AD 98-13-19

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Fokker Model F27 Mark 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 series airplanes, that requires a one-time detailed visual inspection of the forward fuel feed lines in the left- and right-hand engine nacelles for chafing; replacement of damaged parts with serviceable parts; and modification of the supports and improved routing for the high- and low-tension leads of the inboard ignition units. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent chafing on the forward fuel feed lines, which could result in fuel leakage and consequent increased risk of fire in the engine nacelles.

Final rule

98-13-19 FOKKER SERVICES B.V.: Amendment 39-10607. Docket 98-NM-102-AD.

Applicability: All Model F27 Mark 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 series airplanes; certificated in any category.

NOTE 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 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 (c) 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 prevent chafing on the forward fuel feed lines, which could result in fuel leakage and consequent increased risk of fire in the engine nacelles, accomplish the following:

(a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time detailed visual inspection of the left- and right-hand engine nacelles for chafing of the forward fuel feed lines by the high- and low-tension leads of the inboard ignition units, in accordance with Part 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin F27/28-62, dated September 1, 1997. If any chafing is detected, prior to further flight, replace the fuel line with a new fuel line in accordance with Part 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin.

(b) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the supports and reroute the high- and low-tension leads of the inboard ignition units, in accordance with Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin F27/28-62, dated September 1, 1997.

(c) 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, International Branch, ANM-116, 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, International Branch, ANM-116.

NOTE 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

(d) 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.

(e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin F27/28-62, dated September 1, 1997. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Fokker Services B.V., Technical Support Department, P.O. Box 75047, 1117 ZN Schiphol Airport, the Netherlands. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

NOTE 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Dutch airworthiness directive BLA 1997-094 (A), dated September 30, 1997.

(f) This amendment becomes effective on July 30, 1998.

A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to all Fokker Model F27 Mark 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on April 23, 1998 (63 FR 20141). That action proposed to require a one-time detailed visual inspection of the forward fuel feed lines in the left- and right-hand engine nacelles for chafing; replacement of damaged parts with serviceable parts; and modification of the supports and improved routing for the high- and low-tension leads of the inboard ignition units.

Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion
The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 34 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD.

It will take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the required inspection, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the inspection required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $2,040, or $60 per airplane.

It will take approximately 4 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required modification, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. The cost of required parts would be minimal. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the modification required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $8,160, or $240 per airplane.

The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted. RegulatoryImpact

The regulations adopted herein will 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 final rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a "significant rule" under 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption "ADDRESSES."

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 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.

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