[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 93 (Friday, May 13, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 29807-29809]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-11171]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2016-6668; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-149-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Type
Certificate Previously Held by Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems) Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 2000 airplanes. This
proposed AD was prompted by a report that on some airplanes, during the
paint removal process for repainting the airplane, the basic corrosion
protection (anodizing and primer) coating was sanded down to bare metal
on the aluminum skin panels and the bare metal might not have been
treated correctly for corrosion prevention. This proposed AD would
require an inspection of structural components of the airplane for any
damaged protective coating; inspections of those areas for pitting
corrosion, if necessary; a thickness measurement to determine if there
is reduced skin thickness, if necessary; and repair, if necessary. We
are proposing this AD to detect and correct damaged protective
coatings. This condition could result in pitting corrosion damage; and
reduced metal thickness, which could result in reduced static and
fatigue strength of the airplane's structural parts.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 27, 2016.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, 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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this NPRM, 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 view this 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
6668; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 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, WA 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-2016-6668;
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-149-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 Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2014-0160, dated July 9, 2014 (Correction: July
9, 2014) (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe
condition for certain Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 2000
airplanes. The MCAI states:
SAAB received evidence that on a number of SAAB 2000 aeroplanes,
during paint removal before repainting, the basic corrosion
protection anodizing and primer were removed. In these cases, the
basic corrosion protection coating was sanded down to bare metal on
the aluminium [aluminum] skin panel in spite of existing
instruction(s) contained in the Structural Repair Manual (SRM) which
prohibit(s) exposing the aluminium bare metal. Due to the fact that
the skin panels are manufactured from aluminium without a protective
covering (unclad), the anodizing and primer is the corner stone of
the aeroplane corrosion protection system. If the anodizing and
primer is removed and the aluminium surface is not correctly
treated, pitting corrosion may occur. In addition, sanding to bare
metal can inadvertently lead to metal removal and subsequently
reduce the static and fatigue strength of the aeroplane structural
parts.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in
corrosion damage and/or reduced structural strength of the aeroplane
structure.
To address this potential unsafe condition, SAAB issued SB 2000-
51-002 to provide inspection instructions.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time [detailed] inspection [for damage] * * * of required
anticorrosion protective coating [e.g., bonding primer], [detailed]
inspection for
[[Page 29808]]
pitting corrosion (if necessary) [, a dye penetrant inspection for
pitting corrosion (if necessary)] and measure the skin thickness (if
necessary) [to determine if there is reduced skin thickness] and,
depending on findings, corrective action(s) [e.g., repair].
This [EASA] AD is re-issued to correct typographical error of
the effective date.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
6668.
Relevant Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Saab has issued Service Bulletin 2000-51-002, Revision 01, dated
May 23, 2014. This service information describes procedures for an
inspection of structural components of the airplane for any damaged
protective coating; inspections of those areas for pitting corrosion; a
thickness measurement to determine if there is reduced skin thickness;
and repair. This service information is reasonably available because
the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
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 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
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 8 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We also estimate that it would take about 20 work-hours per product
to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate
the cost of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $13,600, or $1,700
per product.
In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would
take about 45 work-hours, for a cost of $3,825 per product. We have no
way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these
actions. We have received no definitive data that would enable us to
provide cost estimates for the parts cost of the follow-on actions
specified in this proposed AD.
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.
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 airworthiness
directive (AD):
Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Type Certificate previously held by Saab
AB, Saab Aerosystems): Docket No. FAA-2016-6668; Directorate
Identifier 2014-NM-149-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by June 27, 2016.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Type Certificate
previously held by Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems) Model SAAB 2000
airplanes, certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial
numbers, except as specified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this
AD.
(1) Those airplanes identified in Table 1 of Saab Service
Bulletin 2000-51-002, Revision 01, dated May 23, 2014, on which an
applicable ``Related Statement'' identified in Table 1 was
accomplished.
(2) Those airplanes that either have retained the original paint
or have been repainted by Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 51, Standard
Practices/Structures.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report that on some airplanes, during
the paint removal process for repainting the airplane, the basic
corrosion protection (anodizing and primer) coating was sanded down
to bare metal on the aluminum skin panels and the bare metal might
not have been treated correctly for corrosion prevention. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct damaged protective coatings.
This condition could result in pitting corrosion damage; and reduced
metal thickness, which could result in reduced static and fatigue
strength of the airplane's structural parts.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspection, Related Investigative Actions, and Corrective Action
(1) Within 2,000 flight hours or 12 months, whichever occurs
first after the effective date of this AD, do a detailed inspection
of the airplane structural parts to detect damaged protective
coating (e.g., bonding primer), in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-51-002,
Revision 01, dated May 23, 2014. If any damaged protective coating
is found, before further flight, do a detailed inspection of the
airplane structural parts to detect pitting corrosion and, if no
pitting corrosion is found, do a dye penetrant inspection of the
airplane structural parts to detect pitting
[[Page 29809]]
corrosion and a thickness measurement to determine if there is
reduced skin thickness, as applicable, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-51-002,
Revision 01, dated May 23, 2014.
(2) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of
this AD, any damage (such as pitting corrosion or damaged primer) or
reduced skin thickness is detected, as defined in Saab Service
Bulletin 2000-51-002, Revision 01, dated May 23, 2014, before
further flight, contact the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA); or Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics' EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA) for a repair method, and do the repair
within the compliance time indicated in those instructions.
(h) 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 2000-51-002, dated April
9, 2014, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
(i) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, 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,
WA 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/certificate holding district office. The
AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Saab AB, Saab
Aeronautics' EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by
the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(j) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0160, dated July 9, 2014
(Correction: July 9, 2014), for related information. This MCAI may
be found in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2016-6668.
(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 view this 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 4, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-11171 Filed 5-12-16; 8:45 am]
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