83 FR 2364 - Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 11 (January 17, 2018)

Page Range		2364-2366
FR Document		2018-00656

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Fokker Services B.V. Model F28 Mark 0070 and Mark 0100 series 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 an erroneous radio altimeter reading, which caused certain systems to respond in a way that led to loss of speed. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 11 (Wednesday, January 17, 2018)

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 11 (Wednesday, January 17, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 2364-2366]
From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-00656]

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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1249; Product Identifier 2013-NM-104-AD; Amendment
39-19156; AD 2018-02-03]
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 all
Fokker Services B.V. Model F28 Mark 0070 and Mark 0100 series
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 an
erroneous radio altimeter reading, which caused certain systems to
respond in a way that led to loss of speed. We are issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective February 15, 2018.
We must receive comments on this AD by March 5, 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-
1249; 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
2013-0112, dated May 28, 2013 (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 0070 and
Mark 0100 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

Following an accident * * * [of an] aeroplane on final approach,
the investigating body determined that an important contributing
factor to the accident was an erroneous reading of -7 to -8 feet
from the left Radio Altimeter (RA). The responses of the
autothrottle and autopilot systems to this erroneous RA system
reading led to speed loss and, in combination with operational
factors, caused the aeroplane to hit the ground before reaching the
runway.
Fokker Services conducted an evaluation of the effects of un-
flagged erroneous low RA system indications in response to the
recommendations in the investigator's report. The result of the
evaluation was a new ``ERRONEOUS RADIO ALTIMETER INDICATION''
abnormal procedure in the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM). This new
procedure includes pulling the circuit breaker of a failed RA
system, and in support of this, new yellow identification collars to
the RA circuit breakers are to be introduced to improve
instantaneous recognition, both visual and tactile, in low
illumination and under increased workload conditions.
In order to prevent an unsafe condition, similar to the one that
contributed to the accident described above, this [EASA] AD requires
incorporation of the new abnormal procedure in the AFM and
installation of the new yellow RA circuit breaker identification
collars.

You may examine the MCAI on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
1249.

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 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-2017-1249; Product
Identifier 2013-NM-104-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.

[[Page 2365]]

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 AD, 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modification............................... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85... $9 $94
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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):

2018-02-03 Fokker Services B.V.: Amendment 39-19156; Docket No. FAA-
2017-1249; Product Identifier 2013-NM-104-AD.

(a) Effective Date

This AD becomes effective February 1, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

None.

This AD applies to Fokker Services B.V. Model F28 Mark 0070 and
Mark 0100 series airplanes, certificated in any category, all serial
numbers.

(d) Subject

Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 34, Navigation.

(e) Reason

This AD was prompted by an erroneous radio altimeter (RA)
reading, which caused certain systems to respond in a way that led
to loss of speed. We are issuing this AD to ensure the flight crew
has procedures for detecting erroneous RA readings. Erroneous RA
readings could cause the autothrottle and autopilot systems to
respond by causing a loss of speed, which, in combination with
operational factors, could cause an airplane to hit the ground
before reaching the runway.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Action(s)

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 action(s) 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 2013-0112, dated
May 28, 2013.

(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: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov.
Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal
inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the
local flight standards district office/certificate holding district
office.

(i) Related Information

(1) Refer to MCAI EASA AD 2013-0112, dated May 28, 2013, for
related information. You may examine the MCAI on the internet at
http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2017-1249.

[[Page 2366]]

(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 January 5, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-00656 Filed 1-16-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

2364 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 11 / Wednesday, January 17, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N– 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following system indications in response to the
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. methods: recommendations in the investigator’s report.
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to The result of the evaluation was a new
(j) Subject ‘‘ERRONEOUS RADIO ALTIMETER
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the INDICATION’’ abnormal procedure in the
Code: 6210, Main Rotor Blades. instructions for submitting comments. Airplane Flight Manual (AFM). This new
• Fax: 202–493–2251. procedure includes pulling the circuit
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 9, • Mail: U.S. Department of breaker of a failed RA system, and in support
2018.
Transportation, Docket Operations, M– of this, new yellow identification collars to
James A. Grigg, 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room the RA circuit breakers are to be introduced
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, to improve instantaneous recognition, both
Division, Aircraft Certification Service. Washington, DC 20590. visual and tactile, in low illumination and
under increased workload conditions.
Appendix 1 to AD 2018–02–07 • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of In order to prevent an unsafe condition,
Transportation, Docket Operations, M– similar to the one that contributed to the
Please report the following by mail to the
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room accident described above, this [EASA] AD
Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance and
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, requires incorporation of the new abnormal
Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 procedure in the AFM and installation of the
90712; attn. Galib Abumeri; or by email to p.m., Monday through Friday, except new yellow RA circuit breaker identification
galib.abumeri@faa.gov. Federal holidays. collars.
(1) Date of inspection: You may examine the MCAI on the
(2) Aircraft N-number: Examining the AD Docket
internet at http://www.regulations.gov
(3) M/R blade serial number: You may examine the AD docket on by searching for and locating Docket No.
(4) M/R blade hours of time-in-service: the internet at http:// FAA–2017–1249.
(5) Location of each crack: www.regulations.gov by searching for
(6) Dimension of each crack:
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017– FAA’s Determination and Requirements
(7) Primary operating location of the M/R of This AD
blade: 1249; or in person at the Docket
Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 This product has been approved by
[FR Doc. 2018–00658 Filed 1–16–18; 8:45 am] the aviation authority of another
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
Federal holidays. The AD docket country, and is approved for operation
contains this AD, the regulatory in the United States. Pursuant to our
evaluation, any comments received, and bilateral agreement with the State of
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Design Authority, we have been notified
other information. The street address for
the Docket Operations office (telephone: of the unsafe condition described in the
Federal Aviation Administration
800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES MCAI. We are issuing this AD because
section. Comments will be available in we evaluated all pertinent information
14 CFR Part 39
the AD docket shortly after receipt. and determined the unsafe condition
[Docket No. FAA–2017–1249; Product FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom
exists and is likely to exist or develop
Identifier 2013–NM–104–AD; Amendment Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, on other products of the same type
39–19156; AD 2018–02–03] International Section, Transport design.
Standards Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind FAA’s Determination of the Effective
RIN 2120–AA64
Avenue SW, Renton, WA 98057–3356; Date
Airworthiness Directives; Fokker telephone: 425–227–1137; fax: 425– Since there are currently no domestic
Services B.V. Airplanes 227–1149. operators of this product, we find good
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: cause that notice and opportunity for
AGENCY: Federal Aviation
Discussion prior public comment are unnecessary.
Administration (FAA), DOT.
In addition, for the reason(s) stated
ACTION: Final rule; request for The European Aviation Safety Agency above, we find that good cause exists for
comments. (EASA), which is the Technical Agent making this amendment effective in less
for the Member States of the European than 30 days.
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new Union, has issued EASA AD 2013–0112,
airworthiness directive (AD) for all dated May 28, 2013 (referred to after Comments Invited
Fokker Services B.V. Model F28 Mark this as the Mandatory Continuing This AD is a final rule that involves
0070 and Mark 0100 series airplanes. Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the requirements affecting flight safety, and
This AD requires contacting the FAA to MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition we did not precede it by notice and
obtain instructions for addressing the for all Fokker Services B.V. Model F28 opportunity for public comment. We
unsafe condition on these products, and Mark 0070 and Mark 0100 series invite you to send any written relevant
doing the actions specified in those airplanes. The MCAI states: data, views, or arguments about this AD.
instructions. This AD was prompted by Send your comments to an address
an erroneous radio altimeter reading, Following an accident * * * [of an]
aeroplane on final approach, the listed under the ADDRESSES section.
which caused certain systems to investigating body determined that an Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2017–1249;
respond in a way that led to loss of important contributing factor to the accident Product Identifier 2013–NM–104–AD’’
speed. We are issuing this AD to address was an erroneous reading of -7 to -8 feet from at the beginning of your comments. We
the unsafe condition on these products. the left Radio Altimeter (RA). The responses
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES

specifically invite comments on the
DATES: This AD becomes effective of the autothrottle and autopilot systems to overall regulatory, economic,
February 15, 2018. this erroneous RA system reading led to
speed loss and, in combination with
environmental, and energy aspects of
We must receive comments on this this AD. We will consider all comments
operational factors, caused the aeroplane to
AD by March 5, 2018. hit the ground before reaching the runway. received by the closing date and may
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, Fokker Services conducted an evaluation amend this AD based on those
using the procedures found in 14 CFR of the effects of un-flagged erroneous low RA comments.

VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:56 Jan 16, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17JAR1.SGM 17JAR1

Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 11 / Wednesday, January 17, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 2365

We will post all comments we Costs of Compliance specified in those instructions. Based on
receive, without change, to http:// the actions specified in the MCAI AD,
www.regulations.gov, including any Currently, there are no affected U.S.- we are providing the following cost
personal information you provide. We registered airplanes. This AD requires estimates for an affected airplane that is
will also post a report summarizing each contacting the FAA to obtain placed on the U.S. Register in the future:
substantive verbal contact we receive instructions for addressing the unsafe
about this AD. condition, and doing the actions

ESTIMATED COSTS
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product

Modification ...................................... 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ............................................................ $9 $94

Authority for This Rulemaking 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the (e) Reason
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures This AD was prompted by an erroneous
Title 49 of the United States Code
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); radio altimeter (RA) reading, which caused
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue certain systems to respond in a way that led
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
to loss of speed. We are issuing this AD to
section 106, describes the authority of Alaska; and
ensure the flight crew has procedures for
the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: 4. Will not have a significant detecting erroneous RA readings. Erroneous
Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more economic impact, positive or negative, RA readings could cause the autothrottle and
detail the scope of the Agency’s on a substantial number of small entities autopilot systems to respond by causing a
authority. under the criteria of the Regulatory loss of speed, which, in combination with
Flexibility Act. operational factors, could cause an airplane
We are issuing this rulemaking under to hit the ground before reaching the runway.
the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: (f) Compliance
General requirements.’’ Under that Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation Comply with this AD within the
section, Congress charges the FAA with safety, Incorporation by reference, compliance times specified, unless already
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in Safety. done.
air commerce by prescribing regulations Adoption of the Amendment (g) Required Action(s)
for practices, methods, and procedures Within 30 days after the effective date of
the Administrator finds necessary for Accordingly, under the authority this AD, request instructions from the
safety in air commerce. This regulation delegated to me by the Administrator, Manager, International Section, Transport
is within the scope of that authority the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as Standards Branch, FAA, to address the
because it addresses an unsafe condition follows: unsafe condition specified in paragraph (e) of
that is likely to exist or develop on this AD; and accomplish the action(s) at the
products identified in this rulemaking PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS times specified in, and in accordance with,
action. DIRECTIVES those instructions. Guidance can be found in
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
This AD is issued in accordance with Information (MCAI) European Aviation
authority delegated by the Executive ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2013–0112, dated
Director, Aircraft Certification Service, continues to read as follows: May 28, 2013.
as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance
In accordance with that order, issuance (AMOCs)
of ADs is normally a function of the § 39.13 [Amended]
Compliance and Airworthiness The Manager, International Section,
■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding Transport Standards Branch, FAA, has the
Division, but during this transition the following new airworthiness authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
period, the Executive Director has directive (AD): requested using the procedures found in 14
delegated the authority to issue ADs CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
2018–02–03 Fokker Services B.V.:
applicable to transport category Amendment 39–19156; Docket No. send your request to your principal inspector
airplanes to the Director of the System FAA–2017–1249; Product Identifier or local Flight Standards District Office, as
Oversight Division. 2013–NM–104–AD. appropriate. If sending information directly
to the International Section, send it to the
Regulatory Findings (a) Effective Date attention of the person identified in
We determined that this AD will not This AD becomes effective February 1, paragraph (i)(2) of this AD. Information may
2018. be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-
have federalism implications under REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any
Executive Order 13132. This AD will (b) Affected ADs approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
not have a substantial direct effect on None. principal inspector, or lacking a principal
the States, on the relationship between inspector, the manager of the local flight
the national government and the States, (c) Applicability standards district office/certificate holding
or on the distribution of power and This AD applies to Fokker Services B.V. district office.
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES

responsibilities among the various Model F28 Mark 0070 and Mark 0100 series
(i) Related Information
levels of government. airplanes, certificated in any category, all
serial numbers. (1) Refer to MCAI EASA AD 2013–0112,
For the reasons discussed above, I dated May 28, 2013, for related information.
certify that this AD: (d) Subject You may examine the MCAI on the internet
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory Air Transport Association (ATA) of at http://www.regulations.gov by searching
action’’ under Executive Order 12866; America Code 34, Navigation. for and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–1249.

VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:56 Jan 16, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17JAR1.SGM 17JAR1

2366 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 11 / Wednesday, January 17, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

(2) For more information about this AD, FAA–2017–0141; or in person at the directorates with functional divisions.
contact Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, Docket Management Facility between 9 We have revised some of the office titles
International Section, Transport Standards a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through and nomenclature throughout this Final
Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW,
Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD rule to reflect the new organizational
Renton, WA 98057–3356; telephone: 425–
227–1137; fax: 425–227–1149. docket contains this AD, the economic changes. Additional information about
evaluation, any comments received, and the new structure can be found in the
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference other information. The address for the Notice published on July 25, 2017 (82
None. Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is FR 34564).
Document Management Facility, U.S.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January Comments
Department of Transportation, Docket
5, 2018. After our NPRM was published, we
Operations, M–30, West Building
Michael Kaszycki, received comments from 50
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC commenters.
Aircraft Certification Service.
20590. A. Support for the NPRM
[FR Doc. 2018–00656 Filed 1–16–18; 8:45 am]
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P One commenter supported the 500-
Manzoor Javed, Senior Aerospace
hour repetitive inspection proposed by
Engineer, Chicago ACO Branch,
the NPRM.
Compliance and Airworthiness
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Division, FAA, 2300 East Devon Ave., B. Comments Regarding the FAA’s
Federal Aviation Administration Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone (847) Justification of the Unsafe Condition
294–8112; email manzoor.javed@ Many commenters, including
14 CFR Part 39 faa.gov. Enstrom, disagreed with the FAA’s
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0141; Product SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: determination that an unsafe condition
Identifier 2016–SW–067–AD; Amendment exists and requested the FAA provide
Discussion
39–19154; AD 2018–02–01] more information about the additional
We issued a notice of proposed cracks that prompted this AD.
RIN 2120–AA64 rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR Request: A few commenters noted the
part 39 to remove AD 2015–08–51, entire fleet has been inspected in
Airworthiness Directives; The Enstrom
Amendment 39–18160 (80 FR 28172, accordance with AD 2015–08–51 and no
Helicopter Corporation Helicopters
May 18, 2015) (AD 2015–08–51) and additional cracks were found. Other
AGENCY: Federal Aviation add a new AD. AD 2015–08–51 applied commenters stated no additional cracks
Administration (FAA), DOT. to Enstrom Model F–28A, 280, F–28C, have been found in the area of a spindle
ACTION: Final rule. F–28C–2, F–28C–2R, 280C, F–28F, F– where a failure could cause a
28F–R, 280F, 280FX, and 480 catastrophic accident. A few
SUMMARY: We are superseding helicopters with a spindle part number commenters, including Enstrom, stated
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015–08– (P/N) 28–14282–11 or 28–14282–13 no additional cracking has been
51 for the Enstrom Helicopter installed. AD 2015–08–51 required reported in the same location as that of
Corporation (Enstrom) Model F–28A, conducting a one-time magnetic particle the accident spindle.
280, F–28C, F–28C–2, F–28C–2R, 280C, inspection (MPI) of the spindle for Other commenters requested the FAA
F–28F, F–28F–R, 280F, 280FX, and 480 cracks and reporting the inspection provide information about the number
helicopters. AD 2015–08–51 required an results to the FAA. AD 2015–08–51 was of additional reported cracks and
inspection of the main rotor spindle prompted by a fatal accident and reports whether there is any correlation
(spindle) and reporting the inspection of spindles with cracks. AD 2015–08–51 between cracks and manufacturing dates
results to the FAA. This new AD was was issued as an interim action and was or suppliers. Enstrom stated the cracked
prompted by additional reports of intended to detect a crack in a spindle spindles discovered after the accident
cracked spindles and requires and prevent loss of a main rotor blade were manufactured between 1975 to
establishing a life limit and a recurring and subsequent loss of control of the 1980 by two specific suppliers.
inspection. The actions of this AD are helicopter. FAA Response: We agree to provide
intended to prevent the unsafe The NPRM published in the Federal information about the cracks that
condition on these products. Register on March 2, 2017 (82 FR prompted this AD. Contrary to the
DATES: This AD is effective February 21, 12308). The NPRM was prompted by public comments stating there were no
2018. additional reports of cracked spindles. additional cracks found by the
ADDRESSES: For service information Based on review of in-service data and inspections required by AD 2015–08–
identified in this final rule, contact a fatigue analysis, the FAA determined 51, those inspection results revealed 34
Enstrom Helicopter Corporation, 2209 a life limit and recurring MPIs are cracked spindle assemblies. The
22nd Street, Menominee, MI; telephone necessary to reduce the risk of a crack commenters are correct that the
(906) 863–1200; fax (906) 863–6821; or developing in a spindle. We also additional cracking was not in the same
at www.enstromhelicopter.com. You determined the reporting requirement in location as that of the accident spindle.
may view this referenced service AD 2015–08–51 is no longer necessary. The location of the additional 34
information at the FAA, Office of the Accordingly, the NPRM proposed to spindle cracks was at the hole for the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, require an MPI of the spindle every 500 cotter pin securing the lamiflex bearing
nut. However, we disagree that the
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES

10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, hours time-in-service (TIS) until the
Fort Worth, TX 76177. spindle reaches its new life limit of additional cracks were not in an area
1,500 hours TIS. where a failure could cause a
Examining the AD Docket Since the NPRM was issued, the catastrophic accident. A spindle
You may examine the AD docket on FAA’s Aircraft Certification Service has assembly is a primary structural element
the internet at http:// changed its organizational structure. and a critical part. Flight with any
www.regulations.gov in Docket No. The new structure replaces product known crack is prohibited in primary

VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:56 Jan 16, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17JAR1.SGM 17JAR1

Document Created: 2018-10-26 09:56:54
Document Modified: 2018-10-26 09:56:54

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Rules and Regulations
Action		Final rule; request for comments.
Dates		This AD becomes effective February 15, 2018.
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.
FR Citation		83 FR 2364
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

83 FR 2364 - Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 11 (January 17, 2018)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration