Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB-Fairchild SF340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 174 (Friday, September 8, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52992-52994]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-14690]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-NM-114-AD; Amendment 39-14751; AD 2006-18-12]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Saab Model SAAB-Fairchild SF340A (SAAB/
SF340A) and SAAB 340B 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-Fairchild SF340A (SAAB/SF340A) 
and SAAB 340B airplanes, that requires modification and repetitive 
inspections of the hot detection system of the tail pipe harness of the 
engine nacelles. The actions specified by this AD are intended to 
prevent false warning indications to the flightcrew from the hot 
detection system due to discrepancies of the harness, which could 
result in an unnecessary aborted takeoff on the ground or in-flight 
engine shutdowns. This action is intended to address the identified 
unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective October 13, 2006.
    The incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of October 13, 2006.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Saab Aircraft AB, SAAB Aircraft Product Support, S-
581.88, Link[ouml]ping, Sweden. This information may be examined at the 
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, 
Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Borfitz, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-2677; 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-Fairchild 
SF340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes was published as a 
supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal 
Register on June 26, 2006 (71 FR 36252). That action proposed to 
require modification and repetitive inspections of the hot detection 
system of the tail pipe harness of the engine nacelles.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. We received no comments on the supplemental 
NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data and determined that 
air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed 
in the supplemental NPRM.

Cost Impact

    We estimate that 280 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by 
this AD.
    It will take about 10 work hours per airplane to accomplish the 
modification, at an average labor rate of $80 per work hour. Required 
parts cost will be between $218 and $2,253. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of the modification on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
between $285,040 and $854,840, or between $1,018 and $3,053 per 
airplane.
    It will take about 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the 
inspection and application of sealant, at an average labor rate of $80 
per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this

[[Page 52993]]

action on U.S. operators is estimated to be $22,400, or $80 per 
airplane, per inspection cycle.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this 
AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed 
in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform 
the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures 
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to 
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other 
administrative actions.

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.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    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

0
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

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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2006-18-12 Saab Aircraft AB: Amendment 39-14751. Docket 2003-NM-114-
AD.

Applicability

    Model SAAB-Fairchild SF340A (SAAB/SF340A) airplanes, serial 
numbers -004 through -159 inclusive, and SAAB 340B airplanes, serial 
numbers -160 through -459 inclusive, certificated in any category.

Compliance

    Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.
    To prevent false warning indications to the flightcrew from the 
hot detection system of the tail pipe harness of the engine nacelles 
due to discrepancies of the harness, which could result in an 
unnecessary aborted takeoff on the ground or in-flight engine 
shutdowns, accomplish the following:

Modification/Repetitive Inspections

    (a) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD: Modify 
the hot detection system of the tail pipe harness of the engine 
nacelles (including a general visual inspection of the heat shrink 
sleeve, thixotropic sealant, and connectors for damage and/or 
corrosion, and all applicable repairs), by doing all the actions 
specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service 
Bulletin 340-26-030, Revision 01, dated November 14, 2003. All 
applicable repairs must be done before further flight in accordance 
with the service bulletin. Repeat the general visual inspection 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12 months.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is defined as: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior 
area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, 
or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within 
touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be 
necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the 
inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally 
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, 
flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of 
access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be 
required to gain proximity to the area being checked.''

    (b) Accomplishing the modification/repetitive inspections 
specified in Saab Service Bulletin 340-26-030, dated October 28, 
2002; or Saab Service Bulletins 340-26-018, Revision 02, and 340-26-
029, both dated October 28, 2002; before the effective date of this 
AD, is considered acceptable for compliance with the modification 
required by paragraph (a) of this AD.

Reporting Requirement

    (c) Within 30 days after any false warning indication to the 
flightcrew from the hot detection system of the tail pipe harness of 
the engine nacelles occurs: Submit a report containing the 
information specified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), and 
(c)(4) of this AD to the Swedish Civil Aviation Authority 
(Luftfartsstyrelsen)--Attn: Mr. Christer Sundqvist, SAAB 340 
Certification Manager, SE-601 79, Norrk[ouml]ping, Sweden. Under the 
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), 
the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the 
information collection requirements contained in this AD and has 
assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
    (1) The date and time, weather conditions, and phase of flight 
of the warning.
    (2) The action taken by the flightcrew to address the warning 
(aborted takeoff, high speed/high energy abort requiring inspection, 
return for landing, in-flight diversion, declared emergency, air 
traffic control (ATC) priority handling requested or given, or 
engine shutdown).
    (3) The action taken by maintenance to address/correct the 
warning.
    (4) Time-in-service on the airplane since the last inspection 
accomplished in accordance with paragraph (a) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (d)(1) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
is authorized to approve AMOCs for this AD.
    (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with 14 CFR 
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the 
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards 
Certificate Holding District Office.

    Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in Swedish 
airworthiness directive 1-184, effective October 28, 2002.

Incorporation by Reference

    (e) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions must be 
done in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-26-030, Revision 
01, dated November 14, 2003. 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. To get copies of this service 
information, contact Saab Aircraft AB, SAAB

[[Page 52994]]

Aircraft Product Support, S-581.88, Link[ouml]ping, Sweden. To 
inspect copies of this service information, go to the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or 
to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For 
information on the availability of this material at the NARA, call 
(202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

Effective Date

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on October 13, 2006.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 28, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-14690 Filed 9-7-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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