Summary
We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2000-17- 03 that applies to all Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 0100 airplanes. AD 2000-17-03 currently requires a one-time visual inspection and repetitive eddy current and dye penetrant inspections of the nose landing gear (NLG) main fitting to detect cracking of the NLG main fitting subassembly, and corrective actions if necessary. Since we issued AD 2000-17-03, we were advised that replacement of certain nose landing gear (NLG) units eliminates the need for repetitive inspections. This proposed AD would retain existing requirements, require installation a new part number NLG unit that would terminate the repetitive inspections, and add airplanes to the applicability. We are proposing this AD to prevent cracking of the NLG main fitting, which could lead to collapse of the NLG during takeoff and landing, and possible injury to the flight crew and passengers.