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[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 221 (Thursday, November 15, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 68052-68055]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-26781]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0643; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-190-AD; 
Amendment 39-17241; AD 2012-22-05]
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 superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 
airplanes. That AD currently requires performing a detailed visual 
inspection for cracks of the pistons on the main landing gear (MLG), 
and replacing the affected pistons if necessary. This new AD also 
requires modifying the MLG by installing a piston containing a certain 
part number, and revising the airplane maintenance program. This AD was 
prompted by a new modification developed to safeguard the integrity of 
the MLG assembly and improve surface protection of the affected area of 
the MLG piston. We are issuing this AD to prevent MLG failure, possibly 
resulting in loss of control of the airplane during the landing roll-
out.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 20, 2012.

[[Page 68053]]

    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of December 20, 
2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of March 
22, 2011 (76 FR 8618, February 15, 2011).

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 June 21, 2012 (77 FR 
37337), and proposed to supersede AD 2011-04-01, Amendment 39-16601 (76 
FR 8618, February 15, 2011). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe 
condition for the specified products. The Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) states:

    During a normal walk around check on a F28 Mark 0100 aeroplane, 
a large crack was discovered in the lower portion of the right (RH) 
MLG piston. The affected MLG unit had accumulated 7,909 flight 
cycles (FC) at the time of detection. The piston was sent to 
Goodrich, the landing gear manufacturer, for detailed investigation, 
which revealed that the crack had been initiated by corrosion pits. 
The extent of the corrosion indicates that the initial crack existed 
for a substantial period before a high loading event caused the 
crack to grow further by ductile overload.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to MLG 
failure during the landing roll-out, possibly resulting in damage to 
the aeroplane and injury to occupants.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, EASA [European 
Aviation Safety Agency] issued AD 2009-0221 [which corresponds with 
FAA AD 2011-04-01, Amendment 39-16601 (76 FR 8618, February 15, 
2011)] to require a one-time detailed visual inspection of the MLG 
pistons, the replacement of any MLG pistons on which cracks are 
detected, and the reporting of all findings to the aeroplane TC 
[type certificate] holder. No cracks were reported as a result of 
this inspection.
    Subsequently, a repetitive inspection was introduced in the 
Airworthiness Limitations Section (Fokker Services report SE-623 
Issue 8) in Appendix 1 of the Maintenance Review Board (MRB) 
document to safeguard the integrity of the MLG assembly, pending the 
accomplishment of a terminating action.
    Goodrich issued Service Bulletin (SB) 41000-32-29 to introduce 
an improved surface protection (nickel plate) of the affected area 
of the MLG piston P/N [part number] 41141-3 and re-identification as 
P/N 41141-5, which is considered as a terminating action for the 
repetitive inspections.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
repetitive visual inspections of the P/N 41141-3 MLG piston for 
cracks and, depending on findings, replacement or modification of 
the MLG piston. This [EASA] AD also requires modification of the 
affected MLG by installing a piston P/N 41141-5.

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

Change Made to This AD

    We have revised paragraphs (k), (l), and (n), of this final rule to 
clarify the document citation of Fokker Report SE-623 to meet the 
Office of Federal Register's guidelines for materials incorporated by 
reference. There is no change to the requirements specified in those 
paragraphs.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (77 FR 37337, June 21, 
2012) 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--except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (77 FR 37337, June 21, 2012) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 37337, June 21, 2012).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect about 2 products of U.S. 
registry.
    The actions that are required by AD 2011-04-01, Amendment 39-16601 
(76 FR 8618, February 15, 2011), and retained in this AD take about 3 
work-hours per product, at an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour. 
Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the currently required 
actions is $255 per product.
    We estimate that it will take about 24 work-hours per product to 
comply with the new 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 $4,080, or $2,040 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;
    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.
    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

[[Page 68054]]

contains the NPRM (77 FR 37337, June 21, 2012), 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

    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 removing airworthiness directive (AD) 
2011-04-01, Amendment 39-16601 (76 FR 8618, February 15, 2011), and 
adding the following new AD:

2012-22-05 Fokker Services B.V.: Amendment 39-17241. Docket No. FAA-
2012-0643; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-190-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 20, 
2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2011-04-01, Amendment 39-16601 (76 FR 
8618, February 15, 2011).

(c) Applicability

    (1) This AD applies to Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 0070 
and 0100 airplanes, certificated in any category, all serial 
numbers, equipped with Goodrich (formerly Menasco, Colt Industries) 
main landing gear (MLG) units, part numbers (P/N) 41050-7, 41050-8, 
41050-9, 41050-10, 41050-11, 41050-12, 41050-13, 41050-14, 41050-15, 
41050-16, 41060-1, 41060-2, 41060-3, 41060-4, 41060-5, or 41060-6.
    (2) This AD requires revisions to certain operator maintenance 
documents to include new actions (e.g., inspections). Compliance 
with these inspections is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For 
airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired 
in the areas addressed by these actions, the operator may not be 
able to accomplish the actions described in the revisions. In this 
situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must 
request approval for an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) 
according to paragraph (m)(1) of this AD. The request should include 
a description of changes to the required inspections that will 
ensure the continued operational safety of the airplane.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a new modification developed to 
safeguard the integrity of the MLG assembly and improve surface 
protection of the affected area of the MLG piston. We are issuing 
this AD to prevent MLG failure, possibly resulting in loss of 
control of the airplane during the landing roll-out.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Initial Inspection

    This paragraph restates the initial inspection required by 
paragraph (g) of AD 2011-04-01, Amendment 39-16601 (76 FR 8618, 
February 15, 2011). Within 30 days after March 22, 2011 (the 
effective date of AD 2011-04-01), do a detailed visual inspection 
for cracks of the MLG pistons, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-158, dated October 
2, 2009.

(h) Retained Replacement

    This paragraph restates the replacement required by paragraph 
(h) of AD 2011-04-01, Amendment 39-16601 (76 FR 8618, February 15, 
2011). If any cracked MLG piston is found during the inspection 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight, replace 
the affected piston with a serviceable part, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-
158, dated October 2, 2009.

(i) New Modification

    Within 120 months, or during a scheduled overhaul of the MLG, 
whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD: Modify 
the MLG by installing a piston containing P/N 41141-5, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin 
SBF100-32-161, dated April 7, 2011. Re-installation of a MLG piston 
that has been modified and re-identified as P/N 41141-5, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Goodrich Service 
Bulletin 41000-32-29, dated November 10, 2010, is an optional method 
of compliance for the requirements specified in paragraph (i) of 
this AD. It is acceptable to operate an airplane with one MLG having 
a P/N 41141-5 piston installed, and the other MLG having a P/N 
41141-3 piston installed, provided all MLG P/N 41141-3 are replaced 
within the compliance times specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.

(j) New Parts Installation Prohibition

    After 120 months after the effective date of this AD: No person 
may install a MLG piston, P/N 41141-3, or a MLG unit equipped with a 
MLG piston P/N 41141-3, on any airplane.

(k) New Revision of the Airplane Maintenance Program

    Within 2 months after the effective date of this AD: Revise the 
airplane maintenance program by incorporating Task 321100-01-16, 
Inspection of MLG Piston, and associated thresholds and intervals 
described in Fokker Report, SE-623, Fokker 70/100 Airworthiness 
Limitation Items and Safe Life Items, Issue 8, dated December 20, 
2010. The initial compliance time for Task 321100-01-16 is within 2 
months after the effective date of this AD.

(l) No Alternative Actions or Intervals

    After accomplishing the revisions required by paragraph (k) of 
this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may 
be used other than those specified in Fokker Report, SE-623, Fokker 
70/100 Airworthiness Limitation Items and Safe Life Items, Issue 8, 
dated December 20, 2010, unless the actions and intervals are 
approved as an AMOC in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (m)(1) of this AD.

(m) 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, 
Washington 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) 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.

(n) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness 
Directive 2011-0159, dated August 26, 2011, and the service 
information specified in paragraphs (n)(1)through (n)(4) of this AD, 
for related information.
    (1) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-158, dated October 2, 
2009.
    (2) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-161, dated April 7, 2011.

[[Page 68055]]

    (3) Fokker Report, SE-623, Fokker 70/100 Airworthiness 
Limitation Items and Safe Life Items, Issue 8, dated December 20, 
2010.
    (4) Goodrich Service Bulletin 41000-32-29, dated November 10, 
2010.

(o) 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 the AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
December 20, 2012.
    (i) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-161, dated April 7, 2011.
    (ii) Fokker Report, SE-623, Fokker 70/100 Airworthiness 
Limitation Items and Safe Life Items, Issue 8, dated December 20, 
2010.
    (iii) Goodrich Service Bulletin 41000-32-29, dated November 10, 
2010.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
March 22, 2011 (76 FR 8618, February 15, 2011).
    (i) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-158, dated October 2, 
2009.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (5) 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; email 
technicalservices.fokkerservices@stork.com; Internet http://www.myfokkerfleet.com. For Goodrich Corporation service information 
identified in this AD, contact Goodrich, 1400 South Service Road, 
West Oakville, L6L 5Y7, Ontario, Canada, telephone +1-905-827-7777; 
fax +1-905-825-1583; Internet http://www.goodrich.com/TechPubs.
    (6) You may review copies of the 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.
    (7) 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 October 24, 2012.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-26781 Filed 11-14-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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