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

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 236 (Monday, December 10, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63394-63396]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-26530]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0797; Product Identifier 2018-NM-096-AD; Amendment 
39-19521; AD 2018-25-10]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-11-07, 
which applied to all Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 2000 
airplanes. AD 2018-11-07 required a one-time inspection of an affected 
lug attaching the aileron bellcrank support bracket to the rear spar of 
the wing and the adjacent area of the installed support brackets, a 
thickness measurement of the affected lug, repetitive inspections of 
the affected aileron bellcrank support brackets, and corrective actions 
if necessary. AD 2018-11-07 also provided an optional terminating 
action for the repetitive inspections. This AD retains the actions of 
AD 2018-11-07 and requires the terminating action for the repetitive 
inspections. This AD was prompted by a determination that it is 
necessary to require the terminating action. We are issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective January 14, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 13, 
2018 (83 FR 24399, May 29, 2018).

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 
Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It 
is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0797.

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-2018-
0797; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is 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 Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3220.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to supersede AD 2018-11-07, Amendment 39-19295 (83 FR 24399, 
May 29, 2018) (``AD 2018-11-07''). AD 2018-11-07 applied to all Saab 
AB, Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 2000 airplanes. The NPRM published in 
the Federal Register on September 19, 2018 (83 FR 47321). The NPRM was 
prompted by a determination that further rulemaking is necessary to 
include the requirement to replace all affected support brackets. The 
NPRM proposed to continue to require one-time inspection of the 
affected lug attaching the aileron bellcrank support bracket to the 
rear spar of the wing and the adjacent area of the installed aileron 
bellcrank support brackets, a thickness measurement of the affected lug 
attaching the support bracket to the rear spar of the wing, repetitive 
inspections of the affected aileron bellcrank support brackets, and 
corrective actions if necessary. The NPRM also proposed to require the 
replacement of all affected support brackets. We are issuing this AD to 
address the defect of the aileron bellcrank support bracket, which, in 
the event of an aileron jam, could lead to failure of the support 
bracket and result in reduced controllability 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 AD 
2018-0103, dated April 30, 2018 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the

[[Page 63395]]

MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Saab AB, Saab 
Aeronautics Model SAAB 2000 airplanes. 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-2018-0797.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. 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 final rule 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 addressing 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 AB, Saab Aeronautics has issued Saab Service Bulletin 2000-27-
056, dated April 18, 2018. This service information was incorporated by 
reference in AD 2018-11-07 on June 13, 2018 (83 FR 24399, May 29, 
2018). This service information describes procedures for a detailed 
visual inspection for cracks, corrosion, and damage (including missing 
paint) of the affected lug and the adjacent area of the installed 
aileron bellcrank support brackets on the left-hand and right-hand 
wings; a thickness measurement of the affected lug attaching the 
support bracket to the rear spar of the wing; and replacement of 
aileron bellcrank support brackets. 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 8 airplanes of U.S. registry. We 
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Labor cost                      Parts cost            Cost per product     Cost on U.S.  operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 19 work-hours x $85 per hour =   Up to $18,074..........  Up to $19,689..........  Up to $157,512.
 $1,615.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data for the on-condition costs 
specified in this AD.

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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes and 
associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division.

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2018-11-07, Amendment 39-19295 (83 FR 24399, May 29, 2018), and adding 
the following new AD:

2018-25-10 Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Formerly Known as Saab AB, 
Saab Aerosystems): Amendment 39-19521; Docket No. FAA-2018-0797; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-096-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective January 14, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2018-11-07, Amendment 39-19295 (83 FR 24399, 
May 29, 2018) (``AD 2018-11-07'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (formerly known as 
Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems) Model SAAB 2000 airplanes, certificated 
in any category, all manufacturer serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight 
controls.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by the identification of a manufacturing 
defect on certain aileron bellcrank support brackets that resulted 
in insufficient material

[[Page 63396]]

thickness of the affected lug attaching the support bracket to the 
rear spar of the wing. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct 
a defect of the aileron bellcrank support bracket, which, in the 
event of an aileron jam, could lead to failure of the support 
bracket and result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Definitions, With No Changes

    (1) This paragraph restates the definition specified in 
paragraph (g)(1) of AD 2018-11-07, with no changes. For the purposes 
of this AD, affected support brackets are aileron bellcrank support 
brackets, part number (P/N) 7327993-813 and P/N 7327993-814, for 
which it has been determined that the affected lug attaching the 
support bracket to the rear spar of the wing has a thickness of less 
than 2.75 millimeters (mm) (0.108 inch (in.)), as specified in Saab 
Service Bulletin 2000-27-056, dated April 18, 2018.
    (2) This paragraph restates the definition specified in 
paragraph (g)(2) of AD 2018-11-07, with no changes. For the purposes 
of this AD, serviceable support brackets are aileron bellcrank 
support brackets, P/N 7327993-813 and P/N 7327993-814, for which it 
has been determined that the affected lug attaching the support 
bracket to the rear spar of the wing has a thickness of 2.75 mm 
(0.108 in.) or more, as specified in Saab Service Bulletin 2000-27-
056, dated April 18, 2018.

(h) Retained One-Time Inspection, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2018-11-07, with no changes. Within 100 flight cycles or 30 days, 
whichever occurs first after June 13, 2018 (the effective date of AD 
2018-11-07), accomplish a detailed visual inspection for cracks, 
corrosion, and damage (including missing paint) of the affected lug 
and the adjacent area of the aileron bellcrank support brackets 
installed on the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) wings, and 
measure the thickness of the affected lug attaching the aileron 
bellcrank support bracket to the rear spar of the wing, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service 
Bulletin 2000-27-056, dated April 18, 2018.

(i) Retained Repetitive Inspections, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2018-11-07, with no changes. If, during the measurement required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD, it is determined that the affected lug 
attaching the aileron bellcrank support bracket to the rear spar of 
the wing has a thickness of less than 2.75 mm (0.108 in.), at 
intervals not to exceed 100 flight cycles, accomplish a detailed 
visual inspection for cracks, corrosion, and damage (including 
missing paint) of that affected support bracket in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-27-
056, dated April 18, 2018. Accomplishing the replacement specified 
in paragraph (l) of this AD terminates the repetitive inspections 
required by this paragraph for that bracket.

(j) Retained Corrective Actions, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (j) of AD 
2018-11-07, with no changes. If, during any inspection required by 
paragraph (h) or (i) of this AD, any crack, corrosion, or damage 
(including missing paint) is found, before further flight, obtain 
corrective actions instructions approved by the Manager, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, 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. 
Accomplish the corrective actions within the compliance time 
specified therein. If no compliance time is specified in the 
corrective actions instructions, accomplish the corrective action 
before further flight.

(k) Retained Parts Installation Limitation, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (m) of AD 
2018-11-07, with no changes. As of June 13, 2018 (the effective date 
of AD 2018-11-07), it is allowed to install on any airplane an 
aileron bellcrank support bracket P/N 7327993-813 or P/N 7327993-
814, provided it is a serviceable support bracket.

(l) New Requirement of This AD: Replacement

    Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, replace 
each affected support bracket with a serviceable support bracket, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service 
Bulletin 2000-27-056, dated April 18, 2018. Replacing each affected 
support bracket terminates the inspections required by paragraph (i) 
of this AD for that airplane.

(m) Other FAA AD Provisions

    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, 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 Section, send it to the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (n)(2) of this AD. Information 
may be emailed to: [email protected].
    (i) 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.
    (ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2018-11-07, are approved 
as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the effective date of 
this AD, 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 Section, Transport Standards 
Branch, 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.

(n) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0103, dated April 30, 2018, 
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-2018-0797.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Shahram 
Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport 
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
telephone and fax 206-231-3220.

(o) 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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
June 13, 2018 (83 FR 24399, May 29, 2018).
    (i) Saab Service Bulletin 2000-27-056, dated April 18, 2018.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (4) 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.
    (5) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
206-231-3195.
    (6) 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 Des Moines, Washington, on November 29, 2018.
James Cashdollar,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-26530 Filed 12-7-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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