AD 2001-22-08 Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F.28 Series Airplanes

Models named: F.28 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

All Model F.28 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.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent separation of the main landing gear (MLG) from the airplane due to performance degradation of the torque link damper, accomplish the following: Modification and Reidentification (a) Replace MLG torque link dampers having part numbers (P/N) 23700-1 or -3 with dampers having P/N 23700-5, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin (SB) SBF28/32-157 (for Models F.28 Mark 1000 through 4000 series airplanes) or Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-114 (for Model F.28 Mark 0070/0100 series airplanes), both dated October 1, 1999, as applicable; at the times specified in the following table: Table 1.—Compliance Times Fokker F.28 model (mark) designation MLG manufactured by MLG mod. status Compliance required after the effective date of this AD (1) Mk.0100 Dowty Aerospace; MD Pre-Mod SB F100-32-50 Within 15 months. (2) Mk.0100 Dowty Aerospace; MD Post-Mod SB F100-32-50 Within 21 months. (3) Mk.0100 Menasco Aerospace [Reserved] Within 24 months. (4) Mk.0070 Menasco Aerospace [Reserved] Within 24 months. (5) Mk.1000 through Mk.4000 series Dowty Aerospace; MD [Reserved] Within 24 months. Note 2: Installation of torque link dampers with P/N 23700-7 in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF28/32-159, dated October 1, 1999 (for Models F.28 Mark 1000 through 4000 series airplanes), or SBF100-32-116, dated February 1, 2000 (for Model F.28 Mark 0070/0100 series airplanes), as applicable, is acceptable for compliance with paragraph (a) of this AD. Spares (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install torque link damper having P/N 23700-1 or -3, on any airplane. Alternative Methods of Compliance (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, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA. 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 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116. Special Flight Permits (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. Incorporation by Reference (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF28/32-157, dated October 1, 1999; or Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-114, dated October 1, 1999; as applicable. 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., P.O. Box 231, 2150 AE Nieuw-Vennep, 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 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Dutch airworthiness directive 1999-138, dated October 29, 1999. Effective Date (f) This amendment becomes effective on December 4, 2001. Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 22, 2001. Ali Bahrami, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-27069 Filed 10-29-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P