[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 201 (Friday, October 17, 1997)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 53976-53977]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-27580]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-NM-245-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F28 Mark 0070 and Mark 
0100 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Fokker Model F28 Mark 0070 
and Mark 0100 series airplanes. This proposal would require replacement 
of the operating handles of the overwing emergency exits with improved 
handles that have self-illumination. This proposal is prompted by 
issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign 
civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by the proposed AD 
are intended to ensure that the operating handles of the overwing 
emergency exits are clearly visible during an emergency evacuation.

DATES: Comments must be received by November 28, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-245-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
obtained from Fokker Service B.V., Technical Support Department, P.O. 
Box 75047, 1117 ZN Schiphol Airport, The Netherlands. This information 
may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Dulin, Aerospace Engineer, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2141; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as 
they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number 
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All 
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing 
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested 
persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 97-NM-245-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 97-NM-245-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The Rijksluchtvaartdienst (RLD), which is the airworthiness 
authority for the Netherlands, notified the FAA that an unsafe 
condition may exist on certain Fokker Model F28 Mark 0070 and Mark 0100 
series airplanes. The RLD advises that the operating handles of the 
overwing emergency exits installed on Fokker Model F28 Mark 0070 and 
Mark 0100 series airplanes equipped with the new ``Jetline'' interior 
do not meet the illumination requirements of section 25.811(e) of the 
Federal Aviation Regulations [14 CFR 25.811(e)]. Section 25.811(e) 
requires the handles to be either conspicuously located and well 
illuminated, or self-illuminated with an initial brightness of at least 
160 microlamberts. The operating handles of the overwing emergency 
exits installed on these airplanes do not have adequate illumination, 
and, therefore, the handles may not be clearly visible in emergency 
conditions. This condition, if not corrected, could result in reduced 
ability to evacuate the airplane during an emergency.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Fokker has issued Service Bulletin SBF100-52-060, dated October 10, 
1995, which describes procedures for replacement of the operating 
handles of the overwing emergency exits with improved operating handles 
that have self-illumination. Accomplishment of the actions specified in 
the service bulletin is intended to adequately address the identified 
unsafe condition. The RLD classified this service bulletin as mandatory 
and issued Netherlands airworthiness directive BLA 1995-104(A), dated 
October 31, 1995, in order to assure the continued airworthiness of 
these airplanes in the Netherlands.

[[Page 53977]]

FAA's Conclusions

    These airplane models are manufactured in the Netherlands and are 
type certificated for operation in the United States under the 
provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 
21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant 
to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the RLD has kept the FAA 
informed of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the 
findings of the RLD, reviewed all available information, and determined 
that AD action is necessary for products of this type design that are 
certificated for operation in the United States.

Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered 
in the United States, the proposed AD would require accomplishment of 
the actions specified in the service bulletin described previously.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 127 Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 series 
airplanes and 4 Fokker Model F28 Mark 0070 series airplanes of U.S. 
registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take 
approximately 3 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed 
actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required 
parts would be provided by the manufacturer at no cost to operators. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $23,580, or $180 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements of 
this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in 
the future if this AD were not adopted.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations proposed herein would not have substantial direct 
effects 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. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this 
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that 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); 
and (3) if promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft 
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules 
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as 
follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    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]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

Fokker: Docket 97-NM-245-AD.

    Applicability: Model F28 Mark 0070 and Mark 0100 series 
airplanes, as listed in Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-52-060, dated 
October 10, 1995; certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To ensure that the operating handles of the overwing emergency 
exits are clearly visible during an emergency evacuation, accomplish 
the following:
    (a) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, remove 
the operating handle assemblies of the overwing emergency exits, 
having part number (P/N) D32965-403, and install new self-
illuminating handle assemblies, having P/N D32965-407, in accordance 
with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-52-060, dated October 10, 1995.
    (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their 
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, 
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Netherlands 
airworthiness directive BLA 1995-104 (A), dated October 31, 1995.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 10, 1997.
James V. Devany,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-27580 Filed 10-16-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U