AD 98-03-08 Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F27 Mark 050 Series Airplanes

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

Model F27 Mark 050 series airplanes; serial numbers 20103 through 20108 inclusive, 20110 through 20149 inclusive, 20151 through 20155 inclusive, 20159, and 20160; 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 structural degradation of the window frames of the flight compartment, which could result in depressurization of the airplane during flight, accomplish the following: (a) For airplanes having serial numbers 20103 through 20108 inclusive, and 20110 through 20122 inclusive: Prior to the accumulation of 10,000 total flight cycles, or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, modify the outside edges of the window frames surrounding the sliding windows and direct vision windows of the flight compartment, in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-53-015, dated August 16, 1989. (b) Prior to the accumulation of 15,000 total flight cycles, or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, modify the outside edges of the window frames surrounding the windshield windows and install reinforcement plates on all window frames of the flight compartment; in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-53-016, dated December 20, 1989, or Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-53-048, dated October 17, 1994. (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, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. 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 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116. (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. (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-53-015, dated August 16, 1989; Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-53-016, dated December 20, 1989; or Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-53-048, dated October 17, 1994; 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., Technical Support Department, P.O. Box 75047, 1117 ZN Schiphol Airport, 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 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Dutch airworthiness directives 89-98, dated August 25, 1989; and 1990-002/ 2 (A), dated February 28, 1995. (f) This amendment becomes effective on February 20, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 27, 1998. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-2523 Filed 2-4-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U