AD 2005-13-32

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Fokker Model F.28 Mark 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 airplanes. This AD requires a detailed inspection to determine the presence of incorrectly installed bushings in the attachment holes of the reinforcing strap of the left- and right-hand wings' lower skin, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD is prompted by a report that bushings were installed in accordance with improper procedures in the structural repair manual. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct improperly installed bushings, which could result in reduced tensile strength of the reinforcing strap of the wing's lower skin, and consequently a reduction of the structural capability of the wing and possible wing failure.

Final rule.

2005-13-32 Fokker Services B.V.: Amendment 39-14169. Docket No. FAA- 2005-20871; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-212-AD.

Effective Date

(a) This AD becomes effective August 1, 2005.

Affected ADs

(b) None.

Applicability

(c) This AD applies to all Fokker Model F.28 Mark 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 airplanes, certificated in any category.

Unsafe Condition

(d) This AD was prompted by a report that bushings were installed in accordance with improper procedures in the structural repair manual. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct improperly installed bushings which could result in reduced tensile strength of the reinforcing strap of the wing's lower skin, and consequently a reduction of the structural capability of the wing and possible wing failure.

Compliance

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

Inspection and Corrective Actions

(f) Within 12 months or 3,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, do a detailed inspection of the reinforcing strap of the left- and right-hand wings' lower skin at wing station (WS) 2635 for improperly installed bushings, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin F28/57-93, dated December 22, 2003.

Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: "An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required."

(1) If no improperly installed bushing is found, no further action is required by this AD.

(2) If any improperly installed bushing is found, before furtherflight:

(i) Repair the bushing in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin F28/57-93, dated December 22, 2003; and

(ii) Replace the reinforcing strap with a new reinforcing strap in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin F28/57-96, dated December 22, 2003.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

(g) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Related Information

(h) Dutch airworthiness directive 2004-021, dated February 27, 2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

(i) You must use the service information listed in Table 1 of this AD to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approves the incorporation by reference of these documents in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To get copies of the service information, contact Fokker Services B.V., P.O. Box 231, 2150 AE NieuwVennep, the Netherlands. To view the AD docket, go to the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW, room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC. To review copies of the service information, go to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html .

Fokker Service Bulletin
Revision level
Date
F28/57 93
Original
Dec. 22, 2003.
F28/57 96
Original
Dec. 22, 2003.

The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 with an AD for all Fokker Model F.28 Mark 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 airplanes. That action, published in the Federal Register on April 6, 2005 (70 FR 17345), proposed to require a detailed inspection to determine the presence of incorrectly installed bushings in the attachment holes of the reinforcing strap of the left- and right-hand wings' lower skin, and corrective actions if necessary.

Comments

We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the development of this AD. No comments have been submitted on the proposed AD or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Explanation of Change to Applicability

We have revised the applicability of the proposed AD to identify model designations as published in the most recent type certificate data sheet for the affected models.

Conclusion

We have carefully reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD with the change described previously. We have determined that this change will neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators to comply with this AD.

Estimated Costs

Action
Work hours
Average labor rate per hour
Parts
Cost per airplane
Number of U.S.-
registered airplanes
Fleet cost
Inspection
8
$65
$0
$520
12
$6,240

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 have 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 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. See the ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.

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

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 airworthiness directive (AD):