Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 28 (Wednesday, February 12, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9375-9377]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-02446]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2024-2016; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00111-T; 
Amendment 39-22948; AD 2025-02-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-21-
05, which applied to certain Saab AB Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 
340B airplanes. AD 2017-21-05 required revising the existing 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate 
airworthiness limitations, including new inspection tasks for the drag 
brace support fitting of the main landing gear (MLG) and tasks related 
to the corrosion prevention and control program (CPCP). This AD was 
prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness 
limitations are necessary. This AD continues to require the actions in 
AD 2017-21-05 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, which is incorporated by reference 
(IBR). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective March 19, 2025.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 19, 
2025.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of 
November 27, 2017 (82 FR 48917, October 23, 2017).

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-2016; 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.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
    <bullet> For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA, 
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 
000; email [email protected]; website easa.europa.eu. You may find 
this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
    <bullet> For Saab AB material identified in this AD, contact Saab 
AB, SE-581 88, Link[ouml]ping, Sweden; telephone +46 13 18 5591; fax 
+46 13 18 4874; email [email protected]; website 
saab.com/products/air/regional-aircraft.
    <bullet> 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 at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-2016.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
telephone 206-231-3220; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2017-21-05, Amendment 39-19076 (82 FR 
48917, October 23, 2017) (AD 2017-21-05). AD 2017-21-05 applied to 
certain Saab AB Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes. AD 
2017-21-05 required revising the maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, to incorporate airworthiness limitations, including new 
inspection tasks for the drag brace support fitting of the MLG and to 
implement CPCP-related tasks. The FAA issued AD 2017-21-05 to prevent 
reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
    The NPRM published in the Federal Register on August 12, 2024 (89 
FR 65568). The NPRM was prompted by

[[Page 9376]]

AD 2024-0042, dated February 13, 2024, issued by EASA, which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union (EASA AD 
2024-0042) (also referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that new or 
more restrictive airworthiness limitations have been developed.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to continue to require the actions 
required in AD 2017-21-05. In the NPRM, the FAA also proposed to 
require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, to incorporate additional new or more restrictive 
airworthiness limitations, as specified in EASA AD 2024-0042. The FAA 
is issuing this AD to prevent reduced structural integrity of the 
airplane.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-2016.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received a comment from an individual who supported the 
NPRM without change.

Conclusion

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it 
has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI 
referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the 
comment received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this 
AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on this product. 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.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2024-0042. This material specifies new or 
more restrictive airworthiness limitations for airplane structures and 
safe life limits.
    This AD also requires SAAB 340 Airworthiness Limitation Manual, 
Revision 1, dated December 1, 2016, which the Director of the Federal 
Register approved for incorporation by reference as of November 27, 
2017 (82 FR 48917, October 23, 2017).
    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 81 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 2017-21-05 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 actions 
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:

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) 2017-21-05, Amendment 39-19076 
(82 FR 48917, October 23, 2017); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

2025-02-15 Saab AB (Formerly Known as Saab AB, Support and 
Services): Amendment 39-22948; Docket No. FAA-2024-2016; Project 
Identifier MCAI-2024-00111-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 19, 2025.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2017-21-05, Amendment 39-19076 (82 FR 48917, 
October 23, 2017) (AD 2017-21-05).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Saab AB (formerly known as Saab AB, 
Support and Services) Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B 
airplanes, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more 
restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to prevent reduced structural integrity of the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

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

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2017-21-05, with no changes. For airplanes with an original 
certificate of airworthiness or original export

[[Page 9377]]

certificate of airworthiness issued on or before December 1, 2016. 
Within 30 days after November 27, 2017 (the effective date of AD 
2017-21-05): Revise the maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, to incorporate airworthiness limitations, including 
inspection tasks for the drag brace support fitting of the main 
landing gear (MLG) and corrosion prevention and control (CPCP) 
related tasks, specified in SAAB 340 Airworthiness Limitation 
Manual, Revision 1, dated December 1, 2016. The compliance time for 
the initial airworthiness limitation tasks is at the applicable 
compliance time specified in SAAB 340 Airworthiness Limitation 
Manual, Revision 1, dated December 1, 2016, or within 30 days after 
November 27, 2017, whichever occurs later. Accomplishing the 
revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program required 
by paragraph (i) of this AD terminates the requirements of this 
paragraph.

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

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2017-21-05, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph 
(i) of this AD, after the maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, has been revised as required by paragraph (g) of this 
AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, and/or 
CDCCLs may be used unless the actions, intervals, and/or CDCCLs are 
approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance 
with the procedures specified in paragraph (l)(1) of this AD.

(i) New Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program

    Except as specified in paragraph (j) of this AD: Comply with all 
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2024-0042, dated February 13, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0042). 
Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection 
program required by this paragraph terminates the requirements of 
paragraph (g) of this AD.

(j) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0042

    (1) This AD does not adopt the requirements specified in 
paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2024-0042.
    (2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024-0042 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, 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 2024-0042 is at the applicable 
``limitations'' and ``associated thresholds'' as incorporated by the 
requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024-0042, or within 90 
days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
    (4) This AD does not adopt the provisions specified in 
paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA AD 2024-0042.
    (5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2024-0042.

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

    After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been 
revised as required by paragraph (i) 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 2024-0042.

(l) Additional AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
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 manager of the 
International Validation Branch, mail it to the address identified 
in paragraph (m) 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, International 
Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Saab AB's EASA Design 
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval 
must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(m) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Shahram Daneshmandi, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 206-231-3220; email 
[email protected].

(n) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the material listed in this 
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions 
required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following material was approved for IBR on March 19, 
2025.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0042, 
dated February 13, 2024.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (4) The following material was approved for IBR on November 27, 
2017 (82 FR 48917, October 23, 2017).
    (i) SAAB 340 Airworthiness Limitation Manual, Revision 1, dated 
December 1, 2016.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (5) For the EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA, 
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 
8999 000; email [email protected]; website easa.europa.eu. You may 
find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (6) For Saab AB material identified in this AD, contact Saab AB, 
SE-581 88, Link[ouml]ping, Sweden; telephone +46 13 18 5591; fax +46 
13 18 4874; email [email protected]; website 
saab.com/products/air/regional-aircraft.
    (7) 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.
    (8) You may view this material at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].

    Issued on January 24, 2025.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-02446 Filed 2-11-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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