AD 98-12-26 Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F.28 Mark 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 Series Airplanes

Models named: F.28 Mark 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model F.28 Mark 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 series airplanes; serial numbers 11003 through 11201 inclusive, 11991, and 11992; on which Fokker Service Bulletin F28/53-125, dated January 23, 1993, has been accomplished; certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise 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 (b) 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 loss of the coupling fitting attachment bolts between the center wing section and the fuselage, and consequent reduced structural integrity of the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Within 3,000 flight cycles or 1 year after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, perform a one-time inspection to determine the torque values of the coupling fitting attachment bolts between the fuselage and the center wing section at fuselage station number 10790, in accordance with Part 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin F28/53-143, dated August 30, 1996. (1) If the torque values are within the limits specified by the service bulletin, no further action is required by this AD. (2) If the torque value of any bolt is outside the limits specified by the service bulletin, prior to further flight, re- torque the bolt in accordance with the service bulletin. (b) 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. (c) 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. (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin F28/53-143, dated August 30, 1996. 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 directive 1996-119 (A), dated September 30, 1996. (e) This amendment becomes effective on July 15, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 3, 1998. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-15251 Filed 6-9-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U