[Federal Register: April 14, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 72)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 19973-19974]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr14ap08-7]
[[Page 19973]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-0394; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-252-AD;
Amendment 39-15457; AD 2008-08-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F.27 Mark 050 and F.28
Mark 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:
Recently, a Fokker 100 (F28 Mark 0100) operator noted that the
electrical connectors of the PSUs (Passenger Service Units) did not
lock properly during installation in the aircraft. The PSU panels
installed in Fokker 50 (F27 Mark 050 and Mark 0502) aircraft are
similar to those installed in the Fokker 100. Investigation revealed
that the lack of locking is caused by the tolerance in thickness of
the gaskets (seals) inside the PSU connectors. This condition, if
not corrected, may cause the connector to overheat, leading to
electrical arcing and subsequent failure of the PSU Panels. In such
instances, smoke is likely to be emitted. * * *
We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective May 19, 2008.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of May 19, 2008.
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, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
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 January 10, 2008 (73
FR 1848). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
Recently, a Fokker 100 (F28 Mark 0100) operator noted that the
electrical connectors of the PSUs (Passenger Service Units) did not
lock properly during installation in the aircraft. The PSU panels
installed in Fokker 50 (F27 Mark 050 and Mark 0502) aircraft are
similar to those installed in the Fokker 100. Investigation revealed
that the lack of locking is caused by the tolerance in thickness of
the gaskets (seals) inside the PSU connectors. This condition, if
not corrected, may cause the connector to overheat, leading to
electrical arcing and subsequent failure of the PSU Panels. In such
instances, smoke is likely to be emitted. To remedy and prevent
these problems, the PSU manufacturer Honeywell International
Aerospace Electronic Systems (formerly known as Grimes Aerospace
Company), has narrowed the tolerances of these gaskets. Since an
unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or
develop on aircraft of these type designs, this Airworthiness
Directive requires inspection [to verify if the J1/P1 and J2/P2
interface connectors can be properly locked and gaskets are present]
and, where necessary, replacement of the affected PSU Panel J1 and
J2 Interface Connector gaskets.
Corrective actions include installing a gasket, verifying that the J1
and J2 receptacle locking tabs are not deformed, replacing the
receptacle, and installing a new PSU panel. 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.
Correction to Quoted Material in the NPRM
We have corrected two instances where we miscopied the references
to the PSU panels in the quoted material as I1 and I2, which should
have been J1 and J2.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting the AD with the changes described
previously. We determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.
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 about 9 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 $80 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate
the cost of this AD to the U.S. operators to be $2,880, or $320 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;
[[Page 19974]]
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]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
2008-08-05 Fokker Services B.V: Amendment 39-15457. Docket No. FAA-
2007-0394; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-252-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective May 19,
2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to the Fokker airplanes identified in
paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any
category.
(1) Fokker Model F.27 Mark 050 airplanes, equipped with
Honeywell International (Grimes Aerospace) Passenger Service Units
(PSUs), part number 10-1178-XX series.
(2) Fokker Model F.28 Mark 0100 airplanes, equipped with
Honeywell International (Grimes Aerospace) PSUs, part number 10-
1178-XX series or 10-1571-XX series, unless modified in accordance
with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-25-070.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25:
Equipment/Furnishings.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
Recently, a Fokker 100 (F28 Mark 0100) operator noted that the
electrical connectors of the PSUs (Passenger Service Units) did not
lock properly during installation in the aircraft. The PSU panels
installed in Fokker 50 (F27 Mark 050 and Mark 0502) aircraft are
similar to those installed in the Fokker 100. Investigation revealed
that the lack of locking is caused by the tolerance in thickness of
the gaskets (seals) inside the PSU connectors. This condition, if
not corrected, may cause the connector to overheat, leading to
electrical arcing and subsequent failure of the PSU Panels. In such
instances, smoke is likely to be emitted. To remedy and prevent
these problems, the PSU manufacturer Honeywell International
Aerospace Electronic Systems (formerly known as Grimes Aerospace
Company), has narrowed the tolerances of these gaskets. Since an
unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or
develop on aircraft of these type designs, this Airworthiness
Directive requires inspection [to verify if the J1/P1 and J2/P2
interface connectors can be properly locked and gaskets are present]
and, when necessary, replacement of the affected PSU Panel J1 and J2
Interface Connector gaskets.
Corrective actions include installing a gasket, verifying that the
J1 and J2 receptacle locking tabs are not deformed, replacing the
receptacle, and installing a new PSU panel.
Actions and Compliance
(f) Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD unless
already done, do the following actions.
(1) Inspect the affected Honeywell International (Grimes
Aerospace) PSU Panel Interface Connectors for proper locking of the
connectors and to verify that gaskets are installed, in accordance
with Part 3., ``Accomplishment Instructions,'' of Fokker Service
Bulletin SBF50-25-061 or SBF100-25-108, both dated March 31, 2006,
as applicable.
(2) When discrepancies are found, before next flight, do all
applicable corrective actions as detailed in Part 3.,
``Accomplishment Instructions,'' of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-
25-061 or SBF100-25-108, both dated March 31, 2006, as applicable.
FAA AD Differences
Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows: No differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) 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 appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local
FSDO.
(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, the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.
Related Information
(h) Refer to MCAI Dutch Airworthiness Directive NL-2006-008,
dated July 14, 2006; and Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-25-061 or
SBF100-25-108, both dated March 31, 2006; for related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-25-061, dated
March 31, 2006; or Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-25-108, dated
March 31, 2006; 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.
(3) You may review copies at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or 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 March 31, 2008.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-7178 Filed 4-11-08; 8:45 am]
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