[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 59 (Monday, March 27, 2000)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 16154-16157]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-7459]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 99-NM-354-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB 340B and SAAB 2000
Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes the supersedure of an existing
airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB
340B and SAAB 2000 series airplanes, that currently requires an
inspection of the fluorescent lamps in the cabin area to ensure correct
installation, and correction, if necessary; and an inspection of the
lampholders to identify any discrepancies and to ensure the security of
the back covers, and replacement of discrepant lampholders with new
lampholders; installation of retaining clips on certain Page Aerospace
lampholders; and reinspection of the lamps to ensure correct
installation after replacement or reinstallation of the lamps or
lampholders, and corrections, if necessary. This action would add a
requirement for replacement of the electronic light ballasts with
improved ballasts, which would terminate the reinspections. This action
would also expand the applicability of the existing AD. This proposal
is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness
information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions
specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent electrical arcing
between the fluorescent tube pins and the lampholders, which could burn
the surrounding area and lead to smoke and fumes in the passenger
compartment or lavatory area.
DATES: Comments must be received by April 26, 2000.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-354-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be
obtained from SAAB Aircraft AB, SAAB Aircraft Product Support, S-
581.88, Linkoping, Sweden. This information may be examined at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norman B. Martenson, Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as
they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments,
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in
light of the comments received.
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 FAA-public 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 self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 99-NM-354-AD.'' 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, ANM-114, Attention: Rules
Docket No. 99-NM-354-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055-4056.
Discussion
On June 13, 1997, the FAA issued AD 97-13-06, amendment 39-10052
(62 FR 33545, June 20, 1997), applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB
340B and SAAB 2000 series airplanes, to require an inspection of the
fluorescent lamps in the cabin area to ensure correct installation, and
corrections, if necessary. That AD also requires an inspection of the
lampholders to identify any discrepancies and to ensure the security of
the back covers, and replacement of discrepant lampholders with new
lampholders; installation of retaining clips on certain Page Aerospace
lampholders; and reinspection of the lamps to ensure correct
installation after replacement or reinstallation of the lamps or
lampholders, and corrections, if necessary. That action was prompted by
reports indicating that loose back covers on the lampholders and
incorrect lamp installations have led to electrical arcing between
fluorescent tube pins and lampholders and consequent charring or
melting of the affected areas. The requirements of that AD are intended
to prevent such electrical arcing, which could burn the surrounding
area and lead to smoke and fumes in the passenger compartment or
lavatory area.
Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule
Since the issuance of that AD, the Luftfartsverket (LFV), which is
the airworthiness authority for Sweden, has advised the FAA that
additional Model SAAB 340B and SAAB 2000 series airplanes may be
subject to fluorescent lampholder charring due to the incorrect
installation of fluorescent lamps in their holders. Additionally, the
LFV has advised the FAA that a modification is now available that will
eliminate the need for reinspecting the fluorescent lamps following
each replacement or reinstallation of the lamps or lampholders.
[[Page 16155]]
In the preamble to AD 97-13-06, the FAA indicated that the actions
required by that AD were considered ``interim action'' and that further
rulemaking action was being considered. The FAA now has determined that
further rulemaking action is indeed necessary, and this proposed AD
follows from that determination.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
Saab has issued Service Bulletins 340-33-048, Revision 01, dated
January 21, 1999 (for Model SAAB 340B series airplanes), and 2000-33-
015 (for Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes), dated January 29, 1999.
These service bulletins describe procedures for replacement of the
electronic light ballasts with improved ballasts, which would eliminate
the need for reinspection of the fluorescent lampholders. Additionally,
Service Bulletin 340-33-048, Revision 01, references Service Bulletin
340-33-049, dated January 21, 1999, which describes procedures for
concurrent modification of the ballasts to ensure sufficient clearance
between the ballast and certain transistors.
Saab also has issued Service Bulletin 340-33-047, Revision 01,
dated June 26, 1998. The procedures in Revision 01 are identical to
those in the original issue of the service bulletin, which is cited as
the appropriate source of service information in AD 97-13-06 for Model
SAAB 340B series airplanes. However, Revision 01 specifies additional
airplanes in the effectivity of the service bulletin, and adds a
reference to Saab Service Bulletin 340-33-048 (Saab Modification No.
2936), which would eliminate the need for reinspections of the lamps.
The LFV classified Service Bulletin 340-33-047, Revision 01, as
mandatory, and approved Service Bulletins 340-33-048, Revision 01; 340-
33-049; and 2000-33-015; and issued Swedish airworthiness directives 1-
113R1 and 1-114R1, both dated September 8, 1998, in order to assure the
continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Sweden.
FAA's Conclusions
These airplane models are manufactured in Sweden and are 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 LFV has kept the FAA informed of
the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the
LFV, 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 supersede AD 97-13-06 to
continue to require the actions specified in that AD, and to add a
requirement for replacement of the electronic light ballasts with
improved ballasts, which would terminate the requirement for
reinspections of the lamps. The proposed AD would also expand the
applicability of the existing AD to include additional Model SAAB 340B
and SAAB 2000 series airplanes that are also subject to the identified
unsafe condition. The actions would be required to be accomplished in
accordance with the service bulletins described previously, except as
discussed below.
Differences Between Proposed Rule and Service Bulletin
Operators should note that this AD proposes to mandate, within 18
months, the replacement of the light ballasts with improved ballasts as
terminating action for the reinspections. (Incorporation of the
terminating action specified in this service bulletin is optional in
Swedish airworthiness directives 1-113R1 and 1-114R1.)
The FAA has determined that long-term continued operational safety
will be better assured by design changes to remove the source of the
problem, rather than by repetitive inspections. Long-term inspections
may not be providing the degree of safety assurance necessary for the
transport airplane fleet. This, coupled with a better understanding of
the human factors associated with numerous continual inspections, has
led the FAA to consider placing less emphasis on inspections and more
emphasis on design improvements. The proposed replacement requirement
is consistent with these conditions.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 78 airplanes of U.S. registry that would be
affected by this proposed AD.
The actions that are currently required by AD 97-13-06 take
approximately 7 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost
impact of the currently required actions on U.S. operators is estimated
to be $420 per airplane.
The new actions that are proposed in this AD action would take as
much as 9 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor
rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would be provided free of
charge by the manufacturer. Based on these figures, the cost impact of
the proposed requirements of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to
be $42,120, or $540 per airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are 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.
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 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:
[[Page 16156]]
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. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-10052 (62 FR
33545, June 20, 1997), and by adding a new airworthiness directive
(AD), to read as follows:
SAAB Aircraft AB: Docket 99-NM-354-AD. Supersedes AD 97-13-06,
Amendment 39-10052.
Applicability: This AD applies to the following airplanes:
Model SAAB 340B series airplanes having serial numbers
-342 and -359 through -460 inclusive, certificated in any category;
except those on which Saab Service Bulletin 340-33-048, Revision 01,
dated January 21, 1999 (Saab Modification No. 2936), has been
incorporated; and
Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes having serial numbers
-004 through -063 inclusive, certificated in any category; except
those on which Saab Service Bulletin 2000-33-015, dated January 29,
1999 (Saab Modification No. 6148), has been incorporated.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
otherwise 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 (f)(1)
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 prevent electrical arcing between the fluorescent tube pins
and the lampholders, which could burn the surrounding area and lead
to smoke and fumes in the passenger compartment or lavatory area,
accomplish the following:
Restatement of Requirements of AD 97-13-06
Inspections
(a) For Model SAAB 340B series airplanes having serial numbers -
342 and -359 through -439 inclusive; and Model SAAB 2000 series
airplanes having serial numbers -004 through -059 inclusive: Within
30 days after July 7, 1997 (the effective date of AD 97-13-06,
amendment 39-10052), accomplish the actions required by paragraphs
(a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3), as applicable.
(1) For all airplanes: Inspect the fluorescent lamps installed
in the ceiling/window of the lavatory and passenger compartment to
ensure correct installation; and inspect the lampholders for
discrepancies such as discoloration, evidence of electrical arcing
at the light tube pins, charring or melting, or insecure back
covers; in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-33-047, dated
May 16, 1997 (for Model SAAB 340B series airplanes); or Saab Service
Bulletin 2000-33-014, dated May 16, 1997 (for Model SAAB 2000 series
airplanes); as applicable.
(i) If any lamp is installed incorrectly, prior to further
flight, install the lamp correctly in accordance with the applicable
service bulletin.
(ii) If any discrepancy is found, prior to further flight,
replace the lampholder with a new lampholder in accordance with the
applicable service bulletin.
(2) For Model SAAB 340B series airplanes on which a Page
Aerospace lampholder having part number (P/N) D756-02-001 is
installed: Install a retaining clip in accordance with Saab Service
Bulletin 340-33-040, Revision 02, dated February 20, 1997.
Note 2: Installation of retaining clips on Page Aerospace
lampholders that was accomplished prior to July 7, 1997, in
accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-33-040, Revision 01, dated
January 31, 1997, also is considered acceptable for compliance with
the requirement of paragraph (a)(2) of this AD.
(3) For Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes on which a Page
Aerospace lampholder having P/N C756-10-001 is installed: Install a
retaining clip in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 2000-33-009,
dated June 19, 1996.
Reinspections Following Replacement or Reinstallation
(b) Following the accomplishment of the requirements of
paragraph (a) or paragraph (c) of this AD: If any fluorescent lamp
or lampholder is replaced or reinstalled, within 7 days after
accomplishing such replacement or reinstallation, reinspect the lamp
to ensure it is still in the correct position, in accordance with
Saab Service Bulletin 340-33-047, dated May 16, 1997, or Revision
01, dated June 26, 1998 (for Model SAAB 340B series airplanes); or
Saab Service Bulletin 2000-33-014, dated May 16, 1997 (for Model
SAAB 2000 series airplanes); as applicable. If any lamp is installed
incorrectly, prior to further flight, make corrections to ensure
correct installation in accordance with the applicable service
bulletin.
New Requirements of This AD
Inspections for Additional Airplanes
(c) For airplanes other than those specified in paragraph (a) of
this AD: Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD,
accomplish the requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD, and
thereafter accomplish the requirements of paragraph (b) of this AD.
Terminating Modification
(d) For all airplanes: Within 18 months after the effective date
of this AD, accomplish the requirements of paragraph (d)(1) or
(d)(2) of this AD, as applicable. Accomplishment of the actions
required by the applicable paragraph constitutes terminating action
for the requirements of this AD.
(1) For Model SAAB 340B series airplanes: Replace the electronic
light ballasts with improved ballasts, in accordance with Saab
Service Bulletin 340-33-048, Revision 01, dated January 21, 1999.
Concurrent with the replacement, modify the ballasts to ensure
sufficient clearance between the ballast and certain transistors, in
accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-33-049, dated January 21,
1999.
(2) For Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes: Replace the electronic
light ballasts with improved ballasts, in accordance with Saab
Service Bulletin 2000-33-015, dated January 29, 1999.
Spares
(e) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install
a fluorescent lampholder having Page Aerospace P/N D756-02-001 or
Page Aerospace P/N C756-10-001 on any Model SAAB 340B or SAAB 2000
series airplane, unless the lampholder has been modified in
accordance with the requirements of paragraph (a)(2) or (a)(3) of
this AD, as applicable.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(f)(1) 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, ANM-116, 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, ANM-116.
(2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in
accordance with AD 97-13-06, amendment 39-10052, are approved as
[[Page 16157]]
alternative methods of compliance with this AD.
Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.
Special Flight Permits
(g) 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 Swedish
airworthiness directives 1-113R1 and 1-114R1, both dated September
8, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 21, 2000.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-7459 Filed 3-24-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P