[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 36 (Monday, February 24, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8161-8162]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-4198]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 96-NM-236-AD; Amendment 39-9944; AD 97-04-19]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB 2000 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes, that
requires a visual inspection to determine if rudder disconnection has
occurred, and replacement of the disconnect unit with a new disconnect
unit, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by reports that, due to
the existing design, the disconnect unit of the rudder disconnect
system inadvertently opened on some airplanes. The actions specified by
this AD are intended to prevent the disconnect unit from opening
inadvertently, which could lead to inadequate rudder control, if the
engine fails during take-off or go-around and if the airplane is at low
speed.
DATES: Effective March 31, 1997.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of March 31, 1997.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from SAAB Aircraft AB, SAAB Aircraft Product Support, S-
581.88, Linkoping, Sweden. This information may be examined at the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate,
Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite
700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ruth Harder, Aerospace Engineer,
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206)
227-1721; fax (206) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB 2000
series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on December 12,
1996 (61 FR 65369). That action proposed to require a visual inspection
to determine if rudder disconnection has occurred, and, if so, the
immediate replacement of the disconnect unit with a new unit.
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 3 Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes of
U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take
approximately 7 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required
actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required
parts will be provided by the manufacturer at no cost to operators.
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is
estimated to be $1,260, or $420 per airplane.
The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that
no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD
action, and that no operator would accomplish
[[Page 8162]]
those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct
effects 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, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
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 adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
97-04-19 SAAB Aircraft AB: Amendment 39-9944. Docket 96-NM-236-AD.
Applicability: Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes, serial number
004 through 035 inclusive, equipped with a disconnect unit having
part number (P/N) 7327305-511 or -512; certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
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 (b) 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 the disconnect unit from opening inadvertently, which
could lead to inadequate rudder control, if the engine fails during
take-off or go-around and if the airplane is at low speed,
accomplish the following:
(a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform
a visual inspection to determine if rudder disconnection has
occurred, in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 2000-A27-020,
dated March 25, 1996.
(1) If no disconnection has occurred, within 6 months after the
effective date of this AD, replace the disconnect unit with a new
disconnect unit, in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 2000-27-
021, Revision 1, dated June 19, 1996. After replacement, no further
action is required by this AD.
(2) If disconnection has occurred, prior to further flight,
replace the disconnect unit with a new disconnect unit, in
accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 2000-27-021, Revision 1, dated
June 19, 1996. After replacement, no further action is required by
this AD.
(b) 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, Standardization Branch, ANM-113,
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,
Standardization Branch, ANM-113.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.
(c) 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.
(d) The inspection shall be done in accordance with Saab Alert
Service Bulletin 2000-A27-020, dated March 25, 1996. The replacement
shall be done in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 2000-27-021,
Revision 1, dated June 19, 1996. This incorporation by reference was
approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from SAAB
Aircraft AB, SAAB Aircraft Product Support, S-581.88, Linkoping,
Sweden. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite
700, Washington, DC.
(e) This amendment becomes effective on March 31, 1997.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 13, 1997.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-4198 Filed 2-21-97; 8:45 am]
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