[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 136 (Friday, July 15, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41665-41667]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-17576]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2011-0307; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-111-AD;
Amendment 39-16747; AD 2011-14-12]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems Model SAAB
2000 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:
A report has been received of an incident where one of the two
bolts attaching the actuator mounting bracket to the MLG [main
landing gear] Shock Strut was found loose, leading to failure of the
other attachment bolt, subsequently resulting in failure of the
bracket.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could prevent the
MLG to extend to the full down-and-locked position, possibly
resulting in MLG collapse upon landing or during roll-out, with
consequent damage to the aeroplane and injury to the occupants.
* * * * *
We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective August 19, 2011.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 1,
2011.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace
Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane
Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356;
telephone (425) 227-1112; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products.
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on April 8, 2011 (76 FR
19719). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
A report has been received of an incident where one of the two
bolts attaching the actuator mounting bracket to the MLG Shock Strut
was found loose, leading to failure of the other attachment bolt,
subsequently resulting in failure of the bracket.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could prevent the
MLG to extend to the full down-and-locked position, possibly
resulting in MLG collapse upon landing or during roll-out, with
consequent damage to the aeroplane and injury to the occupants.
To correct this potentially unsafe condition, SAAB has published
Service Bulletin (SB) 2000-32-073, describing a [detailed]
inspection of the attachment bolts [and nuts] to detect any loose
bolts [and nuts], follow-up corrective action(s), depending on
findings, and the installation of the correct number of washers.
For the reasons described above, this EASA AD requires the
accomplishment of the actions described in SAAB SB 2000-32-073.
Required actions, if any loose parts are found, include replacing the
bolt with a new bolt, and then doing a detailed inspection of the bolts
for uniform or fretting corrosion; a detailed inspection of the
actuator mounting bracket and shock struts for damage, cracks, and
signs of corrosion; and doing corrective actions if necessary.
Corrective actions include removing corrosion, replacing affected bolts
with new bolts, tightening loose nuts, repairing, and installing the
correct number of washers. You may obtain further information by
examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost to the public.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
We might also have required different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences
are highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect about 8 products of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that it will take about 1 work-hour per
product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $1,039
per product. Where the service information lists required parts costs
that are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no
charge for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for
affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated
here. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the
U.S. operators to be $8,992, or $1,124 per product.
In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would
take about 10 work-hours and require parts costing $1,039, for a cost
of $1,889 per
[[Page 41666]]
product. We have no way of determining the number of products that may
need these actions.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD:
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. 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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly
after receipt.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
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]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
2011-14-12 Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems: Amendment 39-16747. Docket No.
FAA-2011-0307; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-111-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective August
19, 2011.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems Model SAAB
2000 airplanes, certificated in any category.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32: Landing
gear.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
A report has been received of an incident where one of the two
bolts attaching the actuator mounting bracket to the MLG [main
landing gear] Shock Strut was found loose, leading to failure of the
other attachment bolt, subsequently resulting in failure of the
bracket.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could prevent the
MLG to extend to the full down-and-locked position, possibly
resulting in MLG collapse upon landing or during roll-out, with
consequent damage to the aeroplane and injury to the occupants.
* * * * *
Compliance
(f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Inspection
(g) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, do a
detailed inspection for any loose top bolt and nut of the shock
strut actuator mounting bracket of both the left-hand and right-hand
main landing gear (MLG), in accordance with paragraph 2.B. of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-32-073,
Revision 01, dated October 20, 2009.
Corrective Actions
(h) If any loose bolt or nut is found during the inspection
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight, replace
the bolt with a new bolt and accomplish paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2)
of this AD, in accordance with paragraph 2.C. of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-32-073, Revision 01,
dated October 20, 2009.
(1) Do a detailed inspection of the bottom bolts for uniform or
fretting corrosion. If any corrosion is found, before further
flight, accomplish all applicable corrective actions, in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-
32-073, Revision 01, dated October 20, 2009.
(2) Do a detailed inspection for damage, cracks, and other signs
of deterioration of the actuator mounting bracket and shock strut.
If signs of damage, cracks, or other signs of deterioration are
found on the actuator mounting bracket or the shock strut, before
further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by the
Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane
Directorate, FAA, or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or
its delegated agent).
(i) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, unless
already accomplished in accordance with paragraph (h) of this AD,
install the correct number of washers for both the top and bottom
bolts of the shock strut actuator mounting bracket of both MLG, in
accordance with paragraph 2.C. of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Saab Service Bulletin 2000-32-073, Revision 01, dated October 20,
2009.
Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service
Information
(j) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 2000-32-073, dated June 26,
2009, are considered acceptable for compliance with the
corresponding actions specified in this AD.
FAA AD Differences
Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service
information as follows:
No differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(k) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for
this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In
accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal
inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate.
If sending information directly to the International Branch, send it
to ATTN: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer, International
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-
[[Page 41667]]
3356; telephone (425) 227-1112; fax (425) 227-1149. Information may
be e-mailed to: [email protected]. Before using any
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight
standards district office/certificate holding district office. The
AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
Related Information
(l) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2010-0069, dated
April 14, 2010; and Saab Service Bulletin 2000-32-073, Revision 01,
dated October 20, 2009; for related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(m) You must use Saab Service Bulletin 2000-32-073, Revision 01,
dated October 20, 2009, to do the actions required by this AD,
unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Saab
AB, Saab Aerosystems, SE-581 88, Link[ouml]ping, Sweden; telephone
+46 13 18 5591; fax +46 13 18 4874; e-mail
[email protected]; Internet http://www.saabgroup.com.
(3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at
the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
(4) You may also review copies of the service information that
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this
material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 1, 2011.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-17576 Filed 7-14-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P