Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB 2000 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 91 (Tuesday, May 11, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 26006-26008]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-10242]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NM-261-AD; Amendment 39-13610; AD 2004-09-21]
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 repetitive inspections of the installation of the spoilers of 
the windshield wiper assemblies for discrepancies, and replacement with 
new spoilers if necessary. This amendment also requires eventual 
replacement of the spoilers of the windshield wiper assemblies with new 
spoilers. This action is necessary to prevent failure of the windshield 
wiper assembly, which could result in loss of visibility, damage to the 
propeller(s) and/or engine(s), or penetration of the fuselage skin and 
consequent rapid depressurization of the airplane. This action is 
intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective June 15, 2004.

[[Page 26007]]

    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of June 15, 2004.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Saab Aircraft AB, SAAB Aircraft Product Support, S-
581.88, Linko[auml]ping, 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 National Archives an Records Administration (NARA). For 
information one the availibility of this material at NARA, call 202-
741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rosanne Ryburn, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-
2139; 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 2000 
series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on January 22, 
2004 (69 FR 3043). That action proposed to require repetitive 
inspections of the installation of the spoilers of the windshield wiper 
assemblies for discrepancies, and replacement with new spoilers if 
necessary. That action also proposed to require eventual replacement of 
the spoilers of the windshield wiper assemblies with new spoilers.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the one comment received.
    The commenter states that the sentence in the ``Discussion'' 
section which states, ``One report indicated that, after excessive 
vibration and subsequent separation of a windshield wiper spoiler * * 
*'' is incorrect. The commenter asks that the sentence be changed to 
correctly state, ``One report indicated that, excessive vibration after 
separation of a windshield wiper spoiler * * *'' The FAA agrees with 
the commenter that the specified sentence was incorrect. However, the 
``Discussion'' section is not restated in this final rule, and, 
therefore, no change to the final rule is necessary.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comment 
noted above, we have determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 3 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD.
    It will take about 1 work hour per airplane to do the required 
inspection, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of the inspection required by this AD on 
U.S. operators is estimated to be $195, or $65 per airplane, per 
inspection cycle.
    It will take about 6 work hours per airplane to do the required 
replacement, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Required 
parts will be free of charge. Based on these figures, the cost impact 
of the replacement required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated 
to be $1,170, or $390 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are 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

0
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

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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2004-09-21 Saab Aircraft AB: Amendment 39-13610. Docket 2002-NM-261-
AD.

    Applicability: Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes, as listed in 
Saab Service Bulletin 2000-56-003, dated August 12, 2002, 
certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent failure of the windshield wiper assembly, which could 
result in loss of visibility, damage to the propeller(s) and/or 
engine(s), or penetration of the fuselage skin and consequent rapid 
depressurization of the airplane, accomplish the following:

Repetitive Inspections

    (a) Within 400 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: 
Do a detailed inspection for discrepancies (including cracks, loose 
parts, deformation, general deterioration) of the installation of 
the spoilers of the windshield wiper assemblies (including doing an 
operational test), by doing all the actions per the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-56-003, dated August 12, 
2002.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is 
defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a specific 
structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, 
failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally 
supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity 
deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, 
magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate 
access procedures may be required.''

    (1) If no discrepancies are found, repeat the inspection 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 400 flight hours, until the 
replacement required by paragraph (b) of this AD is done.

[[Page 26008]]

    (2) If any discrepancies are found, before further flight, do 
the replacement required by paragraph (b) of this AD.

Replacement

    (b) Except as required by paragraph (a)(2) of this AD: Within 
2,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD; replace the 
spoilers of the windshield wiper assemblies (including doing an 
operational test) by doing all the actions per the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-56-002, Revision 01, 
dated August 12, 2002. Such replacement ends the repetitive 
inspections required by this AD.

Replacements Done Per Previous Issue of Service Bulletin

    (c) Replacements done before the effective date of this AD per 
Saab Service Bulletin 2000-56-002, dated November 28, 1996, are 
considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding action 
specified in this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (d) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, is authorized 
to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.

Incorporation by Reference

    (e) Unless otherwise provided in this AD, the actions shall be 
done in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 2000-56-002, Revision 
01, dated August 12, 2002; and Saab Service Bulletin 2000-56-003, 
dated August 12, 2002; as applicable. 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, Linko[auml]ping, Sweden. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the National Archives an Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availibility of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in Swedish 
airworthiness directive 1-178, dated August 15, 2002.

Effective Date

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on June 15, 2004.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 22, 2004.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-10242 Filed 5-10-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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