Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB 2000 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 32 (Wednesday, February 18, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7563-7565]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-3349]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-365-AD; Amendment 39-13482; AD 2004-04-02]
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 replacing the dual shuttle valve in the number 2 hydraulic 
system with a new, improved valve. This action is necessary to prevent 
failure of the dual shuttle valve in the number 2 hydraulic system,

[[Page 7564]]

with reduced maximum elevator rate on the left side, which could result 
in pilot-induced pitch oscillation and consequent reduced 
controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to address the 
identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective March 24, 2004.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of March 24, 2004.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Saab Aircraft AB, SAAB Aircraft Product Support, S-
581.88, Link[ouml]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 
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., Suite 
700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-1175; 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 September 19, 
2003 (68 FR 54862). That action proposed to require replacing the dual 
shuttle valve in the number 2 hydraulic system with a new, improved 
valve; and, for certain airplanes, modifying the hydraulic system.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the single comment received.

Request To Revise Applicability/Remove Requirement To Modify Hydraulic 
System

    One commenter, the airplane manufacturer, requests that the FAA 
revise the proposed AD to limit the applicability of the proposed AD to 
airplanes on which Saab Modification 5952 (Saab Service Bulletin 2000-
29-010) has been accomplished. The commenter notes that Swedish 
airworthiness directive 1-164, dated August 17, 2001, which is the 
parallel airworthiness directive for the FAA's proposed AD, was issued 
to require replacement of the dual shuttle valve introduced by Saab 
Modification 5952. Airplanes on which Saab Modification 5952 (or Saab 
Service Bulletin 2000-29-010) has not been accomplished should not be 
subject to the requirements of the proposed AD. Thus, the commenter 
requests that we revise the applicability statement of the proposed AD; 
and remove, from the proposed AD, paragraph (b), the section 
``Differences Between the Proposed Rule, Swedish Airworthiness 
Directive, and Service Bulletins,'' and the paragraph in the Cost 
Impact section that addresses costs associated with accomplishing Saab 
Service Bulletin 2000-29-010.
    We concur. Based on the information provided by the commenter, it 
is clear that the requirements of this AD apply only to airplanes on 
which Saab Modification 5952 (Saab Service Bulletin 2000-29-010) has 
been installed. Accordingly, we have revised the applicability 
statement, paragraph (a), and the Cost Impact section of this final 
rule. We have also removed references to accomplishment of the actions 
in Saab Service Bulletin 2000-29-010 throughout the final rule. 
Paragraphs affected by the removal of paragraph (b) from the body of 
this final rule have been re-identified accordingly. (The 
``Differences'' section is not restated in the final rule, so no change 
is possible in this regard.)

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comment 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes described 
previously. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither 
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
the AD.

Cost Impact

    We estimate that 3 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by 
this AD, that the required replacement will take approximately 4 work 
hours per airplane, and that the average labor rate is $65 per work 
hour. Parts will be provided to the operator at no charge. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of the required replacement on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $780, or $260 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

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:

2004-04-02 Saab Aircraft AB: Amendment 39-13482. Docket 2001-NM-365-
AD.

    Applicability: Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes, as listed in 
Saab Service Bulletin 2000-29-020, dated August 14, 2001; on which 
Saab Modification 5952 (Saab Service Bulletin 2000-29-010) has been 
accomplished; certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.

[[Page 7565]]

    To prevent failure of the dual shuttle valve in the number 2 
hydraulic system, with reduced maximum elevator rate on the left 
side, which could result in pilot induced pitch oscillation, and 
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the 
following:

Replacement: Modified Airplanes

    (a) Within 15,000 flight hours after completing Modification 
5952, replace the dual shuttle valve in the number 2 hydraulic 
system with a new, improved valve, per the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-29-020, dated August 14, 
2001.

    Note 1: Although Saab Service Bulletin 2000-29-020, dated August 
14, 2001, specifies sending removed or replaced parts to the 
manufacturer or the vendor, this AD does not include such a 
requirement.

Parts Installation

    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a 
dual shuttle valve, part number 7329114-721, on any airplane.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (c) 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

    (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Saab Service 
Bulletin 2000-29-020, dated August 14, 2001. 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, Link[ouml]ping, 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 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in Swedish 
airworthiness directive 1-164, dated August 17, 2001.

Effective Date

    (e) This amendment becomes effective on March 24, 2004.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 9, 2004.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-3349 Filed 2-17-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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