Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 226 (Wednesday, November 22, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 70296-70297]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-29213]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-213-AD; Amendment 39-11987; AD 2000-23-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B 
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 SF340A and SAAB 340B series 
airplanes, that requires inspecting the connector on the refuel/defuel 
panel and the electrical connector on the illuminated placard to detect 
signs of fluid ingression or corrosion, and corrective actions. The 
actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent electrical shorts 
or arcing at the illuminated placard connector at the refuel/defuel 
panel, which could result in a potential ignition source for fuel 
vapors during fueling procedures. This action is intended to address 
the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective December 27, 2000.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of December 27, 2000.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Saab Aircraft AB, SAAB Aircraft Product Support, S-
581.88, Linkping, 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: Norman B. Martenson, Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2110; fax (425) 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 SF340A and 
SAAB 340B series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on 
September 19, 2000 (65 FR 56507). That action proposed to require 
inspecting the connector on the refuel/defuel panel and the electrical 
connector on the illuminated placard to detect signs of fluid 
ingression or corrosion, and corrective actions.

Comments

    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 289 Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B series 
airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will 
take approximately 4 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required 
actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated 
to be $69,360, or $240 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 those actions in the 
future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed 
in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform 
the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures 
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to 
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other 
administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    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:

2000-23-15  Saab Aircraft AB: Amendment 39-11987. Docket 2000-NM-
213-AD.

    Applicability: Model SAAB SF340A series airplanes, serial 
numbers -004 through -159 inclusive; and Model SAAB 340B series 
airplanes, serial numbers -160 through -459 inclusive; certificated 
in any category; on which a refuel/defuel panel having part number 
7239160-505 is installed.

    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.


[[Page 70297]]


    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent electrical shorts or arcing at the illuminated panel 
connector at the refuel/defuel panel, which could result in a 
potential ignition source for fuel vapors during fueling procedures, 
accomplish the following:

Inspection and Corrective Actions

    (a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect 
the electrical connector on the refuel/defuel panel and the 
electrical connector on the illuminated placard to detect signs of 
fluid ingression or corrosion; and accomplish applicable corrective 
actions (including a sealing procedure, a cleaning/sealing 
procedure, and repair of corrosion on the refuel/defuel panel 
mounting plate); in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-28-
022, dated February 25, 2000.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (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, International Branch, ANM-116, 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, International 
Branch, ANM-116.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

Special Flight Permits

    (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.

Incorporation by Reference

    (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Saab Service 
Bulletin 340-28-022, dated February 25, 2000. 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.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Swedish 
airworthiness directive 1-156, dated February 28, 2000.

Effective Date

    (e) This amendment becomes effective on December 27, 2000.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 8, 2000.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager,, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-29213 Filed 11-21-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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