AD 99-18-12 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.

All Model F27 Mark 050 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 (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 detect cracking of the fuselage between stations 15375 and 16275, at the skin splice above the cabin windows, which could result in depressurization of the cabin and reduced structural integrity of the airplane fuselage, accomplish the following: (a) Prior to the accumulation of 10,000 total flight cycles, or within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, perform a one-time eddy current inspection to detect cracking of the fuselage [[Page 47384]] between stations 15375 and 16275, at the skin splice above the cabin windows, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-53-053, dated February 1, 1997. (b) If any crack is found during the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD: Prior to further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. For a repair method to be approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, as required by this paragraph, the Manager's approval letter must specifically reference this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (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. 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. Special Flight Permits (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. Incorporation by Reference (e) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF50-53- 053, dated February 1, 1997. 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., P.O. Box 231, 2150 AE Nieuw-Vennep, 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 1997-022 (A), dated February 28, 1997. (f) This amendment becomes effective on September 15, 1999. Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 23, 1999. Vi L. Lipski, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 99-22392 Filed 8-30-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U