Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes, that requires repetitive inspections to detect corrosion in the wheel axles of the main landing gear (MLG) sliding members; and rework of any corroded areas, an inspection to detect cracks in the wheel axles, and replacement of any cracked sliding member. This AD provides for interim actions that may be accomplished in lieu of the repetitive inspections. This AD also requires eventual modifications of the main wheel brake units and the MLG sliding members; when accomplished, these modifications terminate the repetitive inspections and interim actions. This amendment is prompted by a report of failure of an MLG wheel axle during push back of an in-service airplane from the terminal. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the MLG wheel axle due to problems associated with corrosion and cracking.