Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Type Certificate Previously Held by Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems) Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 123 (Monday, June 27, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41432-41435]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-14871]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-8432; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-100-AD; 
Amendment 39-18570; AD 2016-13-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Type 
Certificate Previously Held by Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems) Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B 
airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of ruptured horizontal 
stabilizer de-icing boots. This AD requires a revision of the 
applicable airplane flight manual (AFM), repetitive inspections of the 
horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots, and applicable corrective 
actions. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct damage of the de-
icing boot; such damage could lead to a ruptured boot, severe 
vibrations, and possible reduced control of the airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective August 1, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 1, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics, SE-581 88, Link[ouml]ping, Sweden; 
telephone +46 13 18 5591; fax +46 13 18 4874; email 
[email protected]; Internet http://www.saabgroup.com. 
You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. It 
is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-8432.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
8432; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone 
800-647-5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace 
Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; 
telephone (425) 227-1112; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Saab AB, Saab 
Aeronautics Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes. The

[[Page 41433]]

NPRM published in the Federal Register on January 13, 2016 (81 FR 1588) 
(``the NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted by reports of ruptured horizontal 
stabilizer de-icing boots. The NPRM proposed to require a revision of 
the applicable AFM, repetitive inspections of the horizontal stabilizer 
de-icing boots, and applicable corrective actions. We are issuing this 
AD to detect and correct damage of the de-icing boot; such damage could 
lead to a ruptured boot, severe vibrations, and possible reduced 
control of the airplane.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2015-0129, dated July 6, 2015 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Saab AB, Saab 
Aeronautics Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes. The MCAI 
states:

    There have been some reported events of ruptured horizontal 
stabilizer de-icing boots. In-flight rupture of a de-icing boot will 
result in complete loss of the de-icing function within its 
associated zone. In addition, in some of these events, the de-icing 
boot had formed a large open scoop.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
severe vibrations, possibly resulting in reduced control of the 
aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, SAAB issued Alert 
Operations Bulletin (AOB) No. 12 and AOB No. 23 as a temporary 
measure, recommending performing a flap 0 landing in the event of a 
suspected rupture of the de-icing boot on the horizontal stabilizer.
    In addition, SAAB issued SB 340-30-094 to provide instructions 
to inspect the affected de-icing boots.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires an 
amendment of the applicable Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) and, 
pending the development of a modification by SAAB, repetitive 
inspections of the horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots and, 
depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective 
action(s).
    This [EASA] AD is considered to be an interim action and further 
AD action may follow.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
8432.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and 
the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Revise Paragraph (g) To Allow Later Approved Revisions of 
AFMs

    Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics requested that we revise paragraph (g) of 
the proposed AD to state that the use of later-approved revisions of 
the applicable AFMs is also acceptable for compliance with the proposed 
AD.
    We do not agree. When referring to specific service information in 
an AD, using the phrase, ``or later FAA-approved revisions,'' violates 
Office of the Federal Register regulations for approving materials that 
are incorporated by reference. However, affected operators may request 
approval to use a later revision of the referenced service information 
as an alternative method of compliance, under the provisions of 
paragraph (i)(1) of this AD. We have not changed this AD in this 
regard.

Request To Expand Description of Inspection

    Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics also requested that we revise paragraph 
(h) of the proposed AD to explain that the inspection is not only for 
damage, but also for existing repairs. The commenter stated that the 
inspection of existing repairs is described in Saab Service Bulletin 
340-30-094, dated March 27, 2015, but missing from paragraph (h) of the 
proposed AD.
    We agree with the request. The referenced service information 
specifies inspecting for damage of the de-icing boots, and a sub-step 
specifies to ``make sure that already made repairs are within specified 
limits.'' That action was not specifically stated in the proposed AD. 
We have clarified the requirement by changing paragraph (h) of this AD 
to ensure that de-icing boots as well as existing repairs are within 
specified limits.

Request To Change the Repetitive Inspection Interval to 600 Flight 
Hours

    PenAir requested a change to the repetitive inspection interval. 
The commenter requested that the repetitive inspection interval be 
increased from the proposed 400-flight-hour interval to a 600-flight-
hour interval. The commenter also stated that in the event that a 600-
flight-hour interval is determined to be unsuitable, then a 450-flight-
hour interval should be used. The commenter stated that this change 
would align with scheduled E-check inspections, alleviate the undue 
burden of creating maintenance outside of scheduled computerized 
aircraft maintenance program inspections, and maintain safe operation 
of the airplane.
    We do not agree with the commenter's request to extend the 
compliance time. We have determined that the compliance time, as 
proposed, represents the maximum interval of time allowable for the 
affected airplanes to continue to operate safely before the next 
inspection is required. In addition, since maintenance schedules vary 
among operators, there would be no assurance that a different interval 
would satisfy all operators' schedules. However, under the provisions 
of paragraph (i)(1) of this AD, we will consider requests for approval 
of an extension of the compliance time if sufficient data are submitted 
to substantiate that the new compliance time would provide an 
acceptable level of safety. We have not changed this AD in this regard.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Saab Service Bulletin 340-30-094, dated March 27, 2015. 
The service information describes procedures for repetitive detailed 
inspections of the de-icing boots installed on the horizontal 
stabilizers, and repair and replacement of damaged de-icing boots.
    We also reviewed the following AFMs, which describe performance 
limitations and general data:
    <bullet> Saab AFM 340A 001, Revision 57, dated March 27, 2015.
    <bullet> Saab AFM 340B 001, Revision 35, dated March 27, 2015.
    <bullet> Saab AFM 340B 010, Revision 28, dated March 27, 2015.
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 92 airplanes of U.S. registry.

[[Page 41434]]

    We also estimate that it will take about 6 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor 
rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $0 per 
product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on 
U.S. operators to be $46,920, or $510 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 6 work-hours and require parts costing $9,500, for a cost of 
$10,010 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
aircraft that might need these actions.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    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);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2016-13-06 Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Type Certificate Previously 
Held by Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems): Amendment 39-18570. Docket No. 
FAA-2015-8432; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-100-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective August 1, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Type Certificate 
Previously Held by Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems) airplanes, 
certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and 
(c)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) 
airplanes, serial numbers (S/Ns) 004 through 138 inclusive, on which 
Saab Modification 1462 has been embodied in production, or Saab 
Service Bulletin 340-55-008 has been embodied in service, except 
those on which Saab Modification 1793 has also been embodied in 
production, or Saab Service Bulletin 340-55-010 has been embodied in 
service; and Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) 
airplanes, S/Ns 139 through 159 inclusive. Applicable Saab AB, Saab 
Aeronautics Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) airplanes S/N 004-138, Post 
Modification No. 1462 but Pre Modification No. 1793, have a maximum 
flap setting of 35 degrees instead of 20 degrees, and horizontal 
stabilizer boots with spanwise tubes instead of chordwise tubes.
    (2) Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 340B airplanes, S/Ns 
160 through 459 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 30, Ice and Rain 
Protection.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of ruptured horizontal 
stabilizer de-icing boots. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct damage of the de-icing boot; such damage could lead to a 
ruptured boot, severe vibrations, and possible reduced control of 
the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Revision of the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)

    Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
``Abnormal Procedures'' section of the applicable Saab 340 AFM to 
incorporate the revision specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through 
(g)(3) of this AD.
    (1) For Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) 
airplanes, revise AFM 340A 001 by incorporating Revision 57, dated 
March 27, 2015.
    (2) For Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 340B airplanes, 
revise AFM 340B 001 by incorporating Revision 35, dated March 27, 
2015.
    (3) For Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 340B airplanes with 
extended wing tips, revise AFM 340B 010 by incorporating Revision 
28, dated March 27, 2015.

(h) Inspection/Replacement

    Within 400 flight hours or 6 months, whichever occurs first 
after the effective date of this AD, do a detailed inspection for 
damage of the horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots, and existing 
repairs of horizontal stabilizer de-icing boots, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 340-30-094, 
dated March 27, 2015. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals 
not to exceed 400 flight hours. If, during any inspection required 
by this paragraph, any damage or existing repair outside the limits 
specified in Saab Service Bulletin 340-30-094, dated March 27, 2015, 
is found, before further flight, repair or replace the horizontal 
stabilizer de-icing boots, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 340-30-094, dated March 27, 
2015. Repair or replacement on an airplane of the horizontal 
stabilizer de-icing boots, as required by this paragraph, does not 
constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspections 
required by this paragraph for that airplane.

(i) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using 
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 
39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Shahram 
Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1112; fax 425-227-1149. Information 
may be emailed to: [email protected]. Before using

[[Page 41435]]

any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or 
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight 
standards district office/certificate holding district office. The 
AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Saab AB, Saab 
Aeronautics' EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by 
the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(j) Related Information

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2015-0129, dated July 6, 2015, for 
related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2015-8432.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Saab Service Bulletin 340-30-094, dated March 27, 2015.
    (ii) Saab AFM 340A 001, Revision 57, dated March 27, 2015.
    (iii) Saab AFM 340B 001, Revision 35, dated March 27, 2015.
    (iv) Saab AFM 340B 010, Revision 28, dated March 27, 2015.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Saab 
AB, Saab Aeronautics, SE-581 88, Link[ouml]ping, Sweden; telephone 
+46 13 18 5591; fax +46 13 18 4874; email 
[email protected]; Internet http://www.saabgroup.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
425-227-1221.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 13, 2016.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-14871 Filed 6-24-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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