The Rijksluchtvaartdienst (RLD), which is the airworthiness authority for the Netherlands, recently notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes. The RLD advises that certain Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes were modified to increase air conditioning airflow at higher altitudes by augmenting the airflow through the turbine bypass valves. These airplanes were modified in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-21-026. On some airplanes, this modification resulted in the installation of electrical wires with a positive voltage into an electrical connector that is also wired for the liftdumper system. Incorporation of this modification on these airplanes could negatively affect the liftdumper system, since only electrical wires that are directly connected to a ground should be installed in this connector. This condition, if not corrected, could result in reduced protection against uncommanded deployment of the liftdumper.
Fokker has issued Service Bulletin SBF100-21-045, Revision 1, dated November 17, 1993, that describes procedures for modification of the electrical connections in a certain relay panel. This modification entails disconnecting certain electrical wires from the connector in the number 2 relay panel and connecting these wires to a different connector. Accomplishment of this modification must be performed after or in conjunction with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-21-026, in order to ensure that only electrical wires that are directly connected to ground are installed to the electrical connector that is also wired for the liftdumper system.
The RLD classified Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-21-045, as mandatory and issued Netherlands Airworthiness Directive BLA 92-079/2 (A), dated December 24, 1993, in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in the Netherlands.
Fokker has also issued Service Bulletin SBF100-21-056, Revision 1, dated November 24, 1993, which supersedes Fokker Service Bulletins SBF100-21-026 and SBF100-21-045. Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-21-056 describes procedures for augmentation of the flow through the turbine bypass valves of the air conditioning system to increase the air conditioning airflow at higher altitudes. The RLD classified this service bulletin as optional; however, the service bulletin incorporates the provisions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-21-045, including the instructions necessary to correct the wiring.
This airplane model is manufactured in the Netherlands and is type certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of Section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations 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, anddetermined that AD action is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for operation in the United States.
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, this AD is being issued to prevent reduced protection against uncommanded deployment of the liftdumper. This AD requires modification of the electrical connections in a certain relay panel. The actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with either of the service bulletins described previously.
There currently are no Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes affected by this AD on the U.S. Register. All airplanes included in the applicability of this rule currently are operated by non-U.S. operators under foreign registry; therefore, they are not directly affected by this AD action. However, the FAA considers that this rule is necessary to ensure that the unsafe condition is addressed in the event that any of these subject airplanes are imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future.
Should an affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future, it would require approximately 7 work hours to accomplish the required actions, at an average labor charge of $55 per work hour. Required parts would cost approximately $80 per airplane. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of this AD would be $465 per airplane.
Since this AD action does not affect any airplane that is currently on the U.S. register, it has no adverse economic impact and imposes no additional burden on any person. Therefore, notice and public procedures hereon are unnecessary and the amendment may be made effective in less than 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not preceded by notice and opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on this rule.Interested persons are invited to comment on this 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 under the caption "ADDRESSES." All communications received on or before the closing date for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be needed.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify the 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 that summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this AD 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 94-NM-47-AD." The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.
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 14 CFR part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations as follows:
PART 39 - AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C. 106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.
39.13 - [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: