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

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 133 (Thursday, July 11, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 32980-32982]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-14726]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-1067; Product Identifier 2018-NM-158-AD; Amendment 
39-19641; AD 2019-10-02]
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 all 
Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 2000 airplanes. This AD was 
prompted by an event where the airplane did not respond to the 
flightcrew's flight control inputs because the pitch trim switches did 
not disconnect the autopilot. This AD requires modifying the wiring 
installation for the autopilot disconnect logic. We are issuing this AD 
to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 15, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 15, 
2019.

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 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-2018-1067.

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-
1067; 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 by adding an AD that would apply to all Saab AB, Saab 
Aeronautics Model SAAB 2000 airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on February 7, 2019 (84 FR 2467). The NPRM was 
prompted by an event where the airplane did not respond to the 
flightcrew's flight control inputs because the pitch trim switches did 
not disconnect the autopilot. The NPRM proposed to require modifying 
the wiring installation for the autopilot disconnect logic.
    We are issuing this AD to address events where the airplane does 
not respond to the flightcrew's flight control inputs because the 
autopilot remains engaged, possibly resulting in loss of 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 AD 
2018-0240, dated November 7, 2018 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for all Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model 
SAAB 2000 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    An occurrence was reported concerning a SAAB 2000 aeroplane, 
which was struck by lightning following a discontinued approach, 
with the auto-pilot (AP) engaged. After the lightning strike, the 
wings rolled level and the flight crew decided to climb but the 
aeroplane did not respond to flight control inputs as expected. 
Contrary to flight crew understanding, the pitch trim switches had 
not disengaged the AP and the flight crew

[[Page 32981]]

attempts to override the AP inputs resulted in a temporary loss of 
control of the aeroplane.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to further events 
where, without the flight crew being aware, the AP remains engaged, 
possibly resulting in loss of control of the aeroplane.
    Prompted by these findings, SAAB redesigned the AP disconnect 
logic, ensuring that the AP disconnects when either of the two main 
pitch trim switches on each control wheel are operated. SAAB also 
issued the SB [Service Bulletin 2000-22-008, dated June 15, 2018], 
providing modification instructions.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires a change 
to the AP disconnect logic by modification of the wiring 
installation.

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-
1067.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. The following presents the comment received on the 
NPRM and the FAA's response to that comment.

Supportive Comment

    The commenter, Olivia Vincent, expressed her support for the NPRM.

Request for Additional Flightcrew Training

    The commenter, Olivia Vincent, observed that additional flightcrew 
training in the use of the Rockwell Collins FCC-4003 autopilot systems 
might be necessary if no further changes to the autopilot disconnect 
logic are issued.
    We infer that the commenter is requesting a revision to this AD to 
include a training requirement. We disagree with the commenter's 
observation that additional flightcrew training might be necessary. The 
FAA has evaluated the need for additional flightcrew training and 
determined that the existing training is adequate and therefore 
additional training is not necessary. In addition, we have not received 
information from the manufacturer or from EASA, the state of design 
authority for the Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 2000 airplanes, 
regarding the need for additional flightcrew training or additional 
changes to the autopilot disconnect logic beyond those required by this 
AD. Furthermore, this AD does not change how pilots interface with the 
airplanes or autopilot. Instead, it requires modifying the wiring 
installation for the autopilot disconnect logic to ensure that the 
autopilot disconnects when either of the two main pitch trim switches 
are operated. We have not revised this AD in response to this issue.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, 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 Service Bulletin 2000-22-008, 
dated June 15, 2018. This service information describes procedures for 
modifying the wiring for the autopilot disconnect logic.
    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 for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,020........................          $8,750           $9,770          $78,160
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    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.

[[Page 32982]]

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):

2019-10-02 Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Formerly Known as Saab AB, 
Saab Aerosystems): Amendment 39-19641; Docket No. FAA-2018-1067; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-158-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective August 15, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model SAAB 2000 
airplanes, certificated in any category, all serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 22, Auto flight.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by an event where the airplane did not 
respond to the flightcrew's flight control inputs because the pitch 
trim switches did not disconnect the autopilot. We are issuing this 
AD to address events where the airplane does not respond to the 
flightcrew's flight control inputs because the autopilot remains 
engaged, possibly resulting in loss of control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Modification

    Within 3,000 flight hours or 24 months after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs first: Modify the wiring for the 
autopilot disconnect logic, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000-22-008, dated June 15, 
2018.

(h) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (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 (i)(2) of this AD. 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 
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.

(i) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2018-0240, dated November 7, 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-2018-1067.
    (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.

(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 2000-22-008, dated June 15, 2018.
    (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 
Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
206-231-3195.
    (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 Des Moines, Washington, on July 3, 2019.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-14726 Filed 7-10-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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