Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F.28 Mark 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 Airplanes, 60085-60087 [E6-16894]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 197 / Thursday, October 12, 2006 / Proposed Rules pin to activate the oxygen generator at a flight attendant station. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the activation mechanism of the chemical oxygen generator, which could result in the unavailability of supplemental oxygen and possible incapacitation of passengers and cabin crew during an in-flight decompression. 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. Inspections/Corrective Action (f) Do the detailed inspections for discrepancies of certain chemical oxygen generators of each flight attendant and lavatory oxygen panel, as applicable, and each passenger service unit of the passenger oxygen system, as specified in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD, as applicable. (1) For airplanes identified in paragraph 1.A. of Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A601R–35–014, dated September 25, 2003: Within 550 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, do a one-time inspection for correct alignment and engagement of the release pin with the lanyard tube in the mask container module of the activation (firing) mechanism in the chemical oxygen generator by doing all the actions, including all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A601R– 35–014, dated September 25, 2003. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight. (2) For airplanes identified in paragraph 1.A. of Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R– 35–016, dated September 8, 2005: Within 1,100 flight hours after the effective date of this AD; do a one-time inspection for correct installation of the release pin of the activation mechanism of the chemical oxygen generator, by doing all the actions, including all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R–35–016, dated September 8, 2005. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight. rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSAL 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.’’ Note 2: Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R– 35–016, dated September 8, 2005, refers to B/ E Aerospace Service Bulletin 117003–35–4, dated March 29, 2001, as an additional source of service information for accomplishing the inspection and corrective action specified in paragraph (f) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (g)(1) The Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:04 Oct 11, 2006 Jkt 211001 approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with § 39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding District Office. Related Information (h) Canadian airworthiness directive CF– 2006–11, dated May 31, 2006, also addresses the subject of this AD. Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 3, 2006. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E6–16881 Filed 10–11–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2006–26044; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–098–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F.28 Mark 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Fokker Model F.28 Mark 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 airplanes. This proposed AD would require a one-time inspection of the left- and right-hand main landing gear (MLG) downlock actuators or a review of the airplane maintenance records to determine the part number of each downlock actuator installed, and replacement of identified MLG downlock actuators with modified MLG downlock actuators. This proposed AD results from a report of a failed downlock actuator, which resulted in the left MLG collapsing during taxi after landing. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the downlock actuator, which could prevent the MLG side stay from locking properly, resulting in collapse of the MLG during ground maneuvers or upon landing. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 13, 2006. PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 60085 Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on this proposed AD. • DOT Docket Web site: Go to https:// dms.dot.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. • Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Contact Fokker Services B.V., Technical Services Dept., P.O. Box 231, 2150 AE Nieuw-Vennep, the Netherlands, for service information identified in this proposed AD. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ADDRESSES: Comments Invited We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ‘‘FAA–2006–26044; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–098–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the proposed AD in light of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of that Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review the DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR E:\FR\FM\12OCP1.SGM 12OCP1 60086 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 197 / Thursday, October 12, 2006 / Proposed Rules 19477–78), or you may visit https:// dms.dot.gov. Examining the Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647–5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System receives them. Discussion The Civil Aviation Authority—The Netherlands (CAA–NL), which is the airworthiness authority for the Netherlands, notified us that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Fokker Model F.28 Mark 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 airplanes. The CAA–NL advises that it received a report that a flightcrew of a Model F.28 Mark 3000 airplane received a ‘‘LH MLG UNSAFE’’ warning during approach to landing. The flightcrew made an uneventful landing, but during taxi after landing the left main landing gear (MLG) collapsed. Investigation into the cause of the collapse revealed a failed downlock actuator. The failed downlock actuator prevented the MLG side stay assembly from locking properly, causing the MLG collapse. Investigators determined that the use of an improved (modified) version of the downlock assembly could prevent this condition. Failure of the downlock actuator, if not corrected, could prevent the MLG side stay from locking properly, resulting in collapse of the MLG during ground maneuvers or upon landing. The MLG downlock actuators installed on Model F.28 Mark 1000, 2000, and 4000 airplanes are identical to those installed on the Model F.28 Mark 3000 airplanes. Therefore, all of these models may be subject to the identified unsafe condition. Relevant Service Information Fokker Services B.V. has issued Service Bulletin F28/32–163, dated March 8, 2004. The service bulletin describes procedures for removing the MLG downlock actuator, sending it to an approved Dowty Aerospace Hydraulics workshop for modification, and reinstalling the modified downlock actuator. The modification includes replacing certain parts (i.e., spring carrier, nuts, sub-assembly, certain end fittings, and bush inserts) and reidentifying certain other parts. Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is intended to adequately address the unsafe condition. The CAA–NL mandated the service information and issued Dutch airworthiness directive 2004–047, dated April 20, 2004, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in the Netherlands. Fokker Service Bulletin F28/32–163 refers to Dowty Aerospace Hydraulics— Cheltenham Service Bulletin 32–501R, Revision 1, dated September 3, 1998, as an additional source of service information for modifying the MLG downlock actuator. FAA’s Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD These airplane models are manufactured in the Netherlands and are type certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the CAA–NL has kept the FAA informed of the situation described above. We have examined the CAA–NL’s findings, evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that we need to issue an AD for airplanes of this type design that are certificated for operation in the United States. Therefore, we are proposing this AD to require a one-time inspection of the left- and right-hand MLG downlock actuators or a review of the airplane maintenance records to determine the part number (P/N) of each MLG downlock actuator installed, and replacement of identified MLG downlock actuators with modified MLG downlock actuators. Costs of Compliance The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators to comply with this proposed AD. ESTIMATED COSTS Work hours Action Inspection of both MLG downlock actuators (2 per airplane). Review of the airplane maintenance records in lieu of the inspection to determine P/N. Replacement of the MLG downlock actuators (2 per airplane). 1 Per Number of U.S.-registered airplanes Cost per airplane Parts Fleet cost 1 $80 $0 $80 6 As much as $480. 1 80 0 80 6 As much as $480. 14 80 1 16,511 33,662 6 As much as $201,972. actuator. Authority for This Rulemaking rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSAL Average labor rate per hour 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 VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:04 Oct 11, 2006 Jkt 211001 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. PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Regulatory Findings We have 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 that the proposed regulation: E:\FR\FM\12OCP1.SGM 12OCP1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 197 / Thursday, October 12, 2006 / Proposed Rules 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); 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 proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. 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, 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 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): Fokker Services B.V.: Docket No. FAA– 2006–26044; Directorate Identifier 2006– NM–098–AD. Comments Due Date (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by November 13, 2006. Affected ADs (b) None. rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSAL Applicability (c) This AD applies to all Fokker Model F.28 Mark 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 airplanes, certificated in any category. 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. 18:04 Oct 11, 2006 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (f) Within 66 months after the effective date of this AD: Inspect the left- and righthand MLG downlock actuators to determine if P/N 200497005 or 200498005 is installed. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the P/ N of the MLG downlock actuators can be conclusively determined from that review. If an MLG downlock actuator does not have a subject P/N, no further action is required by this AD for that MLG only, except as provided by paragraph (h) of this AD. Federal Aviation Administration Replacement of Subject MLG Downlock Actuators (g) For any MLG downlock actuator identified during the inspection or maintenance records review required by paragraph (f) of this AD, or for which the P/ N cannot be determined: Within 66 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the MLG downlock actuator with a modified MLG downlock actuator in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin F28/32–163, dated March 8, 2004. Note 1: Fokker Service Bulletin F28/32– 163 refers to Dowty Aerospace Hydraulics— Cheltenham Service Bulletin 32–501R, Revision 1, dated September 3, 1998, as an additional source of service information for modifying the MLG downlock actuator. Jkt 211001 (h) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an MLG downlock actuator, P/N 200497005 or 200498005, on any airplane. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (i)(1) 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. (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with § 39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding District Office. Related Information Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from a report of a failed downlock actuator, which resulted in the left MLG collapsing during taxi after landing. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the downlock actuator, which could prevent the MLG side stay from locking properly, resulting in collapse of the MLG during ground maneuvers or upon landing. VerDate Aug<31>2005 Determination of the Part Number (P/N) of the MLG Downlock Actuators Parts Installation [Amended] 60087 (j) Dutch airworthiness directive 2004–047, dated April 20, 2004, also addresses the subject of this AD. Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 3, 2006. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E6–16894 Filed 10–11–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2006–26045; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–145–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires modifying the wiring of the autopilot pitch torque limiter switch. This proposed AD would add repetitive operational tests of the autopilot disconnection upon pitch override, and related investigative/corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD results from the determination that such operational tests are necessary following the modification. We are proposing this AD to prevent possible trim loss when the flightcrew tries to override the autopilot pitch control, which could result in uncontrolled flight of the airplane. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 13, 2006. ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on this proposed AD. • DOT Docket Web site: Go to https:// dms.dot.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. • Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France, for service information identified in this proposed AD. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas Stafford, Aerospace Engineer, E:\FR\FM\12OCP1.SGM 12OCP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 197 (Thursday, October 12, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 60085-60087]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-16894]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2006-26044; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-098-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F.28 Mark 1000, 2000, 
3000, and 4000 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for all Fokker Model F.28 Mark 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 airplanes. 
This proposed AD would require a one-time inspection of the left- and 
right-hand main landing gear (MLG) downlock actuators or a review of 
the airplane maintenance records to determine the part number of each 
downlock actuator installed, and replacement of identified MLG downlock 
actuators with modified MLG downlock actuators. This proposed AD 
results from a report of a failed downlock actuator, which resulted in 
the left MLG collapsing during taxi after landing. We are proposing 
this AD to prevent failure of the downlock actuator, which could 
prevent the MLG side stay from locking properly, resulting in collapse 
of the MLG during ground maneuvers or upon landing.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 13, 
2006.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this proposed AD.
     DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    Contact Fokker Services B.V., Technical Services Dept., P.O. Box 
231, 2150 AE Nieuw-Vennep, the Netherlands, for service information 
identified in this proposed AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ``FAA-2006-
26044; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-098-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the 
proposed AD in light of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of 
that Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our 
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or 
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, 
etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR

[[Page 60086]]

19477-78), or you may visit https://dms.dot.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT 
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System 
receives them.

Discussion

    The Civil Aviation Authority--The Netherlands (CAA-NL), which is 
the airworthiness authority for the Netherlands, notified us that an 
unsafe condition may exist on certain Fokker Model F.28 Mark 1000, 
2000, 3000, and 4000 airplanes. The CAA-NL advises that it received a 
report that a flightcrew of a Model F.28 Mark 3000 airplane received a 
``LH MLG UNSAFE'' warning during approach to landing. The flightcrew 
made an uneventful landing, but during taxi after landing the left main 
landing gear (MLG) collapsed. Investigation into the cause of the 
collapse revealed a failed downlock actuator. The failed downlock 
actuator prevented the MLG side stay assembly from locking properly, 
causing the MLG collapse. Investigators determined that the use of an 
improved (modified) version of the downlock assembly could prevent this 
condition. Failure of the downlock actuator, if not corrected, could 
prevent the MLG side stay from locking properly, resulting in collapse 
of the MLG during ground maneuvers or upon landing.
    The MLG downlock actuators installed on Model F.28 Mark 1000, 2000, 
and 4000 airplanes are identical to those installed on the Model F.28 
Mark 3000 airplanes. Therefore, all of these models may be subject to 
the identified unsafe condition.

Relevant Service Information

    Fokker Services B.V. has issued Service Bulletin F28/32-163, dated 
March 8, 2004. The service bulletin describes procedures for removing 
the MLG downlock actuator, sending it to an approved Dowty Aerospace 
Hydraulics workshop for modification, and reinstalling the modified 
downlock actuator. The modification includes replacing certain parts 
(i.e., spring carrier, nuts, sub-assembly, certain end fittings, and 
bush inserts) and re-identifying certain other parts. Accomplishing the 
actions specified in the service information is intended to adequately 
address the unsafe condition. The CAA-NL mandated the service 
information and issued Dutch airworthiness directive 2004-047, dated 
April 20, 2004, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these 
airplanes in the Netherlands.
    Fokker Service Bulletin F28/32-163 refers to Dowty Aerospace 
Hydraulics--Cheltenham Service Bulletin 32-501R, Revision 1, dated 
September 3, 1998, as an additional source of service information for 
modifying the MLG downlock actuator.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    These airplane models are manufactured in the Netherlands and are 
type certificated for operation in the United States under the 
provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 
21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant 
to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the CAA-NL has kept the FAA 
informed of the situation described above. We have examined the CAA-
NL's findings, evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that 
we need to issue an AD for airplanes of this type design that are 
certificated for operation in the United States.
    Therefore, we are proposing this AD to require a one-time 
inspection of the left- and right-hand MLG downlock actuators or a 
review of the airplane maintenance records to determine the part number 
(P/N) of each MLG downlock actuator installed, and replacement of 
identified MLG downlock actuators with modified MLG downlock actuators.

Costs of Compliance

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

                                                                     Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                  Number of U.S.-
                  Action                       Work     Average labor    Parts       Cost per       registered                  Fleet cost
                                              hours     rate per hour                airplane        airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection of both MLG downlock actuators           1             $80         $0             $80               6  As much as $480.
 (2 per airplane).
Review of the airplane maintenance records          1              80          0              80               6  As much as $480.
 in lieu of the inspection to determine P/
 N.
Replacement of the MLG downlock actuators       \1\ 4              80        \1\          33,662               6  As much as $201,972.
 (2 per airplane).                                                        16,511
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Per actuator.

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 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 that the proposed 
regulation:

[[Page 60087]]

    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); 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 proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. 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, 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

    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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

Fokker Services B.V.: Docket No. FAA-2006-26044; Directorate 
Identifier 2006-NM-098-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by November 
13, 2006.

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 results from a report of a failed downlock actuator, 
which resulted in the left MLG collapsing during taxi after landing. 
We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the downlock actuator, 
which could prevent the MLG side stay from locking properly, 
resulting in collapse of the MLG during ground maneuvers or upon 
landing.

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.

Determination of the Part Number (P/N) of the MLG Downlock Actuators

    (f) Within 66 months after the effective date of this AD: 
Inspect the left- and right-hand MLG downlock actuators to determine 
if P/N 200497005 or 200498005 is installed. A review of airplane 
maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the 
P/N of the MLG downlock actuators can be conclusively determined 
from that review. If an MLG downlock actuator does not have a 
subject P/N, no further action is required by this AD for that MLG 
only, except as provided by paragraph (h) of this AD.

Replacement of Subject MLG Downlock Actuators

    (g) For any MLG downlock actuator identified during the 
inspection or maintenance records review required by paragraph (f) 
of this AD, or for which the P/N cannot be determined: Within 66 
months after the effective date of this AD, replace the MLG downlock 
actuator with a modified MLG downlock actuator in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin F28/32-
163, dated March 8, 2004.


    Note 1: Fokker Service Bulletin F28/32-163 refers to Dowty 
Aerospace Hydraulics--Cheltenham Service Bulletin 32-501R, Revision 
1, dated September 3, 1998, as an additional source of service 
information for modifying the MLG downlock actuator.

Parts Installation

    (h) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install 
an MLG downlock actuator, P/N 200497005 or 200498005, on any 
airplane.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (i)(1) 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.
    (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.  
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the 
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards 
Certificate Holding District Office.

Related Information

    (j) Dutch airworthiness directive 2004-047, dated April 20, 
2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 3, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E6-16894 Filed 10-11-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.