83 FR 55825 - Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 217 (November 8, 2018)

Page Range		55825-55828
FR Document		2018-24387
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Fokker Services B.V. Model F.27 Mark 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a main landing gear (MLG) collapse due to a broken drag stay; an investigation revealed that the drag stay failure was due to fatigue cracks, introduced by incorrect machining of the affected drag stay tube during production. This proposed AD would require an inspection of the drag stay unit to determine the signal indication, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 217 (Thursday, November 8, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 217 (Thursday, November 8, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 55825-55828]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-24387]


========================================================================
Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 217 / Thursday, November 8, 2018 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 55825]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0956; Product Identifier 2018-NM-041-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Fokker Services B.V. Model F.27 Mark 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 
700 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a main 
landing gear (MLG) collapse due to a broken drag stay; an investigation 
revealed that the drag stay failure was due to fatigue cracks, 
introduced by incorrect machining of the affected drag stay tube during 
production. This proposed AD would require an inspection of the drag 
stay unit to determine the signal indication, and related investigative 
and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 24, 
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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For Fokker service information identified in this NPRM, contact 
Fokker Services B.V., Technical Services Dept., P.O. Box 1357, 2130 EL 
Hoofddorp, the Netherlands; telephone +31 (0)88-6280-350; fax +31 
(0)88-6280-111; email [email protected]; internet http://www.myfokkerfleet.com. For Safran service information identified in 
this NPRM, contact Safran Landing Systems, One Carbon Way, Walton, KY 
41094; telephone (859) 525-8583; fax (859) 485-8827. You may view this 
service information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.

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-2018-
0956; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations (phone: 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, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3226.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0956; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-041-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM because 
of 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 NPRM.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2018-0015, dated January 25, 2018 (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 F.27 
Mark 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    In 1993, an occurrence was reported concerning an MLG collapse 
due to a broken drag stay on a Fokker F27 Mark 500 RFV (rough field 
version/configuration). The investigation revealed that the drag 
stay failure was due to fatigue cracks, introduced by incorrect 
machining (not smooth, with a notch) of the affected drag stay tube 
bore during production.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to MLG 
collapse, possibly resulting in damage to the aeroplane during 
landing and consequent injury to occupants.
    To address this unsafe condition, DALG [Dowty Aerospace Landing 
Gear] issued SB 32-169B and SB 32-82W (both later revised), and 
Fokker Services issued SB F27/32-167, to provide inspection 
instructions. Consequently, the Civil Aviation Authority of the 
Netherlands (CAA-NL) issued AD (BLA) 93-169 (later revised) [which 
corresponded to FAA AD 97-04-08, Amendment 39-9932 (62 FR 7924, 
February 21, 1997), and applies to certain Fokker Model F27 Mark 
050, 100, 200, 300, 400, 600, and 700 airplanes], requiring a one-
time ultrasonic inspection to identify the type of drag stay tube 
installed (with stepped or straight bore) on each affected drag stay 
unit, inspection of the affected drag stay tubes for the presence of 
cracks, and, depending on findings, re-identification.
    After CAA-NL AD (BLA) 93-169/2 was issued, another occurrence 
was reported on an F27 Mark 500 RFV. Investigation results 
determined that the drag stay tube of the second occurrence had not 
been inspected as required by CAA-NL AD (BLA) 93-169, due to 
misinterpretation of the instructions of Fokker SB F27/32-167. 
Prompted by these findings, Fokker Services issued SB F27-32-171, 
providing additional inspection instructions, and CAA-NL issued AD 
NL-2005-003 (EASA approval 2005-3869) [which corresponds to FAA AD 
2006-25-06, Amendment 39-14847 (71 FR 71475, December 11, 2006) and 
applies to Fokker Services B.V. Model F.27 Mark 500 airplanes]

[[Page 55826]]

to require repetitive inspections of the affected drag stay tubes to 
detect cracks and, depending on findings, rework or replacement.
    Since those SBs and [CAA-NL] ADs were issued, the applicable CMM 
[component maintenance manual] were changed, although with incorrect 
P/N information, as a result of which an affected drag stay tube 
with a non-conforming bore radius may inadvertently have been 
installed on an aeroplane. Prompted by these findings, the 
applicable CMM were corrected and re-issued, and SLS issued Service 
Letter (SL) F27-W-8 to inform the operators, and Fokker Services 
introduced the relevant corrections in the F27 Mark 100 through Mark 
700 Illustrated Parts Catalogue (IPC) in September 2017.
    Installation of an affected drag stay tube with a non-conforming 
bore radius, on an MLG drag stay unit that has been re-identified, 
i.e., not subject to the repetitive inspections as required by CAA-
NL AD NL-2005-003, would reintroduce the unsafe condition as 
originally addressed by the SBs and ADs referred to above. To 
address this potential unsafe condition, Fokker Services issued 
SBF27-32-173 to provide instructions to inspect, remove/discard or 
re-identify the affected drag stay tubes.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time inspection of the affected drag stay units to determine whether 
an affected drag stay tube is installed, repetitive inspections of 
those that have an affected drag stay tube installed, and, depending 
on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective action(s) 
[which includes replacement of the drag stay tube].
    With the issuance of this [EASA] AD and [EASA] AD 2018-0016 
[dated January 25, 2018], the requirements of CAA-NL AD (BLA) 93-
169/2 dated 29 April 1994 are no longer necessary and that AD is 
also cancelled.

    EASA AD 2018-0016, dated January 25, 2018, applies to Model F27 
Mark 500 airplanes and has been added to the Required Airworthiness 
Action List.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0956.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Fokker Services B.V. has issued Service Bulletin SBF27-32-173, 
dated November 30, 2017. This service information describes procedures 
for an inspection of the drag stay unit to determine the signal 
indication, and related investigative and corrective actions if 
necessary.
    SAFRAN Landing Systems (previously Messier-Dowty, Dowty Aerospace) 
has issued Dowty Aerospace Landing Gear Service Bulletin 32-82W, 
Revision 2, dated July 29, 1994; and Dowty Aerospace Landing Gear 
Service Bulletin 32-169B, Revision 2, dated July 29, 1994. The service 
information describes procedures for reworking the drag stay tube. 
These documents are distinct since they apply to different airplane 
models.
    These service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination

    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 and service 
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all the relevant information and determined the unsafe 
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of the same type design.

Proposed Requirements of This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    Although the procedures specified in Fokker Service Bulletin SBF27-
32-173, dated November 30, 2017, permits further flight if cracks are 
detected in the drag stay tube, this proposed AD does not. We have 
determined that, because of the safety implications and consequences 
associated with that cracking, any cracked drag stay tube must be 
repaired or modified before further flight. This difference has been 
coordinated with the manufacturer.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 1 airplane of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170...........................              $0             $170             $170
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed 
AD.

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 proposed 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 proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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.

[[Page 55827]]

    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    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.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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):

Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes: Docket No. FAA-2018-0956; Product 
Identifier 2018-NM-041-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by December 24, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD affects AD 2006-25-06, Amendment 39-14847 (71 FR 71475, 
December 11, 2006) (``AD 2006-25-06'') and AD 97-04-08, Amendment 
39-9932 (62 FR 7924, February 21, 1997) (``AD 97-04-08'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Fokker Services B.V. Model F.27 Mark 100, 
200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 airplanes, certificated in any 
category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Main landing 
gear.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of a main landing gear (MLG) 
collapse due to a broken drag stay; an investigation revealed that 
the drag stay failure was due to fatigue cracks, introduced by 
incorrect machining of the affected drag stay tube during 
production. We are issuing this AD to address fatigue cracking, 
which could lead to MLG collapse and result in damage to the 
airplane during landing and consequent injury to passengers.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Definitions

    (1) For purposes of this AD, an affected drag stay unit is 
SAFRAN Landing Systems (previously Messier-Dowty, Dowty Aerospace) 
main landing gear (MLG) drag stay unit, part number (P/N) 200261001, 
P/N 200261002, P/N 200261003, P/N 200261004, P/N 200485001, P/N 
200485002, P/N 200485003, P/N 200485004, P/N 200684001, P/N 
200684002, P/N 200684003, and P/N 200684004.
    (2) For purposes of this AD, an affected drag stay tube is a 
SAFRAN Landing Systems (previously Messier-Dowty, Dowty Aerospace) 
MLG drag stay tube, P/N 200259300, which has a change in section 
(stepped bore).

(h) Configuration Verification of the Drag Stay Units

    Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, do an 
ultrasonic inspection of each affected drag stay unit to determine 
the configuration of the drag stay tube, in accordance with step F. 
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF27-
32-173, dated November 30, 2017.

(i) Re-Identification of an Affected Drag Stay Unit

    (1) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this 
AD, an affected drag stay unit is found to have a straight bore drag 
stay tube, P/N 200485300, installed: Before further flight, re-
identify that affected drag stay unit in accordance with step I.(2), 
I.(3), or I.(4), as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF27-32-173, dated November 30, 2017.
    (2) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this 
AD, an affected drag stay unit is found to have an affected drag 
stay tube, P/N 200259300, installed with a correct radius: Before 
further flight, re-identify the affected drag stay unit in 
accordance with step J.(1), J.(2), or J.(3), as applicable, of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF27-32-173, 
dated November 30, 2017.
    (3) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this 
AD, an affected drag stay unit is found to have an affected drag 
stay tube, P/N 200259300, installed with an incorrect radius: Before 
further flight, re-identify the affected drag stay unit in 
accordance with step K.(1), K.(2), or K.(3), as applicable, of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF27-32-173, 
dated November 30, 2017.

(j) Inspection and Corrective Action for Certain Drag Stay Unit Part 
Numbers

    For affected drag stay units having P/N 200261002, P/N 
200261003, P/N 200485002, P/N 200485003, P/N 200684002, and P/N 
200684003: Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, do 
an ultrasonic inspection of the affected drag stay tube for any 
cracking, in accordance with step G. of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF27-32-173, dated November 
30, 2017.
    (1) If, during the ultrasonic inspection, a crack indication is 
found, before further flight, replace the affected drag stay tube 
with a serviceable part, in accordance with step H. of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF27-32-173, 
dated November 30, 2017.
    (2) For affected drag stay units having P/N 200261002, P/N 
200485002, and P/N 200684002 (drag stay units with incorrect bore 
radius drag stay tubes): If, during the ultrasonic inspection, no 
indication of cracking is found, within 1,500 flight cycles after 
that inspection, and, thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 1,500 
flight cycles until the next scheduled MLG overhaul, repeat the 
ultrasonic inspection of the affected drag stay tube in accordance 
with step G. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service 
Bulletin SBF27-32-173, dated November 30, 2017.

(k) Parts Installation Limitation

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on 
any airplane, a drag stay unit (which includes installation of a 
replacement MLG), unless it has been determined that no affected 
drag stay tube is installed; or the installed affected drag stay 
tube has been reworked during the MLG overhaul in accordance with 
the instructions of Appendix B of Dowty Aerospace Landing Gear 
Service Bulletin 32-82W, Revision 2, dated July 29, 1994 (for Model 
F.27 Mark 500 airplanes), or Dowty Aerospace Landing Gear Service 
Bulletin 32-169B, Revision 2, dated July 29, 1994 (for Model F.27 
Mark 100, 200, 300, 400, 600, and 700 airplanes), as applicable; or 
has passed an inspection (confirmed correct bore radius) in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service 
Bulletin SBF27-32-173, dated November 30, 2017. For the purpose of 
this AD, removal of an MLG or an affected drag stay unit from an 
airplane and re-installing that MLG or drag stay unit on the same 
airplane is not ``installation.''

(l) Terminating Action for Inspections of the MLG Drag Stay Units

    Accomplishment of the actions required by this AD terminates all 
the requirements in AD 2006-25-06, Amendment 39-14847 (71 FR 71475, 
December 11, 2006); and AD 97-04-08, Amendment 39-9932 (62 FR 7924, 
February 21, 1997).

(m) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph 
(j) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective 
date of this AD using Dowty Aerospace Landing Gear Service Bulletin 
32-82W, Revision 1, dated September 10, 1993, or Dowty Aerospace 
Landing Gear Service Bulletin 32-169B, Revision 1, dated September 
10, 1993, which were incorporated by reference in AD 2006-25-06, 
Amendment 39-14847 (71 FR 71475, December 11, 2006).

(n) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:

[[Page 55828]]

    (1) 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 (o)(2) of this AD. Information 
may be emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any 
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or 
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight 
standards district office/certificate holding district office.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA); or Fokker Services B.V.'s EASA Design 
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval 
must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(o) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2018-0015, dated January 25, 2018, for related 
information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the internet 
at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket 
No. FAA-2018-0956.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Tom Rodriguez, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards 
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 
and fax 206-231-3226.
    (3) For Fokker service information identified in this AD, 
contact Fokker Services B.V., Technical Services Dept., P.O. Box 
1357, 2130 EL Hoofddorp, the Netherlands; telephone +31 (0)88-6280-
350; fax +31 (0)88-6280-111; email [email protected]; 
internet http://www.myfokkerfleet.com. For Safran service 
information identified in this AD, contact Safran Landing Systems, 
One Carbon Way, Walton, KY 41094; telephone (859) 525-8583; fax 
(859) 485-8827. You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 206-231-3195.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on October 26, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-24387 Filed 11-7-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
55826 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 217 / Thursday, November 8, 2018 / Proposed Rules

to require repetitive inspections of the EASA AD 2018–0016, dated January country, and is approved for operation
affected drag stay tubes to detect cracks and, 25, 2018, applies to Model F27 Mark in the United States. Pursuant to our
depending on findings, rework or 500 airplanes and has been added to the bilateral agreement with the State of
replacement.
Required Airworthiness Action List. Design Authority, we have been notified
Since those SBs and [CAA–NL] ADs were
You may examine the MCAI in the of the unsafe condition described in the
issued, the applicable CMM [component
maintenance manual] were changed, AD docket on the internet at http:// MCAI and service information
although with incorrect P/N information, as www.regulations.gov by searching for referenced above. We are proposing this
a result of which an affected drag stay tube and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– AD because we evaluated all the
with a non-conforming bore radius may 0956. relevant information and determined
inadvertently have been installed on an the unsafe condition described
aeroplane. Prompted by these findings, the Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51 previously is likely to exist or develop
applicable CMM were corrected and re-
issued, and SLS issued Service Letter (SL) on other products of the same type
Fokker Services B.V. has issued
F27–W–8 to inform the operators, and Fokker design.
Service Bulletin SBF27–32–173, dated
Services introduced the relevant corrections November 30, 2017. This service
in the F27 Mark 100 through Mark 700
Proposed Requirements of This NPRM
Illustrated Parts Catalogue (IPC) in September
information describes procedures for an
inspection of the drag stay unit to This proposed AD would require
2017.
Installation of an affected drag stay tube determine the signal indication, and accomplishing the actions specified in
with a non-conforming bore radius, on an related investigative and corrective the service information described
MLG drag stay unit that has been re- actions if necessary. previously.
identified, i.e., not subject to the repetitive SAFRAN Landing Systems
inspections as required by CAA–NL AD NL– Differences Between This Proposed AD
(previously Messier-Dowty, Dowty
2005–003, would reintroduce the unsafe Aerospace) has issued Dowty Aerospace and the Service Information
condition as originally addressed by the SBs Landing Gear Service Bulletin 32–82W,
and ADs referred to above. To address this Although the procedures specified in
Revision 2, dated July 29, 1994; and Fokker Service Bulletin SBF27–32–173,
potential unsafe condition, Fokker Services
issued SBF27–32–173 to provide instructions Dowty Aerospace Landing Gear Service dated November 30, 2017, permits
to inspect, remove/discard or re-identify the Bulletin 32–169B, Revision 2, dated July further flight if cracks are detected in
affected drag stay tubes. 29, 1994. The service information the drag stay tube, this proposed AD
For the reasons described above, this describes procedures for reworking the does not. We have determined that,
[EASA] AD requires a one-time inspection of drag stay tube. These documents are because of the safety implications and
the affected drag stay units to determine distinct since they apply to different
whether an affected drag stay tube is consequences associated with that
airplane models. cracking, any cracked drag stay tube
installed, repetitive inspections of those that These service information is
have an affected drag stay tube installed, and, must be repaired or modified before
reasonably available because the
depending on findings, accomplishment of further flight. This difference has been
interested parties have access to it
applicable corrective action(s) [which coordinated with the manufacturer.
includes replacement of the drag stay tube]. through their normal course of business
With the issuance of this [EASA] AD and or by the means identified in the Costs of Compliance
[EASA] AD 2018–0016 [dated January 25, ADDRESSES section.
2018], the requirements of CAA–NL AD We estimate that this proposed AD
FAA’s Determination affects 1 airplane of U.S. registry. We
(BLA) 93–169/2 dated 29 April 1994 are no
longer necessary and that AD is also This product has been approved by estimate the following costs to comply
cancelled. the aviation authority of another with this proposed AD:

ESTIMATED COSTS
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators

2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 .......................................................................................... $0 $170 $170

We have received no definitive data section, Congress charges the FAA with and Airworthiness Division, but during
that would enable us to provide cost promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in this transition period, the Executive
estimates for the on-condition actions air commerce by prescribing regulations Director has delegated the authority to
specified in this proposed AD. for practices, methods, and procedures issue ADs applicable to transport
Authority for This Rulemaking the Administrator finds necessary for category airplanes to the Director of the
safety in air commerce. This regulation System Oversight Division.
Title 49 of the United States Code is within the scope of that authority
Regulatory Findings
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue because it addresses an unsafe condition
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, that is likely to exist or develop on We determined that this proposed AD
section 106, describes the authority of products identified in this rulemaking would not have federalism implications
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS

the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: action. under Executive Order 13132. This
Aviation Programs, describes in more This proposed AD is issued in proposed AD would not have a
detail the scope of the Agency’s accordance with authority delegated by substantial direct effect on the States, on
authority. the Executive Director, Aircraft the relationship between the national
We are issuing this rulemaking under Certification Service, as authorized by Government and the States, or on the
the authority described in Subtitle VII, FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance distribution of power and
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: with that order, issuance of ADs is responsibilities among the various
‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that normally a function of the Compliance levels of government.

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55828 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 217 / Thursday, November 8, 2018 / Proposed Rules

(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Examining the AD Docket
(AMOCs): The Manager, International
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, Federal Aviation Administration You may examine the AD docket on
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this the internet at http://
AD, if requested using the procedures found 14 CFR Part 39 www.regulations.gov by searching for
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–
39.19, send your request to your principal 0959; or in person at Docket Operations
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0959; Product between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
inspector or local Flight Standards District Identifier 2018–NM–123–AD]
Office, as appropriate. If sending information through Friday, except Federal holidays.
directly to the International Section, send it The AD docket contains this NPRM, the
RIN 2120–AA64 regulatory evaluation, any comments
to the attention of the person identified in
paragraph (o)(2) of this AD. Information may received, and other information. The
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing street address for Docket Operations
be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-
Company Airplanes (phone: 800–647–5527) is in the
REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate AGENCY: Federal Aviation ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
principal inspector, or lacking a principal Administration (FAA), DOT. available in the AD docket shortly after
inspector, the manager of the local flight ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking receipt.
standards district office/certificate holding (NPRM). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
district office. James Guo, Aerospace Engineer,
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles
requirement in this AD to obtain corrective airworthiness directive (AD) for certain ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount
actions from a manufacturer, the action must The Boeing Company Model 737–400 Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712–4137;
be accomplished using a method approved series airplanes. This proposed AD was phone: 562–627–5357; fax: 562–627–
by the Manager, International Section, prompted by reports of cracking in the 5210; email: james.guo@faa.gov.
Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the splice plate on the lower sill of the
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
overwing emergency exit doors. This
Fokker Services B.V.’s EASA Design proposed AD would require repetitive Comments Invited
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by inspections for such cracking and
the DOA, the approval must include the We invite you to send any written
applicable on-condition actions. We are
DOA-authorized signature. relevant data, views, or arguments about
proposing this AD to address the unsafe
this proposal. Send your comments to
(o) Related Information condition on these products.
an address listed under the ADDRESSES
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing DATES: We must receive comments on section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD this proposed AD by December 24, 2018–0959; Product Identifier 2018–
2018–0015, dated January 25, 2018, for 2018. NM–123–AD’’ at the beginning of your
related information. This MCAI may be ADDRESSES: You may send comments, comments. We specifically invite
found in the AD docket on the internet at using the procedures found in 14 CFR comments on the overall regulatory,
http://www.regulations.gov by searching for 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following economic, environmental, and energy
and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–0956. methods: aspects of this NPRM. We will consider
(2) For more information about this AD, • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to all comments received by the closing
contact Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the date and may amend this NPRM
International Section, Transport Standards instructions for submitting comments. because of those comments.
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des • Fax: 202–493–2251. We will post all comments we
Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206– • Mail: U.S. Department of receive, without change, to http://
231–3226. Transportation, Docket Operations, M– www.regulations.gov, including any
(3) For Fokker service information 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room personal information you provide. We
identified in this AD, contact Fokker Services W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, will also post a report summarizing each
B.V., Technical Services Dept., P.O. Box
Washington, DC 20590. substantive verbal contact we receive
1357, 2130 EL Hoofddorp, the Netherlands;
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail about this proposed AD.
telephone +31 (0)88–6280–350; fax +31
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
(0)88–6280–111; email technicalservices@ Discussion
fokker.com; internet http://
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
www.myfokkerfleet.com. For Safran service
Federal holidays. We have received reports of cracking
information identified in this AD, contact For service information identified in in the splice plate on the lower sill of
Safran Landing Systems, One Carbon Way, this NPRM, contact Boeing Commercial the overwing emergency exit doors.
Walton, KY 41094; telephone (859) 525– Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data During a maintenance check, a crack
8583; fax (859) 485–8827. You may view this Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster was found in the splice plate at station
service information at the FAA, Transport Blvd., MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA (STA) 601 on the right side of an
Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des 90740–5600; telephone 562–797–1717; airplane that had 28,153 total flight
Moines, WA. For information on the internet https://www.myboeingfleet. cycles and 63,360 total flight hours at
availability of this material at the FAA, call com. You may view this referenced the time of the crack finding. The crack
206–231–3195. service information at the FAA, had completely severed the one-inch-
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS

Transport Standards Branch, 2200 wide splice plate; the cracking was
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For caused by fatigue stresses. Existing
October 26, 2018.
information on the availability of this Corrosion Prevention Control Program
Michael Kaszycki, material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. (CPCP) inspections do not adequately
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, It is also available on the internet at detect cracking in the splice plate before
Aircraft Certification Service. http://www.regulations.gov by searching it becomes critical. This cracking, if not
[FR Doc. 2018–24387 Filed 11–7–18; 8:45 am] for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– addressed, could result in the inability
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 0959. of a principal structural element to

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Document Created: 2018-11-08 06:23:36
Document Modified: 2018-11-08 06:23:36
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		Proposed Rules
Action		Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Dates		We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 24, 2018.
Contact		Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3226.
FR Citation		83 FR 55825
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety
83 FR 55825 - Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 217 (November 8, 2018)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
