Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a design review that revealed that a wiring failure, external to the center wing fuel tank, could cause a hot short circuit to a maximum level sensor wire, and result in excessive heating of the maximum level sensor element. This AD requires modifying the wiring of the maximum level sensors in the center wing fuel tank, performing after-installation tests, and corrective action if necessary. This AD also requires revising the airplane maintenance or inspection program to incorporate fuel airworthiness limitation items and critical design configuration control limitations. We are issuing this AD to prevent the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.