[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 106 (Monday, June 3, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 33010-33012]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-13006]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0460; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-222-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems Model 340B airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by a report that the elevator position quoted in an aircraft
maintenance manual is incorrect for Saab 340B airplane. This proposed
AD would require an inspection of the stick pusher rigging and an
adjustment to the correct setting if necessary. We are proposing this
AD to correct the rigging of the elevator position of the stick pusher
to reduce the probability of a negative effect on the handling quality
during stall, which could result in reduced controllability of the
airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 18, 2013.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics, SE-581 88, Link[ouml]ping, Sweden; telephone
+46 13 18 5591; fax +46 13 18 4874; email
[email protected]; Internet http://www.saabgroup.com.
You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-
227-1221.
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 this proposed AD, 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.
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:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2013-0460;
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-222-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD based on those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the aviation
authority for the Member States of the European Community, has issued
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2012-0256, dated December 3, 2012
(referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
The standard stick pusher maximum elevator position of a SAAB
340B, prior to delivery, is set at 7.5 degrees trailing edge down.
It was recently discovered that this value has been incorrectly
referenced in the SAAB 340B Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), which
quotes an elevator position of 4 degrees trailing edge down for all
aeroplanes, which is the correct value for SAAB SF340A aeroplanes
only.
If a SAAB 340B aeroplane has been re-rigged in accordance with
current AMM procedure, there is a possibility that the deflection of
the elevator will be less than intended.
This condition, if not corrected, will affect the stall
characteristics on the outer part of the envelope at maximum flap
setting and aft centre of gravity (CG) configuration, possibly
resulting in reduced control of the aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition, SAAB AB Aeronautics
issued Service Bulletin (SB) 340-27-105 to reduce the probability of
a negative effect on the handling quality during stall.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time inspection of the stick pusher rigging and, depending on
findings, adjustment to the correct setting.
The reference in the aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) for setting the
maximum elevator position of the stick pusher of SAAB 340B model was
corrected in December 2012 to show the correct value of 7.5 degrees
trailing edge down. The revised AMM showing the correct value was
provided to the operators of Saab 340B Model airplanes by the
manufacturer. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI
in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Saab has issued Service Bulletin 340-27-105, Revision 01, dated
August 31, 2012. The actions described in this service information are
intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the
[[Page 33011]]
MCAI and service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD
because we evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe
condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of
the same type design.
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD
would affect about 109 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that
it would take about 12 work-hours per product to comply with the basic
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per
work-hour. Required parts would cost about $10 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 the proposed AD on U.S. operators to
be $112,270, or $1,030 per product.
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 proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify 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);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
4. 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 proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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:
Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems: Docket No. FAA-2013-0460; Directorate
Identifier 2012-NM-222-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by July 18, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems Model 340B
airplanes, certificated in any category, all serial numbers.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27: Flight
Controls.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report that the elevator position
quoted in an aircraft maintenance manual is incorrect for Saab 340B
airplane. We are issuing this AD to correct the rigging of the
elevator position of the stick pusher to reduce the probability of a
negative effect on the handling quality during stall, which could
result in reduced controllability of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD
performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions
have already been done.
(g) Actions
Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect
the stick pusher rigging, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 340-27-105, Revision 1, dated
August 31, 2012. If an incorrect setting of the stick pusher maximum
elevator position is found, before further flight, adjust the stick
pusher rigging and do all applicable related investigative and
corrective actions in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 340-27-105, Revision 1, dated
August 31, 2012.
(h) Reporting Requirement
If during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD,
the elevator position is found outside specified limit, submit a
report of the findings to: Saab AB, Business Area Support and
Services, Air Division, Technical Support email:
[email protected] Fax: +46 (0) 13 18 48 74 at the
applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD.
The report must include the value and corrective action. Under the
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.),
the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the
information collection requirements contained in this AD and has
assigned OMB Control Number 2120 0056.
(1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the corrective
action.
(2) If the inspection and corrective action was done before the
effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after
the effective date of this AD.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph
(g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective
date of this AD using Saab Service Bulletin 340-27-105, dated July
12, 2012.
(j) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, ANM-
116, International Branch, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1112; fax (425) 227-1149.
Information may be emailed 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/
[[Page 33012]]
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.
(3) Reporting Requirements: A federal agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a
person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a
collection of information subject to the requirements of the
Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information
displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number
for this information collection is 2120 0056. Public reporting for
this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5
minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
completing and reviewing the collection of information. All
responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments
concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing
the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave.
SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance
Officer, AES-200.
(k) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness
Directive 2012-0256, dated December 3, 2012; and Saab Service
Bulletin 340-27-105, Revision 01, dated August 31, 2012; for related
information.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Saab
AB, Saab Aeronautics, SE-581 88, Link[ouml]ping, Sweden; telephone
+46 13 18 5591; fax +46 13 18 4874; email
[email protected]; Internet http://www.saabgroup.com.
You may review copies of the referenced service information at the
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA,
call 425-227-1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 22, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-13006 Filed 5-31-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P