83 FR 60762 - Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 228 (November 27, 2018)

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Fokker Services B.V. Model F28 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that filters, which are integral to certain T-unions in the landing gear hydraulic control system, disconnected from their housing and, in some cases, migrated. This AD requires replacing certain T- unions with an integral filter with T-unions without an integral filter. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 228 (Tuesday, November 27, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60762-60764]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-25662]



[[Page 60762]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0707; Product Identifier 2018-NM-067-AD; Amendment 
39-19509; AD 2018-24-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Fokker Services B.V. Model F28 airplanes. This AD was prompted by 
reports that filters, which are integral to certain T-unions in the 
landing gear hydraulic control system, disconnected from their housing 
and, in some cases, migrated. This AD requires replacing certain T-
unions with an integral filter with T-unions without an integral 
filter. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective January 2, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of January 2, 
2019.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Fokker Services B.V., Technical Services Dept., P.O. Box 1357, 
2130 EL Hoofddorp, the Netherlands; telephone +31 (0)88-6280-350; fax 
+31 (0)88-6280-111; email [email protected]; internet http://www.myfokkerfleet.com. You may view this 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. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0707.

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-
0707; 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 final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, 
West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, 
Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3226.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Fokker Services B.V. 
Model F28 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
August 13, 2018 (83 FR 39918). The NPRM was prompted by reports that 
filters, which are integral to certain T-unions in the landing gear 
hydraulic control system, disconnected from their housing and, in some 
cases, migrated. The NPRM proposed to require replacing certain T-
unions with an integral filter with T-unions without an integral 
filter.
    We are issuing this AD to address flow reduction along the 
hydraulic circuit and the possible inability to completely extend one 
or both of the main landing gear legs, which could result in damage to 
the airplane during landing, and consequent injury to occupants.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2018-0076, dated April 6, 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 F28 airplanes. The 
MCAI states:

    With [Fokker Service Bulletins] SBF100-32-095 and SBF28-32-154, 
Fokker Services introduced the option of installing a T-union with 
an integral filter into the landing gear hydraulic control system. 
On some F28 Mark 0070 and Mark 0100 aeroplanes, the affected part 
was installed on the production line. Since introduction, 
occurrences were reported where the T-union filter disconnected from 
its housing, and in some cases migrated. In one occurrence, the 
migrated filter caused a flow reduction and inability to retract one 
of the main landing gear (MLG) legs.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to flow reduction 
along the hydraulic circuit and inability to completely extend one 
of the MLG legs, possibly resulting in damage to the aeroplane 
during landing, and consequent injury to occupants.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Fokker Services 
issued the applicable SB [Fokker Service Bulletin SBF28-32-166; and 
Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-170] to provide instructions to 
replace the affected parts with improved parts. Fokker Services also 
cancelled the SBs that introduced the affected parts.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
replacement of the affected parts with T-unions without an integral 
filter. This [EASA] AD also prohibits the installation of affected 
parts.

    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-
0707.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the 
determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed, 
except for minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor 
changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Fokker Services B.V. has issued Service Bulletin SBF28-32-166, 
dated February 21, 2018; and Service Bulletin SBF100-32-170, dated 
February 21, 2018. This service information describes procedures for 
removal of certain T-unions with an integral filter and installation of 
T-unions without an integral filter. These documents are distinct since 
they apply to different airplane models in different configurations. 
This service information is reasonably available because the interested 
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by 
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 4 airplanes of U.S. registry. We 
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 60763]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 work-hour x $85 per hour = $850...........................          $1,038           $1,888           $7,552
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 and 
associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division.

Regulatory Findings

    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):

2018-24-05 Fokker Services B.V.: Amendment 39-19509; Docket No. FAA-
2018-0707; Product Identifier 2018-NM-067-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective January 2, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Fokker Services B.V. Model F28 Mark 0070, 
0100, 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 airplanes, certificated in any 
category, all manufacturer serial numbers.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports that filters, which are integral 
to certain T-unions in the landing gear hydraulic control system, 
disconnected from their housing and, in some cases, migrated. We are 
issuing this AD to address flow reduction along the hydraulic 
circuit and the possible inability to completely extend one or both 
of the main landing gear legs, which could result in damage to the 
airplane during landing, and consequent injury to occupants.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Definitions

    For the purposes of this AD, the definitions in paragraphs 
(g)(1) through (g)(3) inclusive apply.
    (1) An affected part is any hydraulic T-union with an integral 
filter, having part number (P/N) QA07596 or P/N QA07597, installed 
on the production line or introduced in-service by Fokker Service 
Bulletin SBF100-32-095 or Fokker Service Bulletin SBF28-32-154, as 
applicable.
    (2) Group 1 airplanes are those that have an affected part 
installed.
    (3) Group 2 airplanes are those that do not have an affected 
part installed.

(h) Required Actions

    For Group 1 airplanes, within 24 months after the effective date 
of this AD, modify the airplane in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF28-32-166, 
dated February 21, 2018; or Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-170, 
dated February 21, 2018; as applicable. The corresponding part 
numbers of affected (old) parts and replacement (new) parts are 
specified in figure 1 to paragraph (h) of this AD.

[[Page 60764]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR27NO18.011

(i) Parts Installation Prohibition

    No person may install an affected part on any airplane, as of 
the time specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this AD, as 
applicable.
    (1) For Group 1 airplanes: After modification of the airplane as 
required by paragraph (h) of this AD.
    (2) For Group 2 airplanes: From the effective date of this AD.

(j) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (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 (k)(2) of this AD. Information 
may be emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any 
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or 
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight 
standards district office/certificate holding district office.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
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.

 (k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2018-0076, dated April 6, 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-2018-0707.
    (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.

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF28-32-166, dated February 21, 
2018.
    (ii) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-170, dated February 21, 
2018.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Fokker Services B.V., Technical Services Dept., P.O. Box 1357, 2130 
EL Hoofddorp, the Netherlands; telephone +31 (0)88-6280-350; fax +31 
(0)88-6280-111; email [email protected]; internet http://www.myfokkerfleet.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
206-231-3195.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on November 15, 2018.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-25662 Filed 11-26-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P