[Federal Register: March 3, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 42)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 11366-11369]
[DOCID:fr03mr08-17]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0231; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-218-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Fokker F.28 Mark 0070 and Mark 0100
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation
authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe
condition as:

    To date, there have been at least 10 reported events on Fokker
70 (F28 Mark 0070) and Fokker 100 (F28 Mark 0100) aircraft where the
flight crew manually overpowered the autopilot, inadvertently
neglecting to disengage the autopilot. * * * When the autopilot is
not disengaged, the elevator servomotor is overpowered and the
horizontal stabilizer is moved by the Automatic Flight Control &
Augmentation System (AFCAS) auto-trim in a direction opposite to the
(manual) deflection of the elevator, causing high elevator control
forces. This condition, if not corrected, could cause the stabilizer
to move to an extreme out-of-trim position, creating the (remote)
possibility of loss of control of the aircraft, due to the extreme
control loads.

    The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address
the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 2, 2008.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax:<PHONE_NUMBER>.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-40, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://
www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket Operations office (telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>) is
in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket
shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer,

International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425)
227-1137; fax<PHONE_NUMBER>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2008-0231;
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-218-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD based on those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://
www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The Civil Aviation Authority--The Netherlands (CAA-NL), which is
the aviation authority for the Netherlands, has issued Dutch
Airworthiness Directive NL-2006-010, dated July 14, 2006 (referred to
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:

    To date, there have been at least 10 reported events on Fokker
70 (F28 Mark 0070) and Fokker 100 (F28 Mark 0100) aircraft where the
flight crew manually overpowered the autopilot, inadvertently
neglecting to disengage the autopilot. Detailed investigation of
these incidents has shown that this usually occurs in a high
workload environment that demands immediate manual control of the
aircraft by the pilot flying, e.g., terrain warning. When the
autopilot is not disengaged, the elevator servomotor is overpowered
and the horizontal stabilizer is moved by the Automatic Flight
Control & Augmentation System (AFCAS) auto-trim in a direction
opposite to the (manual) deflection of the elevator, causing high
elevator control forces. This condition, if not corrected, could
cause the stabilizer to move to an extreme out-of-trim position,
creating the (remote) possibility of loss of control of the
aircraft, due to the extreme control loads. In the original design
of AFCAS, operation of the control wheel-mounted stabilizer trim
switches has no effect when the autopilot is engaged. Based on the
assumption that stabilizer trim switches will be operated by the
pilot flying when encountering high control forces, an Autopilot
Disconnect Unit has been developed that disconnects the autopilot
when the stabilizer trim switches are operated. Since a potentially
unsafe condition has been identified that may exist or develop on
aircraft of this type design, this Airworthiness Directive requires
the installation of Autopilot Disconnect Units and associated wiring
changes.

    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Fokker Services B.V. has issued Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-22-
050, dated April 25, 2006, including the drawings listed in the
following table. The actions described in this service information are
intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

                           Drawings Included in Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-27-050
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Fokker drawing                Sheet              Issue                           Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
W41501................................        057  CQ.......................  April 25, 2006.
W41501................................        058  CQ.......................  April 25, 2006.
W41501................................        059  CQ.......................  April 25, 2006.
W41501................................        060  CQ.......................  April 25, 2006.
W41501................................        061  CR.......................  April 25, 2006.
W41501................................        062  CR.......................  April 25, 2006.
W41504................................        009  K........................  April 25, 2006.
W41504................................        010  K........................  April 25, 2006.
W41504................................        011  J........................  April 25, 2006.
W41504................................        012  L........................  April 25, 2006.
W41504................................        013  L........................  April 25, 2006.
W46140................................         27  AR.......................  March 5, 2002.
W46140................................         28  AR.......................  March 8, 2002.
W46143................................         02  K........................  February 26, 2002.
W46143................................         03  K........................  March 8, 2002.
W46144................................         06  R........................  March 4, 2002.
W46144................................         07  S........................  March 7, 2002.
W46912................................         01  D........................  March 12, 2002.
W46930................................         01  Original.................  March 14, 2002.
W46930................................         02  E........................  March 14, 2002.
W46932................................         01  D........................  March 13, 2002.
W59140................................        177  GC.......................  February 8, 2006.
W59140................................        178  GB.......................  February 6, 2006.
W59140................................        221  GB.......................  February 6, 2006.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these
changes, we do not intend to differ

substantively from the information provided in the MCAI and related
service information.
    We might also have proposed different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are
highlighted in a NOTE within the proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD
would affect about 12 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that
it would take about 27 work-hours per product to comply with the basic
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per
work-hour. Required parts would cost about $3,000 per product. Where
the service information lists required parts costs that are covered
under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these
costs. As we do not control warranty coverage for affected parties,
some parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based on these
figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to
be $61,920, or $5,160 per product.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
    3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

    2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

Fokker Services B.V.: Docket No. FAA-2008-0231; Directorate
Identifier 2007-NM-218-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by April 2, 2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Fokker Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100
airplanes, all serial numbers; certificated in any category.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 22: Auto
flight.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:

    To date, there have been at least 10 reported events on Fokker
70 (F28 Mark 0070) and Fokker 100 (F28 Mark 0100) aircraft where the
flight crew manually overpowered the autopilot, inadvertently
neglecting to disengage the autopilot. Detailed investigation of
these incidents has shown that this usually occurs in a high
workload environment that demands immediate manual control of the
aircraft by the pilot flying, e.g. terrain warning. When the
autopilot is not disengaged, the elevator servomotor is overpowered
and the horizontal stabilizer is moved by the Automatic Flight
Control & Augmentation System (AFCAS) auto-trim in a direction
opposite to the (manual) deflection of the elevator, causing high
elevator control forces. This condition, if not corrected, could
cause the stabilizer to move to an extreme out-of-trim position,
creating the (remote) possibility of loss of control of the
aircraft, due to the extreme control loads. In the original design
of AFCAS, operation of the control wheel-mounted stabilizer trim
switches has no effect when the autopilot is engaged. Based on the
assumption that stabilizer trim switches will be operated by the
pilot flying when encountering high control forces, an Autopilot
Disconnect Unit has been developed that disconnects the autopilot
when the stabilizer trim switches are operated. Since a potentially
unsafe condition has been identified that may exist or develop on
aircraft of this type design, this Airworthiness Directive requires
the installation of Autopilot Disconnect Units and associated wiring
changes.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, unless
already done, install autopilot disconnect units and do associated
wiring changes in accordance with Section 3, ``Accomplishment
Instructions,'' of Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-22-050, dated
April 25, 2006, including the drawings listed in Table 1 of this AD.

                      Table 1.--Drawings Included in Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-27-050
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Fokker drawing                Sheet              Issue                           Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
W41501................................        057  CQ.......................  April 25, 2006.
W41501................................        058  CQ.......................  April 25, 2006.
W41501................................        059  CQ.......................  April 25, 2006.
W41501................................        060  CQ.......................  April 25, 2006.
W41501................................        061  CR.......................  April 25, 2006.
W41501................................        062  CR.......................  April 25, 2006.
W41504................................        009  K........................  April 25, 2006.
W41504................................        010  K........................  April 25, 2006.

W41504................................        011  J........................  April 25, 2006.
W41504................................        012  L........................  April 25, 2006.
W41504................................        013  L........................  April 25, 2006.
W46140................................         27  AR.......................  March 5, 2002.
W46140................................         28  AR.......................  March 8, 2002.
W46143................................         02  K........................  February 26, 2002.
W46143................................         03  K........................  March 8, 2002.
W46144................................         06  R........................  March 4, 2002.
W46144................................         07  S........................  March 7, 2002.
W46912................................         01  D........................  March 12, 2002.
W46930................................         01  Original.................  March 14, 2002.
W46930................................         02  E........................  March 14, 2002.
W46932................................         01  D........................  March 13, 2002.
W59140................................        177  GC.......................  February 8, 2006.
W59140................................        178  GB.......................  February 6, 2006.
W59140................................        221  GB.......................  February 6, 2006.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FAA AD Differences

    Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Tom
Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057-3356; telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>; fax<PHONE_NUMBER>.
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local
FSDO.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to MCAI Dutch Airworthiness Directive NL-2006-010,
dated July 14, 2006; and Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-22-050,
dated April 25, 2006, including the drawings listed in Table 1 of
this AD; for related information.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 25, 2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
 [FR Doc. E8-3971 Filed 2-29-08; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 208 (Friday, October 28, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 65203-65204]
[FR Doc No: 2022-23524]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-10263-01-ORD]

Ambient Air Monitoring Reference and Equivalent Methods;
Designation of One New Equivalent Method

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice of the designation of a new equivalent method for
monitoring ambient air quality.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) has designated one new equivalent method for measuring
concentrations of Particulate Matter in the 2.5-micron range
(PM2.5) in ambient air.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Vanderpool, Air Methods and
Characterization Division (MD-D205-03), Center for Environmental
Measurements and Modeling, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North
Carolina 27711. Phone:<PHONE_NUMBER>. Email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with regulations at 40 CFR
part 53, the EPA evaluates various methods for monitoring the
concentrations of those ambient air pollutants for which EPA has
established National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) as set forth
in 40 CFR part 50. Monitoring methods that are determined to meet
specific requirements for adequacy are designated by the EPA as either
reference or equivalent methods (as applicable), thereby permitting
their use under 40 CFR part 58 by States and other agencies for
determining compliance with the NAAQS. A list of all reference or
equivalent methods that have been previously designated by EPA may be
found at http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/criteria.html.
    The EPA hereby announces the designation of one new equivalent
method for measuring concentrations of Particulate Matter in the 2.5-
micron range (PM2.5) in ambient air. This designation is
made under the provisions of 40 CFR part 53, as amended on October 26,
2015 (80 FR 65291-65468).
    The new equivalent method for PM2.5 is an automated
method (analyzer) utilizing an optically based measurement principle.
This newly designated equivalent method is identified as follows:
    EQPM-0922-260 ``Ambilabs Model 2WIN PM2.5 FEM Monitor''
Optically based continuous ambient particulate analyzer operated at a
volumetric flow rate of 2 Lpm, equipped with Ambilabs omnidirectional
sampling inlet (P/N: M9003011), an Ambilabs 2 Lpm sharp cut cyclone
inlet (P/N: A001025), and an Ambilabs ambient temperature sensor (P/N:
AL-2WIN-TEMP) configured for operation with firmware version 1.36 or
later, and operated in accordance with the Ambilabs 2WIN operations
manual. The 2WIN PM2.5 FEM Monitor is set for red and blue
scattering coefficients and the internal sample conditioning must be
set for an RH < 35%. The Monitor can be operated either outside in an
Ambilabs environmental enclosure (P/N: Neph Shelter) or as tabletop or
wall mount in an AC controlled shelter. This designation applies to
PM2.5 measurements only.
    This application for an equivalent method determination for this
PM2.5 method was received by the Office of Research and
Development on July 12, 2022. This analyzer is commercially available
from the applicant, Ambilabs, 100 Elm Street, Warren, RI 02885.
    A representative test analyzer was tested in accordance with the
applicable test procedures specified in 40 CFR part 53, as amended on
October 26, 2015. After reviewing the results of those tests and other
information submitted by the applicant, EPA has determined, in
accordance with part 53, that this method should be designated as an
equivalent method.
    As a designated equivalent method, this method is acceptable for
use by states and other air monitoring agencies under the requirements
of 40 CFR part 58, Ambient Air Quality Surveillance. For such purposes,
this method must be used in strict accordance with the operation or
instruction manual associated with the method and subject to any
specifications and limitations (e.g., configuration or operational
settings) specified in the designated method description (see the
identification of the method above).
    Use of the method also should be in general accordance with the
guidance and recommendations of applicable sections of the ``Quality
Assurance Handbook for Air Pollution Measurement Systems, Volume I,''
EPA/600/R-94/038a and ``Quality Assurance Handbook for Air Pollution
Measurement Systems, Volume II, Ambient Air Quality Monitoring
Program,'' EPA-454/B-13-003, (both available at http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/qalist.html). Provisions concerning modification of such methods
by users are specified under Section 2.8 (Modifications of Methods by
Users) of Appendix C to 40 CFR part 58.
    Consistent or repeated noncompliance with any of these conditions
should be reported to: Director, Air Methods and Characterization
Division (MD-D205-03), Center for Environmental Measurements and
Modeling, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park,
North Carolina 27711.
    Designation of this equivalent method is intended to assist the
States in establishing and operating their air quality surveillance
systems under 40 CFR part 58. Questions concerning the commercial
availability or technical

aspects of the method should be directed to the applicant.

Alice Gilliland,
Director (Acting), Center for Environmental Measurements and Modeling.
[FR Doc. 2022-23524 Filed 10-27-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P