Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB 2000 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 59 (Friday, March 26, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 15660-15661]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-6581]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-NM-115-AD; Amendment 39-13540; AD 2004-06-14]
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 measuring the torque of the adjustable pin in the rear 
attachment of the intermediate strut for both engines, and retorquing 
the adjustable pins to the correct torque value. This action is 
necessary to prevent long-term damage to the engine mounting structure 
(EMS), and loss of redundancy on the EMS, which could result in 
possible separation of an engine from the airplane, reduced 
controllability of the airplane, and injury to persons or property on 
the ground. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe 
condition.

DATES: Effective April 30, 2004.
    The incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of April 30, 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: Rosanne Ryburn, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4057; 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 5, 
2004 (69 FR 293). That action proposed to require measuring the torque 
of the adjustable pin in the rear attachment of the intermediate strut 
for both engines, and retorquing the adjustable pins to the correct 
torque value.

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 3 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 2 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor 
rate is $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of 
the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $390, or $130 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

[[Page 15661]]

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:

2004-06-14 Saab Aircraft AB: Amendment 39-13540. Docket 2003-NM-115-
AD.

    Applicability: Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes, serial numbers 
-004 through -063 inclusive; certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent long-term damage to the engine mounting structure 
(EMS), and loss of redundancy on the EMS, which could result in 
possible separation of an engine from the airplane, reduced 
controllability of the airplane, and injury to persons or property 
on the ground, accomplish the following:

Service Bulletin References

    (a) The following information pertains to the service bulletin 
referenced in this AD:
    (1) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-71-014, 
dated January 23, 2003.
    (2) Although the service bulletin specifies to submit certain 
information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include such a 
requirement.

Torque Check

    (b) Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD: Measure 
the torque of the adjustable pin in the rear attachment of the 
intermediate strut for both engines, in accordance with the 
inspection requirements and torque values in the service bulletin.

Retorque

    (c) Retorque the adjustable pin in the intermediate strut rear 
attachment of the EMS to the correct torque value, in accordance 
with the service bulletin.

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) The actions shall be done in accordance with Saab Service 
Bulletin 2000-71-014, dated January 23, 2003. 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 1: The subject of this AD is addressed in Swedish 
airworthiness directive 1-183, dated January 23, 2003.

Effective Date

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on April 30, 2004.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 16, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-6581 Filed 3-25-04; 8:45 am]
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