
[Federal Register: October 29, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 209)]
[Rules and Regulations]               
[Page 66649-66651]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr29oc10-3]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0516; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-251-AD; 
Amendment 39-16484; AD 2010-22-05]
RIN 2120-AA64

 
Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 
0070 and 0100 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 the 
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of 
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an 
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

    When preparing for landing, the flight crew of a F28 Mark 0100 
(Fokker 100) aeroplane observed a main landing gear (MLG) unsafe 
indication after landing gear down selection. * * * [T]he right (RH) 
MLG was partly extended and the left (LH) MLG door was open but 
without the MLG being extended. * * *
    Subsequent investigation revealed that the cause of the MLG 
extension problem was the (partially) blocked hydraulic return line 
from the MLG selector valve by pieces of hard plastic. These were 
identified as parts of the poppet seat of PBSOV [parking brake shut-
off valve] Part Number (P/N) 70379. * * *
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
further events where the MLG fails to extend, possibly resulting in 
loss of control of the aeroplane during landing.
* * * * *
    We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 3, 2010.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of December 3, 
2010.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://
www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-1137; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on May 18, 2010 (75 FR 
27668). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    When preparing for landing, the flight crew of a F28 Mark 0100 
(Fokker 100) aeroplane observed a main landing gear (MLG) unsafe 
indication after landing gear down selection. The approach was 
aborted and the landing gear unsafe procedure was accomplished. As 
this did not produce the desired effect, a low pass was performed 
and the control tower confirmed that the right (RH) MLG was partly 
extended and the left (LH) MLG door was open but without the MLG 
being extended. Eventually the aeroplane landed with partly extended 
landing gear, without resulting in serious injuries to the 
occupants.
    Subsequent investigation revealed that the cause of the MLG 
extension problem was the (partially) blocked hydraulic return line 
from the MLG selector valve by pieces of hard plastic. These were 
identified as parts of the poppet seat of PBSOV [parking brake shut-
off valve] Part Number (P/N) 70379. The PBSOV installed on the 
incident aeroplane was a modified version of P/N 70379, identified 
by suffix ``A'' behind the serial number on the identification 
plate. This modification was introduced by Eaton, the valve 
manufacturer, with Eaton Service Bulletin (SB) 70379-32-01 and 
includes replacement of the original poppet with clamped hard 
plastic seat by an improved poppet assembly with screwed-on seat. 
When the affected valve was opened, it was confirmed that it 
contained the improved poppet assembly. The poppet seat fragments 
found in the return system therefore originated from a previously 
installed (pre SB 70379-32-01) P/N 70379 PBSOV and must have been 
present in the return/pressure line prior to installation of the 
modified PBSOV.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
further events where the MLG fails to extend, possibly resulting in 
loss of control of the aeroplane during landing.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires the 
[detailed] inspection of the associated hydraulic lines, 
irrespective what type PBSOV is installed, removal of

[[Page 66650]]

contamination in the system, if any, and replacement of each 
unmodified PBSOV with a modified unit. This [EASA] AD also 
prohibits, after installation of a modified PBSOV on an aeroplane, 
re-installation of an unmodified PBSOV on that aeroplane.

    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Comments

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

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences 
are highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 6 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 4 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of 
this AD to the U.S. operators to be $2,040, or $340 per product.

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.

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 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); and
    3. 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://
www.regulations.gov; 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 the NPRM, 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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 AD:

2010-22-05 Fokker Services B.V.: Amendment 39-16484. Docket No. FAA-
2010-0516; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-251-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 
3, 2010.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 0070 
and 0100 airplanes, certificated in any category, all serial 
numbers.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32: Landing 
Gear.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:

    When preparing for landing, the flight crew of a F28 Mark 0100 
(Fokker 100) aeroplane observed a main landing gear (MLG) unsafe 
indication after landing gear down selection. * * * [T]he right (RH) 
MLG was partly extended and the left (LH) MLG door was open but 
without the MLG being extended. * * *
    Subsequent investigation revealed that the cause of the MLG 
extension problem was the (partially) blocked hydraulic return line 
from the MLG selector valve by pieces of hard plastic. These were 
identified as parts of the poppet seat of PBSOV [parking brake shut-
off valve] Part Number (P/N) 70379. * * *
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
further events where the MLG fails to extend, possibly resulting in 
loss of control of the aeroplane during landing.
* * * * *

Compliance

    (f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Actions

    (g) Do the following actions.
    (1) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, do a 
detailed inspection of the hydraulic lines associated with the PBSOV 
for contamination in the system (the presence of pieces of material 
from the poppet seat of an unmodified PBSOV having P/N 70379). If 
any contamination is found, before further flight, remove the 
contamination, in accordance with Part 1 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-159, dated October 
6, 2009.
    (2) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, re-
inspect the hydraulic lines and do all applicable corrective actions 
as required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, and replace the 
unmodified PBSOV having P/N 70379, with a modified PBSOV having P/N

[[Page 66651]]

70379 having the suffix ``A'' behind the serial number on the 
identification plate, in accordance with Part 2 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-
159, dated October 6, 2009.
    (3) After accomplishing paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, do not 
install any unmodified PBSOV having P/N 70379, unless the PBSOV 
having P/N 70379 has been modified, having the suffix ``A'' behind 
the serial number on the identification plate, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Eaton Service Bulletin 70379-32-
01, dated September 15, 2001.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (h) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using 
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Tom 
Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1137; fax (425) 227-1149. 
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC 
applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or 
principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a 
principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. 
The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has 
approved the information collection requirements and has assigned 
OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

Related Information

    (i) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness 
Directive 2009-0220, dated October 14, 2009; Fokker Service Bulletin 
SBF100-32-159, dated October 6, 2009; and Eaton Service Bulletin 
70379-32-01, dated September 15, 2001; for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (j) You must use Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-159, dated 
October 6, 2009; and Eaton Service Bulletin 70379-32-01, dated 
September 15, 2001; as applicable; to do the actions required by 
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Fokker Services B.V., Technical Services Dept., P.O. Box 231, 2150 
AE Nieuw-Vennep, the Netherlands; telephone +31 (0)252-627-350; fax 
+31 (0)252-627-211; e-mail 
technicalservices.fokkerservices@stork.com; Internet http://
www.myfokkerfleet.com.
    (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
    (4) You may also review copies of the 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/code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 13, 2010.
John Piccola,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-26548 Filed 10-28-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

