Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Formerly Known as Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems) Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 245 (Wednesday, December 21, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 93583-93585]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-29509]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9056; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-007-AD; 
Amendment 39-18743; AD 2016-25-17]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Formerly 
Known as 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 SAAB 2000 airplanes. This AD was 
prompted by an occurrence that was reported of rudder pedal restriction 
on a SAAB Model 2000 airplane with the large potable water system 
(LPWS) installed, equipped with in-line heaters. This AD requires 
installation of shrinkable tubes on the water piping of the basic 
potable water system (BPWS). We are issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective January 25, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 25, 
2017.

[[Page 93584]]


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-2016-9056.

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-2016-
9056; 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 SAAB 2000 airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on September 8, 2016 (81 FR 62024) (``the NPRM''). The 
NPRM was prompted by an occurrence that was reported of rudder pedal 
restriction on a SAAB Model 2000 airplane with the LPWS installed, 
equipped with in-line heaters. The NPRM proposed to require 
installation of shrinkable tubes on the water piping of the BPWS. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent water spray in case of a failed pipe or 
coupling during water filling on the ground. This condition, if not 
corrected, could freeze parts of the flight control system, possibly 
resulting in reduced control of the airplane.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2016-0013, dated January 14, 2016 (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 SAAB 2000 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    An occurrence was reported of rudder pedal restriction on a SAAB 
2000 aeroplane with the Large Potable Water System (LPWS) installed, 
equipped with in-line heaters (options 38:201 and 38:201-1). 
Subsequent investigation showed that this event was the result of a 
ruptured in-line heater attachment, causing water leakage at the 
inlet tubing for the in-line heater in the lower part of the forward 
fuselage (Zone 116). In flight, the water froze on the rudder 
control mechanism, causing the rudder pedal restriction. Analysis 
after the reported event indicates that the pitch control mechanism 
(including pitch disconnect/spring unit) may also be frozen, which 
would prevent disconnection and normal pitch control.
    This condition, if not corrected, could result in further 
occurrences of water spray, possibly resulting in reduced control of 
the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, EASA issued 
Emergency AD 2013-0172-E, to require deactivation of the LPWS. 
Following that, EASA AD 2013-0172R1 [which corresponds to FAA AD 
2014-15-04, Amendment 39-17906 (79 FR 45337, August 5, 2014)] 
introduced a temporary alternative procedure for filling, 
reactivation and operation of the LPWS.
    Finally, EASA AD 2014-0255 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2016-12-
05, Amendment 39-18554 (81 FR 38903, June 15, 2016) was issued, 
superseding EASA AD 2013-0172R1, to require a modification allowing 
reactivating of the system and the use of regular filling 
procedures.
    Although the Basic Potable Water System (BPWS) does not contain 
an in-line heater, which was the major risk contributor and the 
actual cause of the previous leakage events in the LPWS, a Zonal 
Safety Analysis performed by SAAB concluded that the implementation 
of spray shield (tube/hose) for the water piping is necessary for 
the BPWS as well, to protect the flight controls and electrical 
equipment from water spray in case of a failed pipe or coupling 
during water filling on ground.
    Consequently SAAB developed a modification and issued Service 
Bulletin (SB) 2000-38-012 to provide modification instructions to 
install shrinkable tubes as spray shields.
    For reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
installation of shrinkable tubes on the water piping of the BPWS.

    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-2016-
9056.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed, except for 
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.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Saab has issued Service Bulletin 2000-38-012, dated August 20, 
2015. The service information describes how to install shrinkable tubes 
on the water piping of the BPWS. 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 7 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it takes 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 $3,650 per 
product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on 
U.S. operators to be $29,120 or $4,160 per product.

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

[[Page 93585]]

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):

2016-25-17 Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (formerly known as Saab AB, 
Saab Aerosystems): Amendment 39-18743; Docket No. FAA-2016-9056; 
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-007-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective January 25, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to certain Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (formerly 
known as Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems) Model SAAB 2000 airplanes, 
certificated in any category, serial numbers 017, 019 through 021 
inclusive, 027 through 028 inclusive, 030, 034, 040, 050, and 052.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 38, Water/waste.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by an occurrence that was reported of 
rudder pedal restriction on a SAAB Model 2000 airplane with the 
large potable water system installed, equipped with in-line heaters. 
We are issuing this AD to prevent water spray in case of a failed 
pipe or coupling during water filling on the ground. This condition, 
if not corrected, could freeze parts of the flight control system, 
possibly resulting in reduced control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Repair of Basic Potable Water System (BPWS)

    Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, install 
shrinkable tubes on the water piping of the BPWS, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of SAAB Service Bulletin 2000-38-
012, dated August 20, 2015.

(h) 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 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.
    (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.

(i) Related Information

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2016-0013, dated January 14, 2016, 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-2016-9056.

(j) 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 2000-38-012, dated August 20, 2015.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (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 December 1, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-29509 Filed 12-20-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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