AD 2008-22-02 Airworthiness Directives; Maryland Air Industries, Inc., Model Fairchild F-27 and FH-227 Series Airplanes

Models named: Fairchild F-27, F-27A, F-27B, F-27F, F-27G, F-27J, F-27M, FH-227, FH-227B, FH-227C. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to all Model Fairchild F-27, F-27A, F-27B, F-27F, F-27G, F-27J, F-27M, FH-227, FH-227B, FH-227C, FH-227D, and FH-227E series airplanes, certificated in any category.

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. Report (f) Within 45 days after the effective date of this AD, submit a report to the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA. The report must include the information listed in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD. Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. ), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements contained in this AD, and assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. (1) The airplane registration and operational status. (2) A plan for how the airplane operator plans to comply with paragraph (g) of this AD. SFAR 88 Design Modifications and Inspection or Maintenance Program Changes (g) Before December 16, 2008, modify the airplane and revise the inspection or maintenance program to incorporate instructions for maintenance and inspection of the fuel tank system, using information developed in accordance with the applicable provisions SFAR 88, Amendment 21-78, and subsequent Amendments 21-82 and 21-83, which are included in a regulation titled “Transport Airplane Fuel Tank System Design Review, Flammability Reduction, and Maintenance and Inspection Requirements” (66 FR 23086, May 7, 2001). Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (h)(1) The Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, ATTN: James Delisio, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Propulsion Branch, ANE-171, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7321; fax (516) 794-5531; has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. Material Incorporated by Reference (i) None. Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 9, 2008. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8-25304 Filed 10-23-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from fuel system safety reviews done on similar airplane models in accordance with Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 88 (SFAR 88). These safety reviews identified potential unsafe conditions on Model Fairchild F-27 and FH-227 series airplanes for which the type certificate holder, Maryland Air Industries, Inc., has not conducted SFAR 88 safety reviews, has not provided corrective actions, and does not plan to do so. We are issuing this AD to reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.