Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, Support and Services (Formerly Known as Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics) Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 7 (Tuesday, January 11, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1335-1338]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-28580]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0841; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00622-T; 
Amendment 39-21863; AD 2021-26-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, Support and Services (Formerly 
Known as Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics) Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-07-
17, which applied to all Saab AB, Support and Services Model SAAB 2000 
airplanes. AD 2020-07-17 required revising the existing maintenance or 
inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more 
restrictive airworthiness limitations. Since the FAA issued AD 2020-07-
17, it has determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness 
limitations are necessary. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2020-
07-17 and requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection 
program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive 
airworthiness limitations, as specified in a European Union Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) AD. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective February 15, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 15, 
2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of May 
26, 2020 (85 FR 21764, April 20, 2020).

ADDRESSES: For material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD, 
contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone 
+49 221 8999 000; email [email protected]; internet 
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this IBR material on the EASA website 
at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this material at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety 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 in the AD 
docket at

[[Page 1336]]

https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2021-0841.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0841; 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 
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments 
received, and other information. The address for Docket Operations 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, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-
3220; [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0132, dated May 25, 2021 (EASA 
AD 2021-0132) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe 
condition for all Saab AB, Support and Services Model SAAB 2000 
airplanes. EASA AD 2021-0132 superseded EASA AD 2019-0263, dated 
October 22, 2019 (EASA AD 2019-0263) (which corresponds to FAA AD 2020-
07-17, Amendment 39-19896 (85 FR 21764, April 20, 2020) (AD 2020-07-
17)).
    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2020-07-17. AD 2020-07-17 applied to all 
Saab AB, Support and Services Model SAAB 2000 airplanes. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on October 4, 2021 (86 FR 54663). The 
NPRM was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive 
airworthiness limitations are necessary. The NPRM proposed to continue 
to require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness 
limitations, as specified in EASA AD 2019-0263. The NPRM also proposed 
to require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness 
limitations, as specified in EASA AD 2021-0132. Accomplishing the 
maintenance or inspection program revision required by paragraph (j) of 
this AD terminates the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD (which 
restates paragraph (g) of AD 2020-07-17).
    The FAA is issuing this AD to address, among other things, fatigue 
cracking of principal structural elements (PSEs) and corrosion 
prevention and control. This unsafe condition, if not addressed, could 
result in reduced structural integrity of a PSE, and lead to loss of 
control of the airplane.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety 
requires adopting this AD as proposed. Except for minor editorial 
changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the 
changes will increase the economic burden on any operator. Accordingly, 
the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2021-0132 describes new or more restrictive airworthiness 
limitations for safe life limits, structural limitation items, and fuel 
airworthiness items, as well as certification maintenance requirements.
    This AD also requires EASA AD 2019-0263, which the Director of the 
Federal Register approved for incorporation by reference as of May 26, 
2020 (85 FR 21764, April 20, 2020).
    This material 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

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 9 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
    The FAA estimates the total cost per operator for the retained 
actions from AD 2020-07-17 to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-
hour).
    The FAA has determined that revising the existing maintenance or 
inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, 
although the agency recognizes that this number may vary from operator 
to operator. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection 
program changes for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has determined 
that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane 
estimate. The FAA estimates the total cost per operator for the new 
proposed maintenance/inspection program revision to be $7,650 (90 work-
hours x $85 per work-hour).

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.
    The FAA is 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

    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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

[[Page 1337]]

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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-07-17, Amendment 39-19896 
(85 FR 21764, April 20, 2020); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

2021-26-05 Saab AB, Support and Services (Formerly Known as Saab AB, 
Saab Aeronautics): Amendment 39-21863; Docket No. FAA-2021-0841; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00622-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 15, 
2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2020-07-17, Amendment 39-19896 (85 FR 21764, 
April 20, 2020) (AD 2020-07-17).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Saab AB, Support and Services Model SAAB 
2000 airplanes, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more 
restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address, among other things, fatigue cracking of 
principal structural elements (PSEs) and corrosion prevention and 
control. This unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in 
reduced structural integrity of a PSE, and lead to loss of control 
of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision, With No 
Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2020-07-17, with no changes. Except as specified in paragraph (h) of 
this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times 
specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0263, dated October 22, 2019 (EASA AD 2019-
0263). Accomplishing the maintenance or inspection program revision 
required by paragraph (j) of this AD terminates the requirements of 
this paragraph.

(h) Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2019-0263, With Revised Exceptions

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2020-07-17, with revised exceptions.
    (1) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA 
AD 2019-0263 do not apply to this AD.
    (2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2019-0263 specifies revising ``the 
approved AMP [aircraft maintenance program]'' within 12 months after 
its effective date, but this AD requires revising the existing 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the 
``limitations, tasks and associated thresholds and intervals'' 
specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2019-0263 within 90 days after 
May 26, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-07-17).
    (3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in 
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2019-0263 is at the applicable ``associated 
thresholds'' specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2019-0263, or 
within 90 days after May 26, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-07-
17), whichever occurs later.
    (4) The provisions specified in paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA 
AD 2019-0263 do not apply to this AD.
    (5) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2019-0263 does not apply 
to this AD.

(i) Retained Restrictions on Alternative Actions, Intervals, and 
Critical Design Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCLs), With a New 
Exception

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2020-07-17, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph 
(j) of this AD, after the maintenance or inspection program has been 
revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative 
actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, and CDCCLs are allowed 
unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the 
``Ref. Publications'' section of EASA AD 2019-0263.

(j) New Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision

    Except as specified in paragraph (k) of this AD: Comply with all 
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, EASA AD 2021-0132, dated May 25, 2021 (EASA AD 
2021-0132). Accomplishing the maintenance or inspection program 
revision required by this paragraph terminates the requirements of 
paragraph (g) of this AD.

(k) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0132

    (1) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA 
AD 2021-0132 do not apply to this AD.
    (2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0132 specifies revising ``the 
approved AMP'' within 12 months after its effective date, but this 
AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, 
as applicable, to incorporate the ``limitations, tasks and 
associated thresholds and intervals'' specified in paragraph (3) of 
EASA AD 2021-0132 within 90 days after the effective date of this 
AD.
    (3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in 
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0132 is at the applicable ``associated 
thresholds'' specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0132, or 
within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
later.
    (4) The provisions specified in paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA 
AD 2021-0132 do not apply to this AD.
    (5) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2021-0132 does not apply 
to this AD.

(l) New Provisions for Alternative Actions, Intervals, and CDCCLs

    After the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as 
required by paragraph (j) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., 
inspections), intervals, and CDCCLs are allowed unless they are 
approved as specified in the provisions of the ``Ref. Publications'' 
section of EASA AD 2021-0132.

(m) Additional AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Large Aircraft Section, International Validation 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 responsible Flight 
Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to 
the Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, send it 
to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (n) 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 
responsible Flight Standards Office.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, Large Aircraft 
Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Saab AB, 
Support and Services' (Formerly Known as 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

    For more information about this AD, contact Shahram Daneshmandi, 
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation 
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 
and fax 206-231-3220; [email protected].

(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 
February 15, 2022.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0132, 
dated May 25, 2021.
    (ii) [Reserved]

[[Page 1338]]

    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
May 26, 2020 (85 FR 21764, April 20, 2020).
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2019-0263, dated 
October 22, 2019.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (5) For EASA AD 2019-0263 and EASA AD 2021-0132, contact EASA, 
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 
8999 000; email [email protected]; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You 
may find this EASA AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (6) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., 
Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material 
at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
    (7) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference 
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For 
information on the availability of this material at NARA, email 
[email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on December 8, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-28580 Filed 1-10-22; 8:45 am]
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