AD 98-12-35 Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F27 Mark 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 Series Airplanes

Models named: F27 Mark 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model F27 Mark 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 series airplanes; equipped with Dunlop main landing gear (MLG) actuating rams having part number (P/N) AC67132, AC67134, AC67848, or AC67850; 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 loss of dampening of the MLG actuating ram, which could result in failure of the MLG lockstruts, and consequent structural damage to the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Within 4,000 flight hours or 2 years after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, replace the actuating ram bobbin, O-ring seals, and back-up O-ring seals of the MLG with new bobbins and improved O-ring seals, in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin F27/32-168, dated October 23, 1996. Note 2: Dunlop Equipment Division Service Bulletin SB 32-1142, dated October 22, 1996, and Revision 1, dated January 14, 1997, provides service information for accomplishment of the modification. [[Page 32608]] (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install on any airplane a Dunlop Main Undercarriage Ram, part number (P/N) AC67132, AC67134, AC67848, or AC67850, unless it has been modified in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin F27/32-168, dated October 23, 1996. (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 request through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116. Note 3: 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 replacement shall be done in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin F27/32-168, dated October 23, 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 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Dutch airworthiness directive 1996-142(A), dated November 29, 1996. (f) This amendment becomes effective on July 20, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 5, 1998. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-15677 Filed 6-12-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U