AD 98-20-03 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.

All Model F.28 Mark 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 series airplanes, 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 (d) 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 the failure of main landing gear (MLG) torque links, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane on the ground during takeoff or landing, accomplish the following: (a) Within 1,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, perform a visual inspection of the center joint of the MLG torque link for excessive free play, in accordance with Part 1.D. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin F28/32- 151, Revision 1, dated March 12, 1997. (1) If no discrepancy is detected, repeat the visual inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,000 flight cycles. (2) If any discrepancy is detected, prior to further flight, correct the discrepant condition in accordance with Part 1.D. of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. Repeat the visual inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,000 flight cycles. Note 2: Part 1.D. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin F28/32-151, Revision 1, dated March 12, 1997, references Fokker F.28 Airplane Maintenance Manual (AMM), Chapter 32-10-04, as an additional source of service information to accomplish the actions required by this AD. [[Page 50132]] (b) Within 3,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, perform a visual inspection of the MLG assembly for excessive free play, in accordance with Parts 1.A., 1.B., and 1.C. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin F28/32-151, Revision 1, dated March 12, 1997. (1) If no discrepancy is detected, repeat the visual inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3,000 flight cycles. (2) If any discrepancy is detected, prior to further flight, correct the discrepant condition in accordance with Parts 1.A., 1.B., and/or 1.C. of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin, as applicable. Repeat the visual inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3,000 flight cycles. Note 3: Parts 1.A., 1.B., and 1.C. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin F28/32-151, Revision 1, dated March 12, 1997, reference Fokker F.28 AMM, Chapters 32-10-01, 32-10-00, and 32-10-04, as additional sources of service information to accomplish the actions required by this AD. (c) Within 30 months after the effective date of this AD, accomplish paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD. (1) Install torque link dampers and associated sub-assemblies in accordance with Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin F28/32-151, Revision 1, dated March 12, 1997. Accomplishment of the installation constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements of this AD. (2) Revise the FAA-approved maintenance program to incorporate a visual inspection of the oil level of the torque-link dampers thereafter at intervals not to exceed 250 flight hours, and incorporate a scheduled overhaul of each damper concurrent with the overhaul of the MLG on which it is installed, in accordance with Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin F28/32-151, Revision 1, dated March 12, 1997. Note 4: After the maintenance program is revised to include the required inspection and overhaul actions in accordance with paragraph (c)(2) of this AD, operators do not need to make a maintenance log entry to show compliance with this AD each time those actions are accomplished thereafter. (d) 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 5: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116. (e) 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. (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin F28/32-151, Revision 1, dated March 12, 1997, which includes the following list of effective pages: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Revision level Page No. shown on page Date shown on page ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1-6, 10........................ 1.................. March 12, 1997. 7-9, 11-13..................... Original........... August 9, 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 6: The subject of this AD is addressed in Dutch airworthiness directive BLA 1996-103(A), dated August 30, 1996. (g) This amendment becomes effective on October 26, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 11, 1998. Dorenda D. Baker, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-24902 Filed 9-18-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U