
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 9 (Thursday, January 14, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1874-1876]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-32259]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-1982; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-108-AD; 
Amendment 39-18353; AD 2015-26-05]
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 F.28 Mark

[[Page 1875]]

1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a design 
review, which revealed that no controlled bonding provisions are 
present on a number of critical locations outside the fuel tank. This 
AD requires installing additional and improved fuel system bonding 
provisions, and revising the airplane maintenance or inspection 
program, as applicable, by incorporating fuel airworthiness limitation 
items and critical design configuration control limitations. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent an ignition source in the fuel tank vapor 
space, which could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss 
of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective February 18, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of February 18, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2015-1982 or in person at the 
Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.
    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 technicalservices@fokker.com; Internet http://www.myfokkerfleet.com. You may view this referenced service information 
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 425-227-1221. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
1982.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 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 by adding an AD that would apply to all Fokker Services B.V. 
Model F.28 Mark 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 airplanes. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on June 15, 2015 (80 FR 34106).
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2014-0109, dated May 8, 2014 (referred to after 
this the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the 
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Fokker Services B.V. 
Model F.28 Mark 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Prompted by an accident * * *, the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA) published Special Federal Aviation Regulation 
(SFAR) 88 [(66 FR 223086, May 7, 2001)], and the Joint Aviation 
Authorities (JAA) published Interim Policy INT/POL/25/12.
    The review conducted by Fokker Services on the Fokker F28 
design, in response to these regulations, revealed that no 
controlled bonding provisions are present on a number of critical 
locations outside the fuel tank.
    This condition, if not corrected, could create an ignition 
source in the fuel tank vapour space, possibly resulting in a fuel 
tank explosions and consequent loss of the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Fokker Services 
developed a set of fuel tank bonding modifications.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires the 
installation of additional and improved bonding provisions. These 
modifications do not require opening of the fuel tank access panels.
    More information on this subject can be found in Fokker Services 
All Operators Message AOF28.038#02.

Required actions include revising the airplane maintenance or 
inspection program, as applicable, by incorporating fuel airworthiness 
limitation items and critical design configuration control limitations. 
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-1982-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (80 FR 34106, June 15, 
2015) 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 AD 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 (80 FR 34106, June 15, 2015) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (80 FR 34106, June 15, 2015).

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Fokker Services B.V. has issued Fokker F28 Appendix SB SBF28-28-
059/APP01, dated July 15, 2014, of Fokker F28 Proforma Service Bulletin 
SBF28-28-059, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2014. The service information 
describes procedures for the installation of additional bonding 
provisions outside the fuel tank. 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 5 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it will take about 11 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor 
rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $140 per 
product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on 
U.S. operators to be $5,375, or $1,075 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 that this AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;

[[Page 1876]]

    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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2015-1982; or in person at the 
Docket Management Facility 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.

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):

2015-26-05 Fokker Services B.V.: Amendment 39-18353. Docket No. FAA-
2015-1982; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-108-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective February 18, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 1000, 
2000, 3000, and 4000 airplanes, certificated in any category, all 
serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a design review, which revealed that no 
controlled bonding provisions are present on a number of critical 
locations outside the fuel tank. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
an ignition source in the fuel tank vapor space, which could result 
in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Installation of Bonding Provisions

    Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, install 
additional and improved fuel system bonding provisions, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker F28 
Appendix SB SBF28-28-059/APP01, dated July 15, 2014, of Fokker F28 
Proforma Service Bulletin SBF28-28-059, Revision 1, dated July 15, 
2014.

(h) Revision of Maintenance or Inspection Program

    At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and 
(h)(2) of this AD: Revise the airplane maintenance or inspection 
program, as applicable, by incorporating the fuel airworthiness 
limitation items and critical design configuration control 
limitations (CDCCLs) specified in paragraph 1.L.(1)(b) of Fokker F28 
Appendix SB SBF28-28-059/APP01, dated July 15, 2014, of Fokker F28 
Proforma Service Bulletin SBF28-28-059, Revision 1, dated July 15, 
2014.
    (1) Before further flight, after accomplishing the installation 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (2) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.

(i) No Alternative Actions, Intervals, and/or CDCCLs

    After incorporating the revision required by paragraph (h) of 
this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, or 
CDCCLs may be used unless the actions, intervals, or CDCCLs are 
approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance 
with the procedures specified in paragraph (j)(1) 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 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. 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 Branch, send it to ATTN: Tom 
Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1137; fax 425-227-1149. 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. The 
AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
    (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 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Fokker B.V. Service's 
EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the 
approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(k) Related Information

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0109, dated May 8, 2014, for 
related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-
1982-0002.

(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 F28 Proforma Service Bulletin SBF28-28-059, Revision 
1, dated July 15, 2014.
    (ii) Fokker F28 Appendix SB SBF28-28-059/APP01, dated July 15, 
2014.
    (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 technicalservices@fokker.com; Internet http://www.myfokkerfleet.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
425-227-1221.
    (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 Renton, Washington, on December 11, 2015.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-32259 Filed 1-13-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


