[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 48 (Wednesday, March 12, 1997)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 11392-11394]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-6083]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 96-NM-177-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB 340B and Model SAAB
2000 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB 340B and
Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes. This proposal would require a one-
time inspection to determine if certain switches are installed on the
fire handle panel of the fire handle assembly; and replacement of the
fire handle panel with a new fire handle panel, if necessary. This
proposal is prompted by a report indicating that, during manufacture, a
batch of defective switches were installed on certain fire handle
panels on these airplanes. The actions specified by the proposed AD are
intended to ensure the proper switches are installed in the fire handle
assembly. A defective switch in the fire handle assembly could
prematurely fail and, consequently, prevent the proper operation of the
engine fire protection system in the event of a fire.
DATES: Comments must be received by April 21, 1997.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-NM-177-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: 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:
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 96-NM-177-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-103, Attention: Rules
Docket No. 96-NM-177-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055-4056.
Discussion
The Luftfartsverket (LFV), which is the airworthiness authority for
Sweden, recently notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on
certain Saab Model SAAB 340B and Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes. The
LFV advises it has received a report indicating that, during
manufacture, a batch of defective switches was installed in the fire
handle assemblies on Model SAAB 340 series airplanes and Model SAAB
2000 series airplanes. A defective switch in the fire handle assembly
could prematurely fail and, consequently, prevent the proper operation
of the engine fire protection system in the event of a fire.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
Saab has issued Service Bulletin 340-26-016, dated November 9, 1995
(for Model SAAB 340 series airplanes), and Service Bulletin SAAB 2000-
26-006, dated November 9, 1995 (for Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes).
These service bulletins describe procedures for performing a one-time
inspection to determine the color of the switches installed on the fire
handle panel of the fire handle assembly. For cases where a blue switch
is installed, the service bulletin also describes procedures for
performing a one-time inspection to determine the serial number of the
fire handle assembly; and replacement of the fire handle panel with a
new fire handle panel, if necessary. The LFV classified these service
bulletins as
[[Page 11393]]
mandatory and issued Swedish airworthiness directive (SAD) No. 1-080,
dated November 10, 1995, in order to assure the continued airworthiness
of these airplanes in Sweden.
FAA's Conclusions
This airplane model is manufactured in Sweden and is 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 require a one-time
inspection to determine the color of the switches installed on the fire
handle panel of the fire handle assembly. If a blue switch is
installed, the proposed AD would require a one-time inspection to
verify the serial number of the fire handle assembly, and replacement
of the fire handle panel with a new fire handle panel, if necessary.
The actions would be required to be accomplished in accordance with the
applicable service bulletin described previously.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 21 Saab Model SAAB 340B series airplanes of
U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take
approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the proposed
actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on
these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is
estimated to be $1,260, or $60 per airplane.
The FAA also estimates that 3 Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes
of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would
take approximately 3 work hour per airplane to accomplish the proposed
actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on
these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is
estimated to be $540, or $180 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 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
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
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:
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:
SAAB Aircraft AB: Docket 96-NM-177-AD.
Applicability: Model SAAB 340B series airplanes, having serial
numbers 354 through 374 inclusive; and Model SAAB 2000 series
airplanes, having serial numbers 004 through 025 inclusive;
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 (c) 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 ensure the proper switches are installed on the fire handle
panel of the fire handle assembly, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, perform
a one-time inspection to determine the color of the switches
installed on the fire handle panel of the fire handle assembly, in
accordance with SAAB Service Bulletin 340-26-016, dated November 9,
1995 (for Model SAAB 340 series airplanes), or SAAB Service Bulletin
2000-26-006, dated November 9, 1995 (for Model SAAB 2000 series
airplanes); as applicable.
(1) If all of the switches are green on the fire handle
assembly, no further action is required by this AD.
(2) If any blue switch is installed, prior to further flight,
perform a one-time inspection to determine the serial number of the
fire handle assembly, in accordance with the applicable service
bulletin.
(i) If no fire handle assembly has a serial number listed in the
service bulletin, no further action is required by this AD.
(ii) If any fire handle assembly has a serial number listed in
the service bulletin, prior to further flight, replace the fire
handle panel with a new fire handle panel, in accordance with the
applicable service bulletin.
(b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install
a fire handle assembly, having any serial number identified in
paragraph B.(3)(g) of the Accomplishment Instructions of SAAB
Service Bulletin 340-26-016, dated November 9, 1995; on any
airplane.
(c) 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.
(d) 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
[[Page 11394]]
a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 5, 1997.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-6083 Filed 3-11-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U