AD 2006-17-09 Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F27 Mark 050 Airplanes

Models named: F27 Mark 050. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to all Fokker Model F27 Mark 050 airplanes, certificated in any category.

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/Corrective Actions (f) For all airplanes: Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, do the actions required by paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-55-012, dated October 11, 2004. (1) Do a detailed inspection of the leading edge sections of the elevators to detect loose leading edges and to ensure that there is no gap between the sections and the front spar, including all applicable corrective actions. All applicable corrective actions must be done before further flight. (2) Determine the type of leading edges installed on the elevators: If the leading edges are single-type, no further action is required by this AD. If the leading edges are divided-type, repeat the inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6 months, until the actions specified in paragraph (g) of this AD have been done. 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.” Modification (g) For airplanes equipped with the “divided type” elevators: Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the leading edge sections of the elevators and apply sealant (including doing the inspection of the gap and all applicable corrective actions), in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-55-013, dated October 11, 2004. All applicable corrective actions must be done before further flight. Accomplishing the actions in this paragraph ends the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (f)(2) of this AD. Note 2: Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-55-013 refers to Fokker Component Service Bulletins F3203-010-55-01 and F3203-011-55-02, both dated October 11, 2004, as additional sources of service information for modifying the leading edge sections of the elevators and applying sealant. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (h)(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 (i) Dutch airworthiness directive NL-2005-001, dated March 23, 2005, also addresses the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (j) You must use Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-55-012, dated October 11, 2004; and Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-55-013, dated October 11, 2004; as applicable; to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of these documents in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Fokker Services B.V., P.O. Box 231, 2150 AE Nieuw-Vennep, the Netherlands, for a copy of this service information. You may review copies at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov ; or at 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. Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 11, 2006. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E6-13731 Filed 8-21-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from reports that the leading edges of the elevators were found loose, although the fasteners were still in place; in one case a stud was broken. In addition, the fastener attachment holes were elongated and worn out, and fretting damage was found on the elevator front spar and balance weights. Investigation revealed that vibration, induced by the propeller slipstream, was the cause of these discrepancies; the stud failure was due to improper installation of the fasteners. We are issuing this AD to prevent jamming, restricting, or binding of the elevators due to loose or missing fasteners, which could make the movement of the elevator difficult and decrease aerodynamic control of the airplane.