Document ID: FAA-2015-8137-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes,
Posted Date: 2016-01-04T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 1 (Monday, January 4, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 38-41]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-32904]

[[Page 38]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-8137; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-104-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2008-05-
18 R1 for certain Fokker Services B.V. Model F.27 Mark 050, 200, 300, 
400, 500, 600, and 700 airplanes. AD 2008-05-18 R1 currently requires 
revising the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of the 
Instructions for Continued Airworthiness to incorporate new limitations 
for fuel tank systems. Since we issued AD 2008-05-18 R1, revised 
service information has been issued to update the Fuel Airworthiness 
Limitations Items (ALIs) and critical design configuration control 
limitations (CDCCLs) that address fuel tank system ignition sources. 
This proposed AD would require a new maintenance or inspection program 
revision to incorporate the revised ALIs and CDCCLs. This proposed AD 
would add certain airplanes to the applicability. We are proposing this 
AD to prevent the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, 
which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel 
tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 18, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed 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. 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.

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-2015-
8137; 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 proposed 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. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

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:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2015-8137; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-104-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD based on those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    On October 26, 2009, we issued AD 2008-05-18 R1, Amendment 39-16083 
(74 FR 57402, November 6, 2009) for certain Model F.27 Mark 050, 200, 
300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 airplanes. AD 2008-05-18 R1 requires 
revising the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of the 
Instructions for Continued Airworthiness to incorporate new limitations 
for fuel tank systems.
    Since we issued AD 2008-05-18 R1, Amendment 39-16083 (74 FR 57402, 
November 6, 2009), revised service information has been issued to 
update the fuel ALIs and CDCCLs. The revised service information 
applies to all Model F.27 Mark 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 
airplanes.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2015-0029, dated February 24, 2015 (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 F.27 Mark 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 airplanes. The 
MCAI states:

    * * * [T]he FAA published Special Federal Aviation Regulation 
(SFAR) 88, and the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) published 
Interim Policy INT/POL/25/12. The review conducted by Fokker 
Services on the Fokker F27 design in response to these regulations 
identified a number of Fuel Airworthiness Limitation Items (ALI) and 
Critical Design Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCL) items to 
prevent the development of unsafe conditions within the fuel system.
    To introduce these Fuel ALI and CDCCL items, Fokker Services 
published Service Bulletin (SB) F27/28-070. Consequently, EASA 
issued AD 2006-0207, requiring the implementation of these Fuel ALI 
and CDCCL items. That [EASA] AD was later revised to make reference 
to SBF27-28-070R1 and to specify that the use of later SB revisions 
was acceptable.
    In 2014, Fokker Services issued Revision 2 of SBF27-28-070 to 
update the Fuel ALI and CDCCL items and to consolidate Fuel ALI and 
CDCCL items contained in a number of other SBs. Consequently, EASA 
issued AD 2014-0105, superseding AD 2006-0207R1 and requiring the 
implementation of the updated Fuel ALI and CDCCL items.
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, Fokker Services issued Revision 
3 of SBF27-28-070, primarily to introduce 2 additional CDCCL items.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2014-0105, which is superseded, and requires 
implementation of the updated Fuel ALI and CDCCL items.
    More information on this subject can be found in Fokker Services 
All Operators Message AOF27.043#05.

The unsafe condition is the potential of ignition sources inside fuel 
tanks. Such ignition sources, in combination with flammable fuel 
vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the 
airplane. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the

[[Page 39]]

Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it 
in Docket No. FAA-2015-8137.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Fokker Services B.V. has issued Service Bulletin SBF27-28-070, 
Revision 3, dated December 11, 2014. The service information describes 
tasks for revising the maintenance or inspection program to update the 
fuel ALIs and CDCCLs that address fuel tank system ignition sources. 
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 of this NPRM.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.
    This proposed AD would require implementation of certain 
maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. This proposed 
AD would also require accomplishing the actions specified in the 
service information described previously.
    This proposed AD would require revisions to certain operator 
maintenance documents to include new actions (e.g., inspections) and 
CDCCLs. Compliance with these actions and CDCCLs 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 according to 
the procedures specified in paragraph (m)(1) of this AD. The request 
should include a description of changes to the required actions that 
will ensure the continued operational safety of the airplane.
    Notwithstanding any other maintenance or operational requirements, 
components that have been identified as airworthy or installed on the 
affected airplanes before accomplishing the revision of the airplane 
maintenance or inspection program, or before accomplishing the revision 
of the Airworthiness Limitation Section (ALS) of the Instructions for 
Continued Airworthiness, as specified in this AD, do not need to be 
reworked in accordance with the CDCCLs. However, once the airplane 
maintenance or inspection program, or ALS, has been revised as required 
by this AD, future maintenance actions on these components must be done 
in accordance with the CDCCLs

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 16 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    The actions that are required by AD 2008-05-18 R1, Amendment 39-
16083 (74 FR 57402, November 6, 2009), take about 1 work-hour per 
product, at an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour. Required parts 
cost about $0 per product. Based on these figures, the estimated cost 
of the actions required by AD 2008-05-18 R1 is $85 per product.
    We also estimate that it would take about 1 work-hour per product 
to comply with the new basic requirements of this proposed AD. The 
average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost 
about $0 per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of 
this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $1,360, or $85 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 proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 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);
    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.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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) 
2008-05-18 R1, Amendment 39-16083 (74 FR 57402, November 6, 2009), and 
adding the following new AD:

Fokker Services B.V.: Docket No. FAA-2015-8137; Directorate 
Identifier 2014-NM-104-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by February 18, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2008-05-18 R1, Amendment 39-16083 (74 FR 
57402, November 6, 2009).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Fokker Services B.V. Model F.27 Mark 050, 
200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 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 the issuance of revised service 
information to update the Fuel Airworthiness Limitations Items 
(ALIs) and critical design configuration control

[[Page 40]]

limitations (CDCCLs) that address fuel tank system ignition sources. 
We are issuing this AD to prevent the potential of ignition sources 
inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, 
could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Revision of the ALS of the Instructions for Continued 
Airworthiness To Incorporate Limits (Inspections, Thresholds, and 
Intervals), With Revised Table Reference

    This paragraph restates the actions required by paragraph (f)(1) 
of AD 2008-05-18 R1, Amendment 39-16083 (74 FR 57402, November 6, 
2009), with revised table reference. For Model F.27 Mark 050, 200, 
300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 airplanes, serial numbers 10102 through 
10692 inclusive: Within 3 months after April 16, 2008 (the effective 
date of AD 2008-05-18, Amendment 39-15412 (73 FR 13071, March 12, 
2008)), revise the ALS of the Instructions for Continued 
Airworthiness to incorporate the limits (inspections, thresholds, 
and intervals) specified in Fokker 50/60 Fuel Airworthiness 
Limitation Items (ALI) and Critical Design Configuration Control 
Limitations (CDCCL) Report SE-671, Issue 2, dated December 1, 2006; 
or Fokker Service Bulletin SBF27-28-070, Revision 1, dated January 
8, 2008; as applicable. For all tasks identified in Fokker 50/60 
Fuel Airworthiness Limitation Items (ALI) and Critical Design 
Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCL) Report SE-671, Issue 2, 
dated December 1, 2006; or Fokker Service Bulletin SBF27-28-070, 
Revision 1, dated January 8, 2008; the initial compliance times are 
as specified in Table 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD, as applicable. 
The repetitive inspections must be accomplished thereafter at the 
intervals specified in Fokker 50/60 Fuel Airworthiness Limitation 
Items (ALI) and Critical Design Configuration Control Limitations 
(CDCCL) Report SE-671, Issue 2, dated December 1, 2006; or Fokker 
Service Bulletin SBF27-28-070, Revision 1, dated January 8, 2008; as 
applicable, except as provided by paragraphs (i) and (n)(1) of this 
AD.

  Table 1 to Paragraph (g) of This AD--Initial Compliance Times for ALS
                                Revision
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               For--                           The later of--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model F.27 Mark 050 airplanes:      102 months after April 16, 2008 (the
 Task 280000[dash]01.                effective date of AD 2008-05-18,
                                     Amendment 39-15412 (73 FR 13071,
                                     March 12, 2008)); or 102 months
                                     after the date of issuance of the
                                     original Dutch standard
                                     airworthiness certificate or the
                                     date of issuance of the original
                                     Dutch export certificate of
                                     airworthiness.
Model F.27 Mark 050 airplanes:      30 months after April 16, 2008 (the
 Task 280000-02.                     effective date of AD 2008-05-18,
                                     Amendment 39-15412 (73 FR 13071,
                                     March 12, 2008)); or 30 months
                                     after the date of issuance of the
                                     original Dutch standard
                                     airworthiness certificate or the
                                     date of issuance of the original
                                     Dutch export certificate of
                                     airworthiness.
Model F.27 Mark 200, 300, 400,      78 months after April 16, 2008 (the
 500, 600, and 700 airplanes: Task   effective date of AD 2008-05-18,
 280000[dash]01.                     Amendment 39-15412 (73 FR 13071,
                                     March 12, 2008)); or 78 months
                                     after the date of issuance of the
                                     original Dutch standard
                                     airworthiness certificate or the
                                     date of issuance of the original
                                     Dutch export certificate of
                                     airworthiness.
Model F.27 Mark 200, 300, 400,      18 months after April 16, 2008 (the
 500, 600, and 700 airplanes: Task   effective date of AD 2008-05-18,
 280000-02.                          Amendment 39-15412 (73 FR 13071,
                                     March 12, 2008)); or 18 months
                                     after the date of issuance of the
                                     original Dutch standard
                                     airworthiness certificate or the
                                     date of issuance of the original
                                     Dutch export certificate of
                                     airworthiness.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(h) Retained Revision of the ALS of the Instructions for Continued 
Airworthiness To Incorporate CDCCLs, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the actions required by paragraph (f)(2) 
of AD 2008-05-18 R1, Amendment 39-16083 (74 FR 57402, November 6, 
2009), with no changes. For Model F.27 Mark 050, 200, 300, 400, 500, 
600, and 700 airplanes, serial numbers 10102 through 10692 
inclusive: Within 3 months after April 16, 2008 (the effective date 
of AD 2008-05-18, Amendment 39-15412 (73 FR 13071, March 12, 2008)), 
revise the ALS of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness to 
incorporate the CDCCLs as defined in Fokker 50/60 Fuel Airworthiness 
Limitations Items (ALI) and Critical Design Configuration Control 
Limitations (CDCCL) Report SE-671, Issue 2, dated December 1, 2006; 
or Fokker Service Bulletin SBF27-28-070, Revision 1, dated January 
8, 2008; as applicable.

(i) Retained Exceptional Short-Term Extensions Provision, With No 
Changes

    This paragraph restates the exceptional short-term extensions 
provision specified in paragraph (f)(3) of AD 2008-05-18 R1, 
Amendment 39-16083 (74 FR 57402, November 6, 2009), with no changes. 
Where Fokker 50/60 Fuel Airworthiness Limitation Items (ALI) and 
Critical Design Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCL) Report SE-
671, Issue 2, dated December 1, 2006; or Fokker Service Bulletin 
SBF27-28-070, Revision 1, dated January 8, 2008; as applicable; 
allow for exceptional short-term extensions, an exception is 
acceptable to the FAA if it is approved by the appropriate principal 
inspector in the FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding District 
Office.

(j) Retained No Alternative Actions, Intervals, and/or CDCCLs, With New 
Exception

    This paragraph restates the requirement specified in paragraph 
(f)(4) of AD 2008-05-18 R1, Amendment 39-16083 (74 FR 57402, 
November 6, 2009), with a new exception. Except as required by 
paragraph (l) of this AD, after accomplishing the actions specified 
in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, no alternative inspections, 
inspection intervals, or CDCCLs may be used, unless the inspections, 
inspection intervals, or CDCCLs are approved as an alternative 
method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures 
specified in paragraph (m)(1) of this AD.

(k) Retained Credit for Previous Actions, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the credit provided in paragraph (f)(5) 
of AD 2008-05-18 R1, Amendment 39-16083 (74 FR 57402, November 6, 
2009), with no changes. Actions done before April 16, 2008 (the 
effective date of AD 2008-05-18, Amendment 39-15412 (73 FR 13071, 
March 12, 2008)), in accordance with Fokker 50/60 Fuel Airworthiness 
Limitation Items (ALI) and Critical Design Configuration Control 
Limitations (CDCCL) Report SE-671, Issue 1, dated January 31, 2006; 
and Fokker Service Bulletin SBF27/28-070, dated June 30, 2006; are 
acceptable for compliance with the corresponding requirements of 
this AD.

(l) New Requirements of This AD: Revise the Maintenance or Inspection 
Program

    For Model F.27 Mark 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 airplanes: 
Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, by incorporating 
the Fuel Airworthiness Limitation Items and CDCCLs identified in the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF27-28-070, 
Revision 3, dated December 11, 2014. Accomplishing the actions 
required by this paragraph ends the requirements specified in 
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD for that airplane. The initial 
compliance time for the Fuel Airworthiness Limitation Items 
identified in Fokker Service Bulletin SBF27-28-070, Revision 3, 
dated December 11, 2014, is at the initial compliance time specified 
in Fokker Service Bulletin SBF27-28-070, Revision 3, dated December 
11, 2014, or within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs later.

(m) No Alternative Actions, Intervals, or Critical Design Configuration 
Control Limitations (CDCCLs)

    After accomplishing the revision required by paragraph (l) 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

[[Page 41]]

accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (n)(1) of this 
AD.

(n) 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.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the effective date of 
this AD, 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.

(o) Related Information

    (1) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2015-0029, dated 
February 24, 2015, 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-2015-8137.
    (2) 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. 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 21, 2015.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-32904 Filed 12-31-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P