Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB 2000 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 179 (Wednesday, September 16, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49420-49421]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-24658]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-42-AD; Amendment 39-10760; AD 98-19-19]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB 2000 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes, that 
requires a one-time inspection to detect discrepancies of the 
electrical harness of the propeller de-icing system and of the 
hydraulic pressure pipe from the engine driven pump (EDP); and follow-
on corrective actions, if necessary. This action is prompted by the 
issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign 
civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are 
intended to prevent chafing of the hydraulic pressure pipe of the EDP, 
which could result in charring of the hydraulic tube and consequent 
engine compartment fire.

DATES: Effective October 21, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of October 21, 1998.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Saab Aircraft AB, SAAB Aircraft Product Support, S-
581.88, Linkping, Sweden. This information may be examined at the 
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, 
Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the 
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 
700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norman B. Martenson, Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB 2000 
series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on March 26, 
1998 (63 FR 14651). That action proposed to require a one-time 
inspection to detect discrepancies of the electrical harness of the 
propeller de-icing system and of the hydraulic pressure pipe from the 
engine driven pump (EDP); and follow-on corrective actions, if 
necessary.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comments received.
    One commenter supports the proposed rule.
    One commenter requests that the FAA change paragraph (a)(1) of the 
proposed rule from ``prior to further flight, repair in accordance with 
the service bulletin,'' to ``prior to further flight, if the routing is 
not correct, it must be rerouted in accordance with Saab Service 
Bulletin SAAB 2000-30-14 (the appropriate service information 
referenced in the proposed rule); that a minimum clearance between the 
pipe and harness has to be assured; and that, if there is chafing 
through the outer jacket or into the wires, the electrical harness 
should be repaired.'' The commenter provided no justification for the 
suggested change to the proposed rule.
    The FAA concurs that the actions to correct any discrepancies could 
be more specific. Therefore, the FAA has revised paragraph (a)(1) of 
the final rule to further define and clarify specific ``repair'' 
actions as the commenter requests, and as specified in the service 
bulletin.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule with the change described 
previously. The FAA has determined that this change will neither 
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
the AD.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 3 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 1 work hour per 
airplane to accomplish the inspection, and that the average labor rate 
is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the 
proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $180, or $60 per 
airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements of 
this AD

[[Page 49421]]

action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this AD were not adopted.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    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]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:
98-19-19  SAAB AIRCRAFT AB: Amendment 39-10760. Docket 98-NM-42-AD.
    Applicability: Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes, serial 
numbers 004 through 053 inclusive; certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent chafing of the hydraulic pressure pipe of the engine 
driven pump (EDP), which could result in charring of the hydraulic 
tube and consequent engine compartment fire, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, 
accomplish the actions specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of 
this AD, in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin SAAB 2000-30-014, 
Revision 01, dated January 9, 1998.
    (1) Perform a one-time inspection to detect discrepancies 
(incorrect routing, insufficient clearance, and chafing) of the 
electrical harness of the propeller de-icing system, left and right 
sides. If any discrepancy is found, prior to further flight, repair 
in accordance with the service bulletin. Repair of any discrepancy 
may involve, but is not limited to, the following corrective 
actions: Rerouting wires, ensuring adequate clearance between the 
pipe and the harness, and repairing the electrical harness if 
chafing has occurred through the outer jacket or into the wires.
    (2) Perform a one-time visual inspection to detect chafing of 
the hydraulic pipe of the EDP, left and right sides. If any chafing 
is found, prior to further flight, replace the pipe with a new or 
serviceable part.
    (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their 
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, 
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116.
    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

    (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Secs. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 
21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the 
requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Saab Service 
Bulletin SAAB 2000-30-014, Revision 01, dated January 9, 1998. This 
incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the 
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 
51. Copies may be obtained from Saab Aircraft AB, SAAB Aircraft 
Product Support, S-581.88, Linkoping, Sweden. Copies may be 
inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Swedish 
airworthiness directive SAD No. 1-121, dated January 9, 1998.

    (e) This amendment becomes effective on October 21, 1998.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 9, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-24658 Filed 9-15-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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