit
                                             ■ 5. The authority citation for part 1735                                                                     signs containing Tritium.
                                             continues to read as follows:                           11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following                 This condition, if not corrected, could
                                                                                                     methods:                                              result in insufficiently bright exit signs,
                                               Authority: 7 U.S.C. 901 et seq., 1921 et
                                             seq., and 6941 et seq.
                                                                                                        • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to                possibly preventing safe evacuation during
                                                                                                     http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the                an emergency, which could result in injury
                                             ■ 6. Amend § 1735.30 by revising                        instructions for submitting comments.                 to occupants.
                                             paragraph (d)(1)(v) to read as follows:                    • Fax: 202–493–2251.                                  For the reasons described above, this
                                                                                                        • Mail: U.S. Department of                         [EASA] AD requires the replacement of the
                                             § 1735.30   Hardship loans.                             Transportation, Docket Operations,                    affected Tritium powered exit signs.
                                             *      *    *     *    *                                                                                      Depending on the aeroplane configuration,
                                                                                                     M–30, West Building Ground Floor,
                                                                                                                                                           the replacement exit signs must be either
                                                (d) * * *                                            Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey                         photo-luminescent or Tritium powered. In
                                                                                                     Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.                     addition, this [EASA] AD introduces a life
                                                (1) * * *
                                                                                                        • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of                limit for the Tritium signs and requires
                                                (v) Distance Learning and Medical                    Transportation, Docket Operations,                    repetitive maintenance tasks for the photo-
                                             Link Facilities. Borrowers will receive 2               M–30, West Building Ground Floor,                     luminescent signs. [The EASA AD provides
                                             points for loan funds included in the                   Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey                         an option to revise the airplane maintenance
                                             application for the purpose of providing                Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9                 program.]
                                             distance learning or medical link                       a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through                         You may examine the MCAI on the
                                             transmission facilities. If loan funds are              Friday, except Federal holidays.                      Internet at http://www.regulations.gov
                                             included for both distance learning and                                                                       by searching for and locating Docket No.
                                             medical link transmission facilities,                   Examining the AD Docket
                                                                                                                                                           FAA–2017–1095.
                                             borrowers will receive 3 points. (See 7                   You may examine the AD docket on
                                             CFR part 1734 for definitions of distance               the Internet at http://                               FAA’s Determination and Requirements
                                             learning and medical link.)                             www.regulations.gov by searching for                  of This AD
pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES




                                             *      *    *     *    *                                and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–                       This product has been approved by
                                                                                                     1095; or in person at the Docket                      the aviation authority of another
                                               Dated: October 10, 2017.
                                                                                                     Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5                country, and is approved for operation
                                             Christopher A. McLean,                                  p.m., Monday through Friday, except                   in the United States. Pursuant to our
                                             Acting Administrator, Rural Utilities Service.          Federal holidays. The AD docket                       bilateral agreement with the State of
                                             [FR Doc. 2017–25266 Filed 11–24–17; 8:45 am]            contains this AD, the regulatory                      Design Authority, we have been notified
                                             BILLING CODE P                                          evaluation, any comments received, and                of the unsafe condition described in the


                                        VerDate Sep<11>2014   15:11 Nov 24, 2017   Jkt 244001   PO 00000   Frm 00017   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\27NOR1.SGM   27NOR1


                                             55940                Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 226 / Monday, November 27, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

                                             MCAI. We are issuing this AD because                                    Comments Invited                                               We will post all comments we
                                             we evaluated all pertinent information                                     This AD is a final rule that involves                     receive, without change, to http://
                                             and determined the unsafe condition                                     requirements affecting flight safety, and                    www.regulations.gov, including any
                                             exists and is likely to exist or develop                                we did not precede it by notice and                          personal information you provide. We
                                             on other products of the same type                                      opportunity for public comment. We                           will also post a report summarizing each
                                             design.                                                                 invite you to send any written relevant                      substantive verbal contact we receive
                                                                                                                     data, views, or arguments about this AD.                     about this AD.
                                             FAA’s Determination of the Effective
                                                                                                                     Send your comments to an address                             Costs of Compliance
                                             Date                                                                    listed under the ADDRESSES section.
                                               Since there are currently no domestic                                 Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2017–1095;                            Currently, there are no affected U.S.-
                                             operators of this product, we find good                                 Product Identifier 2012–NM–215–AD’’                          registered airplanes. This AD requires
                                             cause that notice and opportunity for                                   at the beginning of your comments. We                        contacting the FAA to obtain
                                             prior public comment are unnecessary.                                   specifically invite comments on the                          instructions for addressing the unsafe
                                                                                                                     overall regulatory, economic,                                condition, and doing the actions
                                             In addition, for the reason(s) stated
                                                                                                                     environmental, and energy aspects of                         specified in those instructions. Based on
                                             above, we find that good cause exists for
                                                                                                                     this AD. We will consider all comments                       the actions specified in the MCAI, we
                                             making this amendment effective in less                                 received by the closing date and may                         are providing the following cost
                                             than 30 days.                                                           amend this AD based on those                                 estimates for an affected airplane that is
                                                                                                                     comments.                                                    placed on the U.S. Register in the future:

                                                                                                                                      ESTIMATED COSTS
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Cost per
                                                                               Action                                                                    Labor cost                                  Parts cost             product

                                             Replacement ...............................................................        1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 .............................   Unavailable .......               $85
                                             Inspection ....................................................................    1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 .............................   $0 .....................           85
                                             Maintenance or inspection program revision ..............                          1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 .............................   $0 .....................           85



                                             Authority for This Rulemaking                                           Regulatory Findings                                          PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
                                                                                                                                                                                  DIRECTIVES
                                                Title 49 of the United States Code                                     We determined that this AD will not
                                             specifies the FAA’s authority to issue                                  have federalism implications under                           ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
                                             rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,                                   Executive Order 13132. This AD will                          continues to read as follows:
                                             section 106, describes the authority of                                 not have a substantial direct effect on                          Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
                                             the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:                                  the States, on the relationship between
                                             Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more                                  the national government and the States,                      § 39.13    [Amended]
                                             detail the scope of the Agency’s                                        or on the distribution of power and                          ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
                                             authority.                                                              responsibilities among the various                           the following new airworthiness
                                                We are issuing this rulemaking under                                 levels of government.                                        directive (AD):
                                             the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,                                For the reasons discussed above, I                         2017–24–04 Fokker Services B.V.:
                                             Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:                                     certify that this AD:                                            Amendment 39–19108; Docket No.
                                             General requirements.’’ Under that                                                                                                       FAA–2017–1095; Product Identifier
                                                                                                                       1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory                           2012–NM–215–AD.
                                             section, Congress charges the FAA with
                                             promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in                              action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
                                                                                                                                                                                  (a) Effective Date
                                             air commerce by prescribing regulations                                   2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
                                                                                                                                                                                    This AD becomes effective December 12,
                                             for practices, methods, and procedures                                  DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures                       2017.
                                             the Administrator finds necessary for                                   (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
                                             safety in air commerce. This regulation                                                                                              (b) Affected ADs
                                                                                                                       3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
                                             is within the scope of that authority                                                                                                  None.
                                                                                                                     Alaska; and
                                             because it addresses an unsafe condition                                                                                             (c) Applicability
                                             that is likely to exist or develop on                                     4. Will not have a significant
                                                                                                                     economic impact, positive or negative,                          This AD applies to Fokker Services B.V.
                                             products identified in this rulemaking                                                                                               Model F.27 airplanes, certificated in any
                                             action.                                                                 on a substantial number of small entities
                                                                                                                                                                                  category, serial numbers 10425 through
                                                                                                                     under the criteria of the Regulatory                         10692 inclusive.
                                                This AD is issued in accordance with                                 Flexibility Act.
                                             authority delegated by the Executive                                                                                                 (d) Subject
                                             Director, Aircraft Certification Service,                               List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39                             Air Transport Association (ATA) of
                                             as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C.                                                                                                 America Code 11, Placards and markings.
                                             In accordance with that order, issuance                                   Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
                                                                                                                     safety, Incorporation by reference,                          (e) Reason
                                             of ADs is normally a function of the
pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES




                                             Compliance and Airworthiness                                            Safety.                                                         This AD was prompted by reports
                                             Division, but during this transition                                                                                                 indicating that certain exit signs have a
                                                                                                                     Adoption of the Amendment                                    hydrogen isotope that decays over time,
                                             period, the Executive Director has                                                                                                   causing the signs to lose their brightness. We
                                             delegated the authority to issue ADs                                      Accordingly, under the authority                           are issuing this AD to prevent insufficiently
                                             applicable to transport category                                        delegated to me by the Administrator,                        illuminated exit signs, which could possibly
                                             airplanes to the Director of the System                                 the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as                             prevent safe evacuation during an emergency
                                             Oversight Division.                                                     follows:                                                     and cause injury to occupants.



                                        VerDate Sep<11>2014        15:11 Nov 24, 2017        Jkt 244001      PO 00000          Frm 00018   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\27NOR1.SGM       27NOR1


                                                              Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 226 / Monday, November 27, 2017 / Rules and Regulations                                         55941

                                             (f) Compliance                                          DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                          Subtitle I, Section 106 describes the
                                               Comply with this AD within the                                                                              authority of the FAA Administrator.
                                             compliance times specified, unless already              Federal Aviation Administration                       Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,
                                             done.                                                                                                         describes in more detail the scope of the
                                                                                                     14 CFR Part 71                                        agency’s authority. This rulemaking is
                                             (g) Required Actions                                                                                          promulgated under the authority
                                                                                                     [Docket No. FAA–2016–9549; Airspace
                                               Within 30 days after the effective date of            Docket No. 17–ASO–5]                                  described in Subtitle VII, part A,
                                             this AD, request instructions from the                                                                        Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that
                                             Manager, International Section, Transport               Amendment of Class E Airspace;                        section, the FAA is charged with
                                             Standards Branch, FAA, to address the                   Alexander City, AL                                    prescribing regulations to assign the use
                                             unsafe condition specified in paragraph (e) of                                                                of airspace necessary to ensure the
                                             this AD; and accomplish the actions at the              AGENCY:  Federal Aviation                             safety of aircraft and the efficient use of
                                             times specified in, and in accordance with,             Administration (FAA), DOT.                            airspace. This regulation is within the
                                             those instructions. Guidance can be found in            ACTION: Final rule.                                   scope of that authority as it amends
                                             Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness                                                                            Class E airspace at Thomas C Russell
                                             Information (MCAI) European Aviation                    SUMMARY:    This action amends Class E                Field Airport, Alexander City, AL, to
                                             Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2012–0238, dated                airspace at Alexander City, AL, due to                support IFR operations at the airport.
                                             November 9, 2012.                                       the decommissioning of the Alexander
                                                                                                     City non-directional radio beacon                     History
                                             (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance                   (NDB), which requires airspace
                                             (AMOCs)
                                                                                                                                                              On June 7, 2017, the FAA published
                                                                                                     reconfiguration at Thomas C Russell                   in the Federal Register a notice of
                                                The Manager, International Section,                  Field Airport. Controlled airspace is                 proposed rulemaking (NPRM) (82 FR
                                             Transport Standards Branch, FAA, has the                necessary for the safety and                          26406) Docket No. FAA–2016–9549 to
                                             authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if              management of instrument flight rules                 amend Class E airspace extending
                                             requested using the procedures found in 14              (IFR) operations at the airport. This                 upward from 700 feet above the surface
                                             CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,             action also updates the geographic                    at Thomas C Russell Field Airport,
                                             send your request to your principal inspector           coordinates of the airport.                           Alexander City, AL, due to the
                                             or local Flight Standards District Office, as
                                                                                                     DATES: Effective 0901 UTC, February 1,                decommissioning of the Alexander City
                                             appropriate. If sending information directly
                                                                                                     2018. The Director of the Federal                     NDB and cancellation of the NDB
                                             to the International Section, send it to the
                                                                                                     Register approves this incorporation by               approach. Interested parties were
                                             attention of the person identified in
                                                                                                     reference action under title 1, Code of               invited to participate in this rulemaking
                                             paragraph (i)(2) of this AD. Information may
                                                                                                     Federal Regulations, part 51, subject to              effort by submitting written comments
                                             be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-
                                                                                                     the annual revision of FAA Order                      on the proposal to the FAA. No
                                             REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any
                                             approved AMOC, notify your appropriate                  7400.11 and publication of conforming                 comments were received.
                                                                                                     amendments.                                              Class E airspace designations are
                                             principal inspector, or lacking a principal
                                                                                                     ADDRESSES: FAA Order 7400.11B,                        published in paragraph 6005, of FAA
                                             inspector, the manager of the local flight
                                                                                                     Airspace Designations and Reporting                   Order 7400.11B dated August 3, 2017,
                                             standards district office/certificate holding
                                             district office.                                        Points, and subsequent amendments can                 and effective September 15, 2017, which
                                                                                                     be viewed online at http://www.faa.gov/               is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR
                                             (i) Related Information                                 air_traffic/publications/. For further                71.1. The Class E airspace designations
                                               (1) Refer to MCAI EASA AD 2012–0238,                  information, you can contact the                      listed in this document will be
                                             dated November 9, 2012, for related                     Airspace Policy Group, Federal Aviation               published subsequently in the Order.
                                             information. You may examine the MCAI on                Administration, 800 Independence                      Availability and Summary of
                                             the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by           Avenue SW., Washington, DC, 20591;                    Documents for Incorporation by
                                             searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–              telephone: (202) 267–8783. The Order is               Reference
                                             2017–1095.                                              also available for inspection at the
                                               (2) For more information about this AD,                                                                        This document amends FAA Order
                                                                                                     National Archives and Records
                                             contact Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer,                                                                    7400.11B, Airspace Designations and
                                                                                                     Administration (NARA). For
                                             International Section, Transport Standards                                                                    Reporting Points, dated August 3, 2017,
                                                                                                     information on the availability of FAA
                                             Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,                                                                            and effective September 15, 2017. FAA
                                                                                                     Order 7400.11B at NARA, call (202)
                                             Renton, WA 98057–3356; telephone 425–                                                                         Order 7400.11B is publicly available as
                                                                                                     741–6030, or go to https://
                                             227–1137; fax 425–227–1149.                                                                                   listed in the ADDRESSES section of this
                                                                                                     www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
                                                                                                                                                           document. FAA Order 7400.11B lists
                                             (j) Material Incorporated by Reference                  ibr-locations.html. FAA Order 7400.11,
                                                                                                                                                           Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas,
                                                                                                     Airspace Designations and Reporting
                                                None.                                                                                                      air traffic service routes, and reporting
                                                                                                     Points, is published yearly and effective
                                               Issued in Renton, Washington, on                                                                            points.
                                                                                                     on September 15.
                                             November 14, 2017.                                                                                            The Rule
                                                                                                     FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John
                                             Chris Spangenberg,                                      Fornito, Operations Support Group,                      This amendment to Title 14, Code of
                                             Acting Director, System Oversight Division,             Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation              Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 71
                                             Aircraft Certification Service.                         Administration, P.O. Box 20636,                       amends Class E airspace extending
                                             [FR Doc. 2017–25382 Filed 11–24–17; 8:45 am]            Atlanta, Georgia 30320; telephone (404)               upward from 700 feet above the surface
pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES




                                             BILLING CODE 4910–13–P                                  305–6364.                                             within a 7.7 mile radius of Thomas C
                                                                                                     SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            Russell Field Airport, Alexander City,
                                                                                                                                                           AL, due to the decommissioning of the
                                                                                                     Authority for This Rulemaking                         Alexander City NDB and cancellation of
                                                                                                       The FAA’s authority to issue rules                  the NDB approach. The changes ensure
                                                                                                     regarding aviation safety is found in                 the safety and management of IFR
                                                                                                     Title 49 of the United States Code.                   operations at the airport. The geographic


                                        VerDate Sep<11>2014   15:11 Nov 24, 2017   Jkt 244001   PO 00000   Frm 00019   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\27NOR1.SGM   27NOR1



Document Created: 2017-11-25 01:08:45
Document Modified: 2017-11-25 01:08:45
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule; request for comments.
DatesThis AD becomes effective December 12, 2017.
ContactTom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1137; fax 425-227- 1149.
FR Citation82 FR 55939 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

2025 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR