AD 2007-02-20 Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F27 Mark 050 and F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 Airplanes

Models named: F27 Mark 050, F.28 Mark 0070, 0100. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Fokker Model F27 Mark 050 and F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes, certificated in any category; with escape rope assemblies in the flight compartment.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Replacement (f) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD: Remove the two existing escape rope assemblies in the flight compartment and install new escape rope assemblies in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-25-059 (for Model F27 Mark 050 airplanes); and Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-25-099 (for Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes); both dated June 28, 2004. Repeat the removal and installation thereafter at intervals not to exceed 72 months. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (g)(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 (h) Dutch airworthiness directive 2004-159, dated December 24, 2004, also addresses the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (i) You must use Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-25-059, dated June 28, 2004; or Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-25-099, dated June 28, 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 January 17, 2007. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7-1078 Filed 1-25-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from reports of findings of small cracks in the polyester assembly block in which the cotton escape rope is stored. A test revealed that the escape ropes had deteriorated over time, and the load capability was considerably reduced. We are issuing this AD to ensure that flightcrew members safely reach the ground after exiting the flight compartment window during an emergency evacuation.