Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report summarizing each FAApublic contact concerned with the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.

Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this notice must submit a selfaddressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments to Docket Number 2000NM293AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM114, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000NM293AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 980554056.

Discussion

The Rijksluchtvaartdienst (RLD), which is the airworthiness authority for the Netherlands, notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on all Fokker Model F.28 Mark 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 series airplanes. The RLD advises that it received two reports of inadvertent liftdumper deployments during takeoff roll. In each case, the flight crew did not notice anything abnormal; however, the liftdumper deployment was noticed and reported by outside observers. Subsequent investigation revealed some minor irregularities, but failed to establish the exact cause.

Results of a special test program performed by Fokker Services B.V. revealed that, with the throttle levers in full forward position and the liftdumper system armed, the rollers of both 75 percent liftdumper micro switches ran off the end of the cam. This caused the liftdumpers to deploy when the (simulated) wheel speed exceeded 50 knots and to remain extended until liftoff. Under normal circumstances, when the throttle levers are moved beyond approximately 75 percent high pressure (HP) revolutions per minute (rpm), these cams activate the micro switches to prevent liftdumper extension.

Improper rigging of the liftdumper micro switches could result in inadvertent extension of the liftdumpers during takeoff roll. Explanation of Relevant Service Information

Fokker Services B.V. has issued Fokker Service Bulletin F28/27186, including Manual Change Notification MCNM F28020, dated May 8, 2000. The service bulletin describes procedures for a onetime general visual inspection for proper rigging of the liftdumper micro switches installed in the left and righthand sides of the pedestal; a functional check of the micro switches; and rerigging the cam, if necessary. The RLD classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued Dutch airworthiness directive 2000073, dated May 31, 2000, in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in the Netherlands.

FAA's Conclusions

This airplane model is manufactured in the Netherlands and is type certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the RLD has kept the FAA informed of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the RLD, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for operation in the United States.

Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule

Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered in the United States, the proposed AD would require accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletin described previously. Cost Impact

The FAA estimates that 23 airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 4 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $5,520, or $240 per airplane.

The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact

The regulations proposed herein 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. Therefore, it is determined that this proposal would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that 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) if promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft regulatory evaluation prepared for this
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action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety. The Proposed Amendment

Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39AIRWORTHINESS 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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive:

Fokker Services B.V.: Docket 2000NM293AD.

Applicability: 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 (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.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To detect and correct improper rigging of the liftdumper micro switches, which could result in inadvertent extension of the liftdumpers during takeoff roll, accomplish the following:
Inspection and Functional Check
(a) Within 2 months after the effective date of this AD: Perform a onetime general visual inspection for proper rigging of the liftdumper micro switches installed in the leftand righthand sides of the pedestal; and a functional check of the micro switches; as specified in Fokker Service Bulletin F28/27186, including Manual Change Notification MCNM F28020, dated May 8, 2000. Perform the inspection and the check in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. If the micro switches are not rigged within the specifications provided in the service bulletin, prior to further flight, rerig the cam in accordance with the service bulletin.

Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is defined as: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight, and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.''
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(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, ANM116, 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, ANM116.

Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the International Branch, ANM116.
Special Flight Permits
(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.

Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Dutch airworthiness directive 2000073, dated May 31, 2000.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 13, 2000. Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 0024000 Filed 91800; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 491013P

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Norman B. Martenson, Manager, International Branch, ANM116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 980554056; telephone (425) 2272110; fax (425) 2271149.